University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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APRIL Today, our futures hinge criti- cally on the outcome of world and national events. A review of stu- dent life which fails to recognize this fact would lack both awareness and maturity. International tensions, efforts to maintain stability, and prepara- tions to meet new aggressions have made this a year of confusion and uncertainty. The national govern- ment discovered that its position as leader of the western nations was often merely a thankless and uneasy honor. Criticism was abun- dant, both at home and from abroad. Yet pessimism was by no means universal ; there were developments which inspired hope in many. The Schuman Plan offered economic integration of Western Europe as a practical supplement to the NATO military alliance. The very fact of the plan ' s inching progress, in defiance of the frequent crises that threatened to destroy it, encouraged those who put little trust in easy solutions to ancient problems. In the background, striving to calm the excited swell of events in the midst of contradictory predic- tions of immediate war and peace- ful coexistence, the voice of tlie United Nations was to be heard but faintly. At the present mo- ment, neither the Korean War nor the Anglo-Iranian dispute has been reasoned away, but many who have termed themselves realistic still feel that bitter talk is a more acceptable alternative than ex- panded warfare. But the most overpowering event of the year was undoubtedly the presidential election. The heated party debates at the na- tional level were reflected on cam- pus by the antics of irate partisans; friendships were strained as ele- ments of reason, emotion, and in- herited prejudice mingled to shat- 11

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MASSACHUSETTS . . . 10

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C Store 51, Adv ter all attempts to maintain calm poise and objectivity: the political liutton ( I Go Pogo ) came into fashion, and favorite pin-ups gave way for massive posters. In the meantime, governmental attempts to meet the prospects of a sustained policy of preparedness had their effects on student life here at Amherst. Individual stu- dent awareness varied from con- cern to indifference; personal ad- justment to the uncertain times ranged from steady application — the so-called grind — to an all- absorbing preoccupation with hav- ing a good time. Whatever the particular bent of the individual student ' s mind, University life continued along traditional lines. The library was still the campus social center, grassing maintained its claim Rickety Rickshaw 12