Khadijah Robinson - Associate Opinions Editor

There is a time and a place for everything. It’s old knowledge, and yet, it seems so new to some.

For those in attendance at Spelman’s Mr. Senior Pageant, there is no denying the abundance of tomfoolery throughout the entire event. What is now being debated is the placement of blame and the repercussions for what transpired. Are we all adults and able to withstand a bit of profanity? Are we being overly sensitive when speaking about past, somewhat embarrassing events such as rapes and blogs? Are we taking it too seriously when we demand that some sort of action be taken?

No, we are not.

We talk of personal responsibility, yet no one seems to demonstrate any. The main problem, which makes Spelman students appear to be so reactionary, is that we expect more from Morehouse students than obviously should be expected. We expect for Morehouse Men to know that some things are degratory and should not be done, especially within our gates. But they have shown us time and time again that they do not know and apparently do not care. We cannot expect anything from men who expect nothing from themselves. So, in the future, Spelman has to learn to clearly outline what is and isn’t acceptable and force Morehouse students to adhere to these guidelines, as they are incapable of making these educated decisions on their own.

What peeves me most about the situation is the inability of participants to see the problems in their actions. One contestant reportedly still sees nothing wrong with his brazen reference to the potential rapings of Spelman students. What he said left a rape victim in tears, unable to even sit through the rest of the pageant—is there nothing wrong with that? You are on an all-woman’s campus and yet you show blatant disregard for what is one of the most degrading and devaluing experiences that a woman can ever go through, and you see nothing wrong with it? You think it is okay, because, after all, you won the pageant didn’t you? Maybe, it could just be that your friends had more money to vote for you than those offended had to vote against you.

The only person who showed complete personal responsibility was the DJ. He had no qualms with saying he was wrong for playing the questionable song “What’s Up With That P***y?” and he apologized, stressing that it would not happen again. For the rest of you, is that so hard?

Granted, Spelman’s Senior Class Council’s lack of foresight and ill-advised approval lead us all down a path that was better not taken. And, for the class council to refuse to accept these rules, which is essentially what they are doing when they keep their court intact, shows a certain measure of disrespect for their institution. Yet, this does not clear the two participants from all blame. At some point, they knew that they were using questionable language and addressing sensitive subjects and this did not hinder them. They were comfortable enough to perform these questionable talents, so they should be comfortable enough to accept the consequences.

Which brings us to the double standard issue. No, there is not a double standard. There is a group of students who know how to carry themselves respectfully on their campus and others’. These issues don’t typically arise at Morehouse because Spelman students take their home-training with them when they step over to Morehouse. Morehouse students attack the march on their campus two years ago, but do they attack the treatment of the women in question. Do they react just as adversely to the horrible actions that prompted the march? Do they sneer at the thought of such foulness the same way they do at the Spelman women who wouldn’t stand for it?

Spelman has had to be reactive instead of proactive because there are only so many forums and rules you can have before people should get the message. We barely let Morehouse men onto our campus now, but it seems that the only way to get through to the men who refuse to respect our institution is to completely ban them. Maybe then they will understand. Maybe then they will take rape a bit more seriously. Maybe then they will think before they post slanderous blogs about their sisters. Maybe then they will understand an old standard of refraining from profanity when in the company of women. Maybe then they will know “what’s up with that p***y?”

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Published: September 29, 2008 01:39 PM