essay on speaker's corner

Democracy at the Joaquin V. Gonzalez, fact or fiction?

All state-run educational institutions in Argentina have a democratic representative government. Students, teachers and graduates are represented in the government of their institution. Joaquin V. Gonzalez College (J.V.G.) is not, or should not, be an exception. However, the lack of participation and the perpetuation of certain people in power are worrying indicators that democracy within the Institution is not as alive as it is thought to be.

Firstly, the fact that elections held at the J.V.G. are usually run by only one or two lists of candidates hinders the democratic value of representation. Since representation is a key factor in a well-functioning democratic institution, democracy may be void if there is no real alternative over who assumes the position disputed. Although the option of casting a blank vote is still available, the voter’s choice over who will represent him/her in government is reduced to a minimum. Whether this situation is due to a lack of commitment from the members of the institution, fear of assuming the position or because candidates may be overwhelmed by the task they are approaching. The result is that the democratic value of representation is hindered since there is no real choice.

Secondly, in the J.V.G.’s democracy only the voices of those who shout the loudest are heard and the voices of those who have a real interest in the institution are silenced. It is common to see general assemblies dominated by people who represent a small portion of the institution not because they present the strongest arguments but because they shout the loudest. Due to the fact that some people have experience in participating in assemblies, they know how to prevent people from expressing their views by extending their speeches, repeating themselves and clapping friendly speeches extensively while interrupting opposing speeches. This situation makes it difficult for people without a permanent political activism to participate and very easy or those who already control the assemblies to stay in power.

Thirdly, a person who decides to become involved in either the government of the institution or general assemblies may face resistance from the settled groups in power. Recent events that took place at the institution show that newcomers to the political scene are not welcomed. Threats, hostility and campaigns publicly damaging reputations are some of the strategies used to deter people from getting involved in the political scene at Teacher Training College. These actions present a difficult scenario to those who might consider becoming involved in the representative body of the institution.

In conclusion, the actual organization of power at the J.V.G. does not portray real democracy. A true democracy should not present its government as unreachable and dangerous. A democracy needs representation and participation to stay alive and therefore the institution should welcome its members and inform them.

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