I think it's fair to say that Brandeis in 2006 is not the same school it was in 1966. That's a good thing, but there are drawbacks, too. As it's such a young school, Brandeis' involvement in the student activism of the 1960s earned the campus a reputation for being involved in issues of social justice and political change. It's a reputation that we've been trying, with increasing difficulty, to live up to ever since.The past four years has seen a steady decline in political activism on campus. That's not to say it's for want of trying; There are students here who care passionately about national and international social issues, and continuing their efforts despite what seems to be a largely apathetic campus is worthy of respect.

But that's just it; we don't actually have an apathetic campus. I don't consider myself uncaring; I read the newspaper, keep up with current events and donate what I can to charities. But participation in campus activism has decreased sharply over the past four years, and it seems like the same story could apply to a lot of Brandeisians. So if it's not apathy, then what is it?

Frustration. Brandeis students are in an awkward position. On the one hand, we have a long history of student activism, groups and clubs that provide a ready outlet for activists and their issues and a strong spirit of social consciousness and responsibility that influences most aspects of Brandeis life. On the other hand, we're outside of Boston; we balance four or five classes; some of us work, others undertake massive academic endeavors; and everyone is trying to have a social life on the side.

Geographically, Brandeis is in a horrible place for activism. Because it's a bit isolated from the other schools in the area (even Bentley College is a bit of a drive), we don't have as strong an inter-collegiate bond with other student activists. And because we're in Massachusetts, we're also a little stifled in our activist appeals. If you want to protest how badly the Federal Emergency Management Agency handled Hurricane Katrina, where exactly does someone go for that? Boston City Hall just doesn't seem to cut it.

I was lucky to have grown up outside of Washington, D.C., where protests weren't just common, they also felt more effective. There's something about standing in a 50,000-person crowd on the Mall outside the Capitol , that is just so convincing. I feel stifled up here, having no real authority against which to unleash my ire; it's not Jehuda's fault the United States refuses to intervene in Sudan. It renders on-campus protest obsolete. The Students Taking Action Now: Darfur die-in held a couple of weeks ago would have been brilliant outside the Supreme Court, but in front of Usdan it felt flat.

I don't think it's just me. I can see it all over campus. There are so many groups now, so many people who care so passionately, but cannot think of anyone to solicit except their fellow students on Rabb steps.

The standard defense given is that these activists are just "trying to raise awareness." But once that's done, then what? The problem isn't solved, the question remains unanswered. Our frustration isn't relieved, it's just compounded. I won't claim to know the answer, either (if I did, I would've told someone by now). Maybe if we take a look back at the Brandeis of '66, we can figure it out, or maybe for social activism to survive in the 21st century we have to figure out a whole new type of protest. Either way, don't blame it on apathy. We're out here, and we care; just point us in the right direction, please.