At the beginning of each semester, I instruct college freshmen to write a composition entitled “My Game Plan.” I use it to diagnose writing strengths and weaknesses and to learn about students’ plans for the future.
When I explained the assignment to a class recently, a young man raised his hand. “I want to be a Wall Street Occupier — I’m for the ninety-nine percent, and hate the greedy, wealthy one percent. Is that an acceptable topic?” With long, stringy, unwashed hair, scraggly beard, sallow complexion, and tattered clothing, he certainly looked the part.
“If you want to be an “Occupier,” why are you attending college?” I asked. “Education’s purpose is to provide a foundation for a successful, productive life. That is anathema to the Wall Street rabble, who cling to the immoral notion that those who have gained wealth through hard work should be responsible for their wants and needs.”
“It is not immoral — it is social justice!” he responded, citing Marxian madness. To my surprise, other students began raising their hands. Some agreed with the would-be occupier; others disagreed.
I’ve always felt that the number-one asset students gain in college is the ability to communicate confidently, efficiently, and effectively, so I assumed the role of mediator, and let this societal microcosm engage in mock class warfare.
“I call the brave efforts of the Wall Street warriors a battle for the betterment of humanity,” a girl said. “While this country’s rich just keep getting richer because of the crookedness of capitalism, the poor fall deeper into poverty. The homeless population is exploding, and millions of children in this country have little, if anything, to eat. In effect, there is a caste system in this so-called democracy.”
Rebutting her comment, another student said, “You’re just arguing in favor of cradle-to-grave welfare. That is socialism, and no socialistic society has ever survived for long. If you don’t agree, just take a look at Europe. Socialism has brought it to the brink of collapse.”
A student who had returned to college after a tour in the military and whose attitude reflected more maturity than that of the other students remarked, “Peaceful assembly is a right, and if conducted in a civil manner, it stands a chance of bringing about worthy reforms, but get real — the Wall Street Occupiers are acting like animals. They relieve themselves in the streets, and even perform sex acts publicly. Daily, they show up un-bathed, and the stench is repulsive. There is no notion of hygiene. How can that kind of conduct lead to sound solutions?”
Class time was winding down, so I ended the debate, but the youngster who wanted to be a Wall Street Occupier insisted on asking me a question: “How do you justify your stance on this issue?”
The answer came easily. I quoted one of Mama’s favorite Bible verses (II Thessalonians 3:10), which was always her response to my complaints about having so many chores: “If any would not work, neither should he eat.”
Jimmy Reed is an Oxford, Mississippi resident, Ole Miss and Delta State University alumnus, Vietnam Era Army Veteran, former Mississippi Delta cotton farmer and ginner, author, and retired college teacher.
This story is a selection from Jimmy Reed’s latest book, entitled The Jaybird Tales.
Copies, including personalized autographs, can be reserved by notifying the author via email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
