For college grads, activism doesn't pay the bills - utne reader

Having been involved in politics since a young age, I've often heard myself and others saying: "We need to get the younger folks involved." The reality of college grads these days is far different than what I and so many other grads faced years ago. I believe that the problems stated in this article need to be addressed to assure a healthy future for progressive politics.

For New Grads, Activism Doesn't Pay the Bills
Liberal youths are selling out to pay their debts
—By Natalie Hudson, Utne.com


June 14, 2007 Issue

No one goes into a career in activism thinking they'll make the big bucks. In fact, most people who enter socially conscious fields have reckoned with the reality of sacrificing meaty paychecks for fulfilling work. Recent college graduates, however, are finding the trade-off simply untenable as they slide deeper into a pit of college debt. And they're getting little help from the progressive movement.

http://www.utne.com/webwatch/2007_303/news/12599-1.html

It's the easiest way to turn would-be agitators into diligent apolitical wage slaves. Add car, house and credit card debt on top and you bury dissent under a mountain of financial obligation.

But, hey, I worked my 40 hour a week job but in the evenings, I got active. Can't these folks do that? Hell, maybe they are.

College grads I know have to work 70-100 hours.

I didn't make shit for money, but back then college wasn't outrageously expensive and I graduated with very little debt. As a result I was able to work a job I loved even though I basically made no money at it.

I doubt that too many college grads have that luxury these days. :(

We're destroyed by college payments and by an ever-competitive market, crushed by the H1-Bs.

In college, the students are so broken by the situation that they turn to medication (either self-prescribed or prescribed by a doctor) to help them cope. They internalize the problems of society and blame themselves. Once a week, they may engage in reckless behavior just to feel some kick. It's wretched.