By: Carrie Grishaber
Dear editor,
Overall, Fall Fest this year was a success. Although the location, due to construction, was forced to relocate from the academic mall to the University Center lawn, over 100 student organizations, 29 non-profit agencies and 65 businesses were represented.
Unfortunately, amidst the festive, back-to-school atmosphere, there was one spark of negativity.
The NMU College Republicans were selling bright orange T-shirts with the slogan “Suck My Glock” written over a picture of a gun. The back of the shirt displayed the name of the organization and stated their second amendment rights. I am appalled that the NMU College Republicans would have so little class and dignity that they would proudly promote such a revolting slogan.
The mental imagery of a gun in someone’s mouth is violent and horrifying. The message that sexual aggression can be taken lightly is even worse. Sexual assault is rampant on college campuses just like ours. According to NMU Public Safety’s crime statistics, criminal sexual conduct more than tripled between 2009 and 2011, the last reported year. The numbers show that sex related crimes are on the rise. Casual references to gun use and sexual aggression are not only sickening, but intimidating.
It is my deepest hope that the NMU College Republicans realize their error and cease sales of these inappropriate shirts immediately.
JRA • Sep 5, 2013 at 11:28 am
And I’m offended by Che Guevara (and similar) t-shirts. I get over it pretty quickly. Man up. Being adult means accepting (not necessarily agreeing with) multiple positions. Why is it only conservatives need to be inclusive, but touchy-feely liberals can criticize conservative thought?
Melissa • Aug 29, 2013 at 10:32 pm
There are multiple shirts sold on campus that have offended me, but I respect the right of that group to sell the shirt. I have seen shirts sold for that hair drive (which is an excellent event don’t get me wrong) that are filled with sexual innuendos just the same as this shirt was. I think the point of their shirt was to get everyone to talk about their organization and their cause, and guess what? You are doing exactly what they want.
Amanda • Aug 29, 2013 at 5:56 pm
First of all, no one said that they shouldn’t be allowed to do anything, only that THEY, THEMSELVES, cease sales of the shirts. Additionally, there has to be a line drawn somewhere. There should be no reason to publicly promote sexual violence. Ever. This isn’t about speaking your mind or opinions. For a what should be a respected organization- they shouldn’t be proud to know that their violent slogan had many students, especially women, shaken up.
Dan Riley • Aug 29, 2013 at 3:54 pm
I’m curious about what is so offensive with this shirt? Personally, I can think of a few better choices of words, but what they chose was their decision. If you interpret that to be a “light-hearted” take on sexual assault, I would suggest asking youself why. There are numerous events, signs, banners and shirts across this campus that I personally dislike. I don’t, however, try to get the school to denounce them or request they not be allowed. It is their right do display their views as they see fit, just as with NMU CR. It is not, repeat NOT my right to walk around assuming that I won’t be offended. If you refuse to stand for the rights you disagree with, you have no cause to stand for your own. It is my sincere hope that all forms of opinion, be it social, ethnic, moral, or political, be embraced and encouraged. Only then will people of opposing views be able to have a true discussion based on the merits of their views, thus capturing the very essence of freedom on which this great nation was founded.