There is something about labels that helps college students sleep better at night. Knowing who among our peers is conservative, liberal or religious just seems to make the beer go down smoother.

Everyone feels more comfortable knowing that the liberal students are kicking off their Birkenstocks and hugging trees on the quad while the conservative students are scurrying to church or to a College Republicans meeting.

OK, that may not be entirely true.

Nonetheless, we stand firmly behind our labels and judge accordingly. Almost everybody has stereotyped a stranger based solely on the political and religious views they have listed in their Facebook profiles.

But labels like these are thrown around carelessly. Contrary to popular belief, the average college student isnt up to his or her facial piercings with opinions.

I dont know very much about politics, said sophomore inclusive education major Melissa Chou, but in college especially youre expected to be very aware. Youre supposed to know if youre conservative, liberal or what.

In fact, many have no idea where they stand. We are still only slightly removed from our parents and figuring ourselves out.

I just find it hard to believe that students who dont know what theyre majoring in or how they got home the night before can be sure about where they fall on the political spectrum.

But the pressure to define yourself is a formidable force. Indecision is viewed as ignorance. Nobody wants to look stupid and uninformed.

Well I guess that makes me stupid and uninformed, because I wrestle with my political identity on a daily basis. The big federal budget deficit makes my stomach turn, but Id also like to take full advantage of Social Security in my old age.

I cant be the only who breaks into a cold sweat at the prospect of filling out my religious and political views on Facebook. Im not ready for that kind of commitment!

Im not surprised that many students have resorted to listing things like cheese doodles and Homer Simpson as their religious views.

Even though weve been programmed to think otherwise, there is nothing wrong with being confused about your political and religious beliefs. In fact, I believe its healthier to shop around and try on a few before you decide.

It doesnt matter what you call yourself liberal, very liberal, moderate, very conservative, but if its only for the sake of standing for something, youve let yourself and your generation down. Youve sold out.

Meghan Overdeep is a featured columnist whose columns appear Fridays in The Daily Orange. E-mail her at meoverde@syr.edu.

Published on April 26, 2007 at 12:00 pm