Last weekend's Halloween celebration had problems that went far deeper than the riot. I realized this Saturday night as I saw so many people who were crying or just looked afraid.
I soon learned why, as I watched a large group of men hound a woman until she flashed them. Their cheering quickly turned to complaining, however, when the show ended too soon. I saw everything from \free mammogram"" costumes to men groping random women.
How could a woman not cry or be afraid when surrounded by thousands of men who view her as nothing more than an object for their own sexual gratification? Granted, I saw many women reciprocate, but I suspect that many of them either feel ashamed or have lingering insecurity and self-doubt that they just cannot explain.
I have one simple message for these women: You have a right to dignity and respect. You may not hang out with men who respect you or women who respect themselves, but there are people on this campus who regard you as a human being who is worth something. That is how you deserve to be treated, no matter what our culture tells you.
Ultimately, responsibility for this treatment falls on the men. For the men questioning their actions, know this: You can break away from the crowd and find people who have just as much fun without sacrificing their character.
Next weekend as we blow off steam following another week of school, let us truly consider those with whom we are partying, and treat them in a way that leaves no regrets.
