Students must show respect for others
By Michael McDermott
Student Columnist

I am writing this as a result of the disturbing events that occurred at the Chess Night Event Nov. 2 in Johnson Residence Hall. The event had been proceeding as normal when we received a visit from three jokesters attempting to ruin our peaceful assembly.

The first jokester to enter the lounge was a man wearing a ’50s-style pink flowered dress and a woman’s hat. He, (or should I say she) had a fake British accent and immediately began acting in a drunken and disrespectful manner towards those of us who were playing. Following him were two other men. One was wearing multicolored shorts and carrying a cane, and the other was wearing blue and white outfit.

After 20 minutes of their dancing up and down and making badgering jokes, a call to the police was threatened and they left. I am astounded that some university students could act in such an inconsiderate manner towards those of us who would rather enjoy a night playing chess.

I had long thought in coming to this university that I would be immersed in an environment where people would act civilly towards one another. After all, our motto is Pro Humanitate. In coming to a school with such intelligent people, I had wrongly assumed that people understood there was a better way of expressing your opinion then making complete fools of themselves. It is not as if such an outlet were not available. The Old Gold and Black itself is an available resource for this.

Personally, I believe in the right to opinions: say what you want to the world. However, there is a difference between stating an opinion and maliciously attacking the rights of others. The situation would have been different if the men had walked in and simply told us that they did not like the idea of Chess Night and why they did not like it, or if they had contacted us personally and told us what they thought of it. Their opinions would have been heard and adjustments would have been made if necessary. However, by strolling into the room and ridiculously causing a disruption they have made themselves look foolish, which in turn has caused their opinions to be worthless to those who witnessed the event.

Their somewhat naïve way of asserting their opinion has resulted in the exact opposite of what they intended. This leads me to wonder exactly why any person would commit such a heinous and uncalled-for act. Did they think it was funny? It was definite that we did not, and I am fairly certain many would feel the same way if something similar happened while they were attending an event. Did they think that it would actually affect us in some way that we would get up and leave? If so, then that was not the outcome
In any case, the motive had no logic behind it. This is disturbing because I am fairly sure that events like this one happen with unsaid frequency on campus. Even if the men did it to impress their friends, it still does not make any sense because more people are going to be unimpressed than impressed. Are they really so dependent upon their friends that they are willing to offend others? If so, then I advise them to seek counseling for their own benefit.

I wrote this column with hopes that those who have committed such acts or are planning them at this time re-think their choices. If they reflect upon their decision and ask themselves, Is it really worth it? Is it going to really accomplish anything positive?, I think that they will come to the inevitable conclusion that it will not.

This does not deny them the right to their opinion. If they wish to express their views, then there are positive methods of doing so available. Despite what some may believe, people do listen to what others tell them if they convey it in a positive and constructive manner. Let’s live up to our motto: Pro Humanitate, and try to help instead of hurt.

Perhaps the greater lesson behind all of this is one that your parents probably taught everyone when we were young: think before you act. Everyone should try to open their mind to other ways of thinking and make informed choices about what the consequences of their actions will be.

Not only will this lead to a better life for everyone, it will help to shape a better world for all of us.