Different groups around campus and the university itself hang up posters/fliers to help inform the student body of upcoming events and things in general to be aware of. It is common to see these taken off the walls or damaged in one way or another. My question is: Why?
There seems to have been an increase in poster-damage offenses this semester, and I am confused as to why. It seems while some random posters have been targeted, certain groups and events which have been damaged in the past are also being targeted.
Hall Association event poster that was ripped up and left in a Ramseyer stairwell. Photo by Olivia Westcott.
It is no secret students on campus have differing opinions and values. Our diversity in the physical and opinion aspect is what makes our campus climate so unique and helps us to live out one of Bluffton’s four enduring values: respect.
This value of respect isn’t being lived out when people continue to tear down posters they don’t agree with or do it just to do it.
On Saturday, November 19, our campus LGBTQ+ alliance, Brave Space, is hosting Bluffton University’s first ever campus drag show. As a safe space for the LGBTQ+ and allies, and hosting something which has never been done before, some people don’t really agree or care for it. The push back against the change in status quo has been clear upon people messing with Brave Space and drag show posters in the past.
I understand people have different worldviews, and they won’t always agree or wish to be friends with those who have a different perspective. What I don’t understand is how some of my peers think it is okay or even funny to mess with simple pieces of paper on the walls.
What was left of an Anime Club poster in a Ramseyer stairwell. Photo by Olivia Westcott.
Yes, they are just pieces of paper on the walls. What’s the big deal? Exactly my point – why and how are these pieces of paper affecting others to the degree in which they will rip, punch, tear and in some cases write snarky comments on them.
Sometimes, those who mess with the posters leave them and their remnants out, almost like they are sending a message and want others to know that they simply don’t like or support said event/organization.
Constantly tearing down posters gives a negative connotation and bias to us as students and the university as a whole because people who visit us will see those remnants. It makes us look immature and makes our residence halls look dirty and unorganized.
Even worse, it makes people feel unsafe and even scared to be on campus. They might wonder about these pieces of paper being messed with for advertising an event, and think how will they get treated for being affiliated or identifying with this group?
Messing with posters or just things on the walls of buildings in general is an immature thing for adult college students. This is an action an unruly elementary student would do to be defiant.
I have been a bit harsh, but I want everyone to feel safe and welcome on this campus, no matter what.
It can be hard to accept and support some things you don’t believe in, but you don’t have to. These events are being advertised for people who do want to attend or be a part of those groups and meetings.
Drag Show poster that was scratched into. Photo provided by Noah Heiing.
If you are really bothered and upset by these posters, please try to find another way to vent your frustrations. Talk to some friends, journal, talk to a counselor, go to the gym or take a nap, etc. There is no reason to be messing with these since they have no effect on you.
Continue to be good people who treat others with respect. If you are finding it hard to do so, then civilly stay away. I personally do this when I don’t care for someone’s actions or what they say.
It is possible to be respectful and civil while disagreeing. Let’s not make our campus a place where we ruin things just because we don’t like or agree with it, because there are and will continue to be different perspectives and opinions from our own; and that is okay.
Olivia “Lou” Westcott is a senior convergent major.
