The Green caldron - University Library

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Paragraphs
The Green Caldron
The following two paragraphs are the introductory paragraphs of a theme by George
Earl Stabler entitled "A Riot Manifesto." Are they effective? Why, or why not?
How would you have approached the subject? You might compare them with other
introductory paragraphs in this issue.
Much publicized and often greatly deplored are demonstrations by students
of universities in all parts of the world. These demonstrations sometimes turn
into riots, which may in turn spark a revolution. The Hungarian Revolution
is an example of a student-initiated revolt, although in the end unsuccessful.
Zenkakuren demonstration squads in Tokyo have certainly affected Japan's
political life. Turkish students, however, have been the most successful, because
they caused a change in government. The fact that students can, by rioting,
accomplish a great deal has been firmly established by now.
In the United States university conflicts have centered on completely trivial
items, which were used to release the energy stored up during long study. What
could this energy be used for, instead of wasting it on water fights, Nazi fiag-
raisings, fraternity rivalries, or other misguided activities? What is there
that could be and should be changed?