Smoking Dialogue Could Affect All

Among the many issues upon which we Obies often draw lines yet rarely discuss at length is that of smoking. Given the relaxation many students take from a cigarette and their dislike of having their usage caustically labeled an “addiction” or a “weakness,” and, on the one hand, legitimate respiratory or other health concerns and aesthetic preferences of other students, one might expect a more direct debate between smokers and non. Perhaps the absence of such discourse indicates that concern over the issue is a mile wide and an inch deep. More likely, without any visible policies attacking either side’s position — indeed without clearly defined positions, or even sides — we are simply lulled into a live-and-let-live attitude.
In the long run, such a mindset threatens to greatly marginalize smokers on this campus. While there are no doubt many that would stand up and applaud the snuffing out of every last butt, let us be clear as to our intent. There are ways to allow those students who enjoy their Virginia Slims and Newports to continue doing so without imposing on those students who prefer air they can’t see. The Housing and Dining Committee’s recommendation to ResLife that dormitory smoking lounges only remain open if they are separate from living areas is one such middle-of-the-road proposal. But without more consideration paid to the issue, smokers stand to lose much more than convenient smoking access in a few dorms and are highly unlikely to gain alternate spaces that would be acceptable to most, if not all, students. Without discourse, non-smokers are also at risk of policies that may inappropriately address their concerns.
Hampering an acceptable long-term solution is the often fractured nature of the debate and a general lack of awareness of the various groups attempting to decide smoking policy for the campus. Individual dorm councils revisit the question of how far the Smokers’ Outposts need to be from the dorm on an ad hoc basis. The Student Union Board came within a few votes of banning smokers from under the overhangs on the north side of the building before more moderate measures were suggested. And while efforts were repeatedly made to draw student input into Housing and Dining’s open committee meetings over past months, most of the campus remains unaware of the group’s discussions.
With the exception of Mudd ramp and the west entrance to King, smoking regulations near buildings are poorly defined and loosely enforced at best. Now, before rulings that would offend the sensibilities of any or all parties come to pass, is the time for more discussion from everyone. So put a note in the comment box in Wilder, post a question on the RAE board, or stop by ResLife and find out who’s deciding what and where you can go to get in on the debate.

Take A Break

For the most part, Oberlin students err toward over-achievement rather than under-achievement, a trend that makes this campus the dynamic place that it is. However, this can also lead to over-commitment, causing students to burn the midnight oil, creating another pattern, but this time of sleep deprivation and extreme levels of stress.
There are many student organizations and clubs for students to be involved in, and new ones are being added every year — presently eight groups are working through the chartering process, which in itself can be a huge amount of work. Many additional opportunities exist for students, including musical groups, dance troupes and sports teams, ranging from officially sponsored groups, such as Conservatory ensembles and varsity teams, to the less formal myriad of campus bands, clubs and intramural sports.
On top of all these activities, many Obies need to work to either contribute to their term bill (a need recent studies indicate is increasing) or just to have money to spend on the weekends, not to mention the academic workloads.
To be sure, students do come here with the primary goal of going to classes and getting a degree, but it doesn’t do anybody any good if students can’t get a moment’s rest. Indeed, the levels of stress facing an Oberlin student are often largely self-inflicted. So, Obies, take initiative! Take that break to relax, especially with finals looming just around the corner. Stop in the Wellness Center, go look at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, check out a fiction book from the library or just take a walk around the block to get away. You’ll do better if you give yourself a breather.