Edited by: Yashasvi Arunkumar (UG 2020)
Ashoka can be incredibly stressful at times. And it’s important that we address these issues on campus and talk about how to tackle them. However, some people, myself included, have the emotional capacity of a spoon. So, for people like us, here is a list of vines that illustrate what is wrong with Ashoka and why we should talk about it.
1. Trying to give answers in class
This is not really Ashoka-centric, I just like this vine. What I want to say is that it is difficult for some people to speak up in class. But they have to because there’s that class participation grade. Those who lose out, however, are those who prioritise taking time to come up with an insightful response instead of giving quick, half-baked answers.
2. Party Nights
Let me make it clear that I have no problem with people partying: you do you. However, I have a problem with the admin wanting to project an image that everything is okay when there is a clear issue that needs to be addressed. There is a lack of mature dialogue between the students and the admin. Rules that are imposed to baby the students will lead to a backlash; if instead, the students and the admin work together, as they did for the cross-access policy, a consensus acceptable to both parties is reached.
3. OPiNionS
We’re all studying at a liberal university, yes? You would think that would make people more receptive to outlooks that are different from their own. Contrary to that, the culture of debate is very toxic. People are not interested in the constructive arguments that are put forth, but rather in the number of digs that are thrown around. The infamous RSS debate and the Candidates debate are prime examples.
4. Apathy
If it’s cool, Ashokans will talk about it. However, when it comes to making changes in their own daily lives, do they really care? For example, everybody in class will be up in arms about how waste disposal is a huge problem. But one needs only to take a look at the mess dustbins to see how well this translates in real life. The same can be pointed out about consent and accountability, voter turnout, resource consumption, decency towards staff, and so on.
5. Sleep Deprivation
This vine represents how I feel after staying up until 4:00 am when I have an 8:30 the next day. The problem is that sleep deprivation is not seen as a serious issue. In fact, when you do get a full night’s sleep, people see it as time wasted in which you could’ve done something ‘productive’. Not only is this an unhealthy way to feel about something which is essential for your well-being, but it is also a very unrealistic expectation to hold of oneself.
In the end, all I will say is: