<p>New York Times Magazine: </p>
<p>In the turbulent late '60s and early '70s, college campuses played a major role in the culture and politics of the era. Today, according to author and historian Rick Perlstein, colleges have lost their central place in the broader society and in the lives of undergraduates.</p>
<p>For any college students, there is an essay contest based on the question posed in the title of this thread. Additionally, I would encourage everyone else to read the article on the New York Times magazine website. Click on the essay contest link (found in the column at center screen). Within that, there are rules for the contest and a link to the original article.</p>
<p>I am curious as to what students and parents believe.</p>