“Save the whales!” “Save the pandas!” “Save the bees!” All are phrases commonly heard amongst so-called animal activists. One never sees this same cry of sympathy for some of America’s most valuable and beloved insects — wasps. A warm, sunny summer’s day evokes loving memories of drinking soda and hanging out by the wasp nest your mom warned you about. The next thing you know, you spill soda all over yourself and enjoy a hearty chase from the wasps. This warm glow of wasp-related nostalgia should be enough to convince activists to save them from inevitable extinction. Yet, there has never been a protest or movement to ensure that wasps are around for years to come. At Off Center, we wondered why no one was intent on saving these rambunctious little creatures. We spoke to Professor Donald Dharma, a professor of etymology, about wasps and why no one seems to care. “What?” said Dharma, “I’m an etymologist, we study words. You’re thinking of entomology. These aren’t even my office hours.” Wow, yet another person who doesn’t care about wasps. We then interviewed Professor John Sullivan, who teaches entomology, about what concerned citizens could do to save America’s wasps. Sullivan argues that wasps are valuable to the ecosystem, protecting mosquitos and eating ladybugs. Sullivan recommends “filling hummingbird feeders with apple juice, especially ones near elementary schools.”
If you would like to join the movement to save America’s wasps, join Off Center’s protest on December 7 at 9 p.m. in Babbio 122. We will be chaining one of our club members to a wasp-infested tree that is scheduled to be torn down. After, there will be a completely unrelated sketch comedy show with free pizza, snacks, and honey.
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