By Marinus Maris
For many, the recent actions of certain DJs have provoked a serious case of concern amongst students, and has now developed into a stage of taboo. The activities ventured into can perhaps only be described as a case of harmless adult fun and games, in which individuals partake in a series of challenges to obtain some well-earned beverages. This being said, I fail to understand why so many would complain about students joining in a certain culture that has been part of the university experience for quite some time. Of course the typical responses may vary from that “it is derogatory” or for any feminist onlookers that it may just simply offend many of their own kind.
Yet there is a simple solution that is key to this great conundrum facing so many defenceless young students. It may have slipped the mind of many critics of such frivolity, but those who are “picked on” do have the right and, more importantly, the ability to just say no!
I sincerely doubt that the various DJs gracing York’s nightlife are shackling and dragging their victims to the stage in an S&M-like manner, merely to keep their prisoners tied to the stage, with their only means of freedom for their victims being to partake in these “vile” acts. Many students will flock to clubs simply with the sole intention of just getting drunk! With this in mind, it doesn’t take a brain box to realize that intoxication will eventually lead to a more liberal state of mind, in which students are far more willing in their actions. This being said, it seems so far-fetched for these activities be seen as exploitation, particularly as people should be/are aware of the sort of antics they can get up to when drunk.
Furthermore, most students are aware of the atmospheres in these clubs: people are getting loose and therefore are up for a good time, and it seems silly to go out and not expect some form of banter to come your way. On the other hand, perhaps I forget that as the need for drink is so significant, the ends justify the means, anyone partaking in this frivolous activity really has no care in world.
Ultimately it seems thatmany who see this as exploitation are just being prudish. Many are aware of university culture even before they come, so it’s not a big shock. If students are so concerned of being picked on, or fear for their welfare, and that of others, they merely need to say “no!”