The University of Virginia is a special place, with a language and many long-standing traditions that are unique to Mr. Jefferson’s University.” – Office of the Dean of Students website.
The moment we arrive on Grounds for orientation as incoming students, administrators inform us of how tradition runs through the fabric of this institution. We are constantly encouraged to cherish and continue existing traditions and to make our mark on the University by starting some of our own. As a first year, I found it impossible to hide from tradition. From being “strongly encouraged” to attend Fall Convocation by my resident adviser to hearing tales of upperclassmen streaking the Lawn in a “lighthearted state of mind,” I quickly became aware that a culture of tradition pervaded Grounds. As a first year I accepted the fact that tradition was imbedded in every inch of the University’s cobblestone, but as a fourth year our community’s addiction to tradition has sparked feelings of ambivalence rather than unmediated joy.
We all understand tradition as a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting. The continued existence of the honor system at the University is a prominent example. But tradition entails more than longevity; we frequently see instances around Grounds where as soon as we do something twice we quickly slap on the label “tradition.” Regardless of whether one is referring to more established traditions or “new” traditions, the concept of tradition frequently becomes a justification for the continued existence of an initiative or event. This is where my feeling of ambivalence and skepticism arises. When tradition becomes the overriding reason for doing something, we begin to overlook the original purpose or motivation behind a system or event. We focus on the idea that “it’s always been done” — which is usually not the case — rather than interrogate how the “tradition” originated, study its impact on our community at large — and segments within our larger community — analyze the ideas or ideology it perpetuates and consider whether we should continue to support the system, policy, initiative or event in question.
This may seem trivial when applied to a tradition like streaking the Lawn. But this type of interrogation becomes vitally important when we look at something like the University’s traditional architecture and the politics of space embodied within the architecture.
Yes, we must acknowledge and be aware of tradition, but it should not be something we blindly cherish or follow. I believe we should interrogate our traditions to better understand them. Let us reflect on our existing traditions, engage them and challenge them if necessary.
Tradition is a cornerstone of our student experience. But reflect on whether you want your own student experience to be dictated by the demands of tradition.
Sheridan Fuller is president of the Fourth-Year Trustees.
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