|
Harassment not form of free speech
 Carol Seavey -- Staff Essay
|
|
When walking through Atwood Mall there are often distractions to sway susceptible passers-by.
Sometimes there is welcomed entertainment like bands playing or clubs barbequing that allow students to escape from the normal toils of college life. On exceptional days there are games varying from rock climbing to a relay course. As young adults, SCSU students can take a few minutes to jump and play as if they are young again.
Not everything in Atwood Mall is a joyful escape, though. Solicitors often shove handouts to everyone within 20 yards, exclaiming about the college dream job that will make you rich without telemarketing.
Private corporations bombard students with advertisements and “free” stuff. Yeah, everyone wants something for free, but do we have to sell our souls to Target or Pepsi to get it?
Target most likely paid good money to brainwash us. After Target’s last visit, there is probably a striped butterfly chair in every student dwelling. Todd Oldham designs are fun and colorful, but I wouldn’t buy a rug or anything else from his “Dorm” collection. With Todd Oldham’s widespread availability the designs are no longer original but part of a meticulously designed marketing strategy. Unique, seemingly one of a kind d�cor can be found with just a little extra effort.
Aside from traditional solicitors, one in particular has been causing controversy on campus. About 200 students gathered in Atwood to listen to (or mock) a man dressed as a priest and toting a Bible. He ranted and raved as students lollygagged to class.
Now, I support our right to free speech and think that everybody deserves to be heard.
However, the reason Atwood Mall is such a prime location for those targeting students is because hundreds of people have to walk through there everyday to get to their destination.
In the same fashion that smoking areas were established for the respect of non-smokers who have to walk into Stewart Hall, students should be free from harassment because they have to walk through the area. Because it is impossible not to hear and see the solicitors ranting while passing through, students are forced to listen to it. People can always turn off their radios or televisions when unwanted ads infest their homes, but in the mall it is unavoidable. There should be a way to “turn off” or remove out-spoken, threatening presences.
We should be able to draw the line between freedom of expression and harassment so that anyone who is being a nuisance can be removed from the premise.
Since that was not the case, somebody had to do something to counter his judgmental comments. When people stood up to him it became less aggravating and more amusing. The situation was turned into a game; the object being to outwit and humiliate the other players.
Students proved that they were not going to take the preacher’s harassment. They used his only defense, freedom of speech, against him.
Not only that, but the students showed that they are not just a bunch of gullible kids. They may watch MTV, but they don’t believe everything they see on it.
As long as there is freedom of speech and a thriving economy students minds will be challenged by those trying to sell something. Whether it is a political standing, religious advertisement, spring break trips, or hotdogs for sale, SCSU students are capable of making educated decisions. It’s comforting to know that not every group that buys time in Atwood Mall will automatically sway each student that walks by.
Students should continue to support clubs and organizations that fundraise, entertain, and recruit in Atwood Mall. That does not mean that disrespect should be aimed at all businesses, just remember to question their promises. Stand up against those who put pressure on you to buy their product, work for them, or change your beliefs. Show them that students can make their own decisions no matter what is blocking the path.
|
|
|
|
|
|
