University Chronicle Extras:
Movies
|
Rate a Pic
|
Horoscopes
|
Career
|
Scholarships
|
Travel
|
GradZone
News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Sports
Diversions
World News
Classifieds
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Commentary
CAASA's complaints are Ludacris
By Bobby Hart
Published:
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Bobby Hart -- Staff Essay
Just when I began to think that SCSU was fading away from its PCU (Politically Correct University, as seen in the movie) image, a letter to the editor from CAASA in the last issue of the University Chronicle made a fool of me. I should have known better.
The CAASA (Campus Advocates Against Sexual Assault) wrote a letter basically saying that the Ludacris concert April 7 distastefully set back their Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the positive objectives that come with it.
In this letter, they wrote that by having the Ludacris concert during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, "SCSU lacks concern and involvement in taking steps to end sexual assault and discrimination."
I can't believe I'm doing this, but I think I might actually defend our university on this one.
First off, I have a lot of respect for those who speak out against sexual assault and think that those who commit violent acts against women are the lowest scum on earth. And to be honest, I'd probably rather have spent the whole month participating in CAASA events, than go to a Ludacris concert. The guy bothers me and defending rappers these days is plain exhausting.
However, I've never known Ludacris to "speak of horribly violent actions against women," as they claimed in their letter. Maybe they're mistaking him with some of Eminem's old antics or something. Ludacris is probably a little vulgar for some, being that he raps about sex about 98 percent of the time, but it seems consensual enough for me.
Look at it this way, how much can the concert possibly offend women if nearly 70 percent of the 5,000 people at the concert screaming the lyrics are women themselves? Guess who Ludacris' primary audience and target market (according to sales figures) is after all? It's not men.
Instead of blasting UPB, or SCSU for scheduling the concert, try getting a grip on reality. Ludacris has become part of today's pop culture whether you or I like his music. It was a long shot that someone of that caliber came to a small town like St. Cloud, and the positive response that his concert received by far outweighs the negative.
You also wrote: "This month is designed to raise awareness, honor victims and help motivate students to take a positive direction. We feel that this action was a set back."
The majority of the student body probably respects and agrees with CAASA's motives, but you can't "design" your own month and expect life to start and stop at your cause - no matter what it is.
For example, it would be like canceling all of Marilyn Manson's shows for a month for the anniversary of Columbine. Just because a couple of moron kids who shot up a high school listened to his music, doesn't mean that he or his fans should suffer. The outcome of that tragedy is completely unattached to the artists' music, and the same goes with the situation here on campus with Ludacris.
I don't understand how this concert "set back" your direction at all.
Are you saying that if I went to the Clothesline Project in Atwood (displayed visual voices from survivors of sexual assault), and the panel discussing women in the military and watched the video discussion about date rape sponsored by the Women Equality Group, but then went to the Ludacris concert, that I'd disregard everything I learned, throw out all sorrow for female victims, and immediately promote sexual assault and violence against women after one hour of live Ludacris music?
You should be a little more secure in your cause.
Forum:
No comments have been posted for this story.
Post a comment
