Nonetheless, this overuse of the word apathy must be questioned. Are those that do not attend lectures on race apathetic? Are those who do not scan newspaper headlines apathetic? Are those who do not volunteer in the community apathetic? Are those who do not do all of their reading for every class apathetic? Are they all apathetic and irresponsible - to their professors, the college community, the outside world?

We need to stop and consider what a truly apathetic college community would be. A campus devoid of student organizations and lacking in a volunteer office. Classrooms empty of attentive professors and curious students. Muskie Archives without lecturers, walls bare without fliers advertising speakers, events, protests. Is Bates truly apathetic?

Or is it simply that we are college students, faculty, administrators, and staff who are too busy and too overwhelmed to be able to devote ourselves to being actively involved in everything?

It does not seem incorrect to assume that almost every member of the Bates community is responsible in some way. As we grow older and realize our place in the world, we define our priorities, and unfortunately these priorities cannot embrace every concern. It should be enough to commit to our individual priorities and to accept full responsibility for them. It does little good to accuse others of having different priorities, of not being committed to our own; in any event, accusing others of apathy merely contributes to more of the same.

This is not to excuse or justify a lack of concern. We should, as a community, be aware of the various issues and interests that are significant to those with whom we share our space. An inability to participate actively in everything does not necessarily imply insensitivity. Not being able to commit completely is not an excuse to not know or not care.

We also need to recognize that while a lack of concern is a danger, spreading ourselves too thin by not prioritizing or by trying to commit to everything is no solution either. Overcommitment often leads to the inability to accomplish anything.

It is only when we are committed, when we have decided what priorities to be responsible to and for, then it is apathetic to not fulfill these responsibilities. Part of adulthood, part of being a member of a community, is to accept the duties to which we have bound ourselves.