The Weekly: Confront, Don’t Complain

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The Weekly: Confront, Don’t Complain

Complaints from students on a small campus are inevitable, but there’s a charitable way to resolve them, and taking to social media isn’t it.

Hillsdale’s many social groups might butt heads at times, albeit in a light-hearted way. Last week, several students took to Twitter to voice snarky opinions about various communities on campus. The comments were sarcastic and it’s unlikely hard feelings followed the exchange, but as Hillsdale students, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Twitter isn’t the only battleground. The Student Activities Board faces a wave of criticism after each event it puts on. The complaints range from food choices to decorations to weather. Yes, weather. But instead of submitting suggestions and recommendations to surveys SAB provides after events, Hillsdale students have a habit of complaining behind closed doors, and in some cases, airing their grievances on social media. SAB encourages feedback — why not take it to them directly?

Confrontation isn’t usually seen as a good thing. But it can, in fact, help resolve tensions if done in a kind way. Subtweeting fellow students or whispering about different groups does not foster an environment worthy of Hillsdale’s mission. It might seem trivial — after all, we’re just having fun, right? — but take the time to think about how your words and actions reflect not just on you, but on the student body at large. It matters.