Anderson+Hegemonic+Backdrop

Over the course of my research/own experiences, I've noticed several common hegemonies that play into my research project: people's view of college students as a force for change, college students' own view of ecology/nature, and administrative views on sustainability.

Traditionally, college students tend to be seen as these young, sometimes misguided people sloppily fighting for their rights (which maybe shouldn't be theirs) while using illicit substances. The portrayal of the Occupy movement in the media was a prime example of that: out of work hippies who wanted everything for no work. The college students involved were entitled kids wanting good things handed to them.

Colleges students also tend to be seen as these young, energetic people who will bring about change and have vested interests in their future. They are bright, taking tons of classes, winning awards, and going to conferences. Activism is something they are doing to bring about change and make the world better. It depends on who the narrator is.

New Ecology has been discussed by many scholars at this point. Some of college students' movements have catered more to the old view of ecology. Old ecology views humans as separate from nature; new ecology views humans as part of nature. The former view has led to people-less preserves, which some college students

"Going green is not economical." Many people used to say this, and many still do. Some people in college administrations believe this. "Going green" also used to be seen as something of a "fringe" thing; now, it's seen as more of a fad—something to do to cater to the crazy younger generation. Either way, the movement is not taken seriously by many higher-ups.