2008 Woodie Awards
Secrets, secrets are no fun ... when they're told to everyone
Brady Turley/Guest Columnist
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
I was recently reminded of how often college students forget themselves in public. During a quiet morning that I spent in Gorilla Crossing, working on math homework that was long past due, my ears picked up a conversation to which I couldn't help but listen. (That's what morning drowsiness does to people - opens up their ears, though they might look completely out of it.)
Two guys and one girl had taken seats at the table next to mine. I didn't notice them at first. But then they started to discuss, rather openly, their sexual partners, their adventurous evenings on campus and whether they felt themselves to be "slutty."
Now, I'm not easily offended, but it's hard to tolerate certain things during the early hours of the morning. In fact, I began to wonder if perhaps these people were talking so loudly simply because they wanted my attention.
I continued my eavesdropping, pretending that I didn't notice these individuals' obvious lack of respect for those in earshot. Still, I was appalled when one of the guys bragged about the number of women he'd slept with without first having known their names.
"I can't tell you how many times I've woken up to a girl in the morning," he said, "and had no idea what happened the night before!"
What exactly makes it OK for people to discuss their sex lives in front of complete strangers? If one must share the vivid details, maybe such conversations should be held in private.
I mean, whatever happened to manners?
I know that some will argue that everyone has the right to free speech, and, as such, students should feel free to talk about whatever they want, wherever they want.
However, I believe in such a thing as common courtesy.
People seem to think that whistling at girls from their speeding cars might actually get them dates. That time spent in class is excellent for talking about how "trashed" they got on the weekend. That burping, spitting, farting, etc. in public is quite the norm.
What happened to holding the door open for your girlfriend, to letting the elderly cut in front of you in line? We appear to be living in a society that every day seems more self-centered, more wrapped up in what feels good to the individual and no one else.
No one's asking this generation to be perfect. Still, people letting total strangers know that they are promiscuous and drink way too much is not necessary. Having the decency to not speak loudly when sharing the details of your personal life, however, is.
Two guys and one girl had taken seats at the table next to mine. I didn't notice them at first. But then they started to discuss, rather openly, their sexual partners, their adventurous evenings on campus and whether they felt themselves to be "slutty."
Now, I'm not easily offended, but it's hard to tolerate certain things during the early hours of the morning. In fact, I began to wonder if perhaps these people were talking so loudly simply because they wanted my attention.
I continued my eavesdropping, pretending that I didn't notice these individuals' obvious lack of respect for those in earshot. Still, I was appalled when one of the guys bragged about the number of women he'd slept with without first having known their names.
"I can't tell you how many times I've woken up to a girl in the morning," he said, "and had no idea what happened the night before!"
What exactly makes it OK for people to discuss their sex lives in front of complete strangers? If one must share the vivid details, maybe such conversations should be held in private.
I mean, whatever happened to manners?
I know that some will argue that everyone has the right to free speech, and, as such, students should feel free to talk about whatever they want, wherever they want.
However, I believe in such a thing as common courtesy.
People seem to think that whistling at girls from their speeding cars might actually get them dates. That time spent in class is excellent for talking about how "trashed" they got on the weekend. That burping, spitting, farting, etc. in public is quite the norm.
What happened to holding the door open for your girlfriend, to letting the elderly cut in front of you in line? We appear to be living in a society that every day seems more self-centered, more wrapped up in what feels good to the individual and no one else.
No one's asking this generation to be perfect. Still, people letting total strangers know that they are promiscuous and drink way too much is not necessary. Having the decency to not speak loudly when sharing the details of your personal life, however, is.
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