Our students may be growing up

Fylnn Daunt
Science & Technology Editor
Last Thursday’s screening (and protest) of the controversial documentary Iranium showed me something I have longed to see at an oppositional, politically charged protest: civility.
The event was split between two sides – those protesting against the film and those trying to go see it. People who wanted to see the film were not obstructed by anyone protesting; in fact viewers gave protestors some recognition.

There was an air – or at least a modicum – of respect between the two parties.
This is a refreshing relief, and a far cry from previous protests by political groups on campus (I’m speaking mainly of the pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian shouting matches in Vari Hall).
I can’t help figuring the line of security and police officers there may have contributed to the civility I experienced; however, I’d like to think, to hope, to wish upon a star that it was some form of mutual respect.
After watching Iranium, I’d agree it is a pretty politically charged film. The undeniably conservative point of view comes across in the myriad talking heads and sound bytes used, ranging from former UN ambassador John Bolton, Republican radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh and Fox News conservative pundit Sean Hannity.
I personally disagreed with the people who spoke in it, and with its overall message. I felt most people, like myself, went there with an open mind, and even though the film became a paranoid mess halfway through, I’ve seen worse.
The film did portray Iran as a threat to the world and indirectly called for war against the nation, which makes it completely understandable that those who have some connection to Iran are upset about the film influencing the opinions of others.
In the viewing room you could hear the chants of the protestors outside the cinema in the Computer Science and Engineering building, but that seemed to die down just as the film was starting. I appreciated the chance to actually watch the film and judge for myself. There were no outbursts during the film, and none of the speakers insulted those who disagreed with it, acknowledging their protest but not decrying them.
It is unfortunate, though, that apparently due to some threats before the event, the film had to be moved to a more secure area.
I must say I’m proud of everyone involved – I’m proud of York. I hope this trend continues.
Giving respect not only to opposing views but also to the outsiders targeted by an issue really benefits all parties.
Perhaps next time, we can even have political clashes without the need for security.