The Student News Site of Northern Michigan University

The North Wind

The North Wind

The North Wind

Meet the Staff
Willow Rasch
Willow Rasch
Features Writer

When I was around seven or eight I saw a movie that was based off of a book, which my mother helpfully informed me of. During this she also told me that the book had lot more details then the movie. In...

The North Wind Editorial Sessions
About us

The North Wind is an independent student publication serving the Northern Michigan University community. It is partially funded by the Student Activity Fee. The North Wind digital paper is published daily during the fall and winter semesters except on university holidays and during exam weeks. The North Wind Board of Directors is composed of representatives of the student body, faculty, administration and area media.

NEVER STOP RUNNING — Many people turn to the treadmill once temperatures start to drop. The truth is, with proper protection, you can keep running outside as long as youd like.
Opinion — Outdoor exercise in the chilly seasons
Harry StineDecember 5, 2023

March for rights, not likes

Comic+by+Sam+Rush
Comic by Sam Rush

Sometimes it can feel as though we’re living in an era of activism. Frequently, people are taking to the streets to show their support for various political causes. This is in part due to social media increasing the degree to which people feel connected to each other. With the stroke of a finger, you can let all your friends know about the latest march happening and invite them to come show support. While this may seem like a catalyst for change, we’re concerned that some people aren’t marching for the right reasons.

Obsession with social media has become commonplace. People spend a lot of time trying to portray themselves in a certain way, and often go out of their way to do things for the sole purpose of posting it on social media. Political activism is not immune to this, and may even be especially susceptible.

What we end up with is marches riddled with uneducated people who are only there to be a part of the trend.When people who are participating in marches haven’t taken basic steps like calling their representatives, volunteering or even educating themselves on the topic, it seems less likely they’re marching to fulfill their civic duty and more likely they’re just trying to portray themselves as “woke.”

Change doesn’t work unless you do. In truth, if someone can’t answer a simple question like, “why are you marching?” intelligently, they have no business being there. In fact, they even threaten the credibility of the march with their presence, because if they do get asked a question by a news reporter or counterprotester that they can’t answer, it’s likely to end up in a YouTube
compilation ridiculing them.

Story continues below advertisement

People have no right to criticize what they don’t understand. Whether it’s interpersonal conversations or in a march through Washington, fighting for or against others when you aren’t educated on the issue is irresponsible and ignorant. Sit down and spend some time learning about the issues before you take to the streets.

As millenials, it can seem like there’s a lot of pressure to be involved, especially when it’s constantly circulated on social media. However, that doesn’t excuse irresponsibility. Civic engagement is a privilege and a duty, not something to post on Instagram for likes.

More to Discover