2008 Woodie Awards
Pub contest puts women in sexual 'low' light
Angelica Harris
Issue date: 4/13/06 Section: Opinion
The music was loud, the drinks were strong and it almost seemed like the DJ stole my iPod, because he was playing one great song after another.
But what made this night even better were the women who surrounded me, who I found to be some of the most-talented journalists on campus- or hottest, according to a very friendly bouncer.
We were all enjoying a night of celebration after an awards ceremony at which our beloved paper, the Muleskinner, was recognized as one of the best newspapers in the state.
For us, this night celebrated the fact that as young women it is possible to achieve greatness. Suddenly our celebration was interrupted by an announcement. It was time to start the contest to receive a free breast enhancement.
Women around our age rushed to the stage wearing next to nothing to give reasons why they should be the recipient of, what they saw as, a 'great prize.'
The audience full of screaming men was waiting for their opportunity to pass judgment as to who they felt was 'hot' enough to receive the prize.
As we watched the commotion going on around us, we could not help but look at each other with complete gall.
Now I know we are in a bar where it can be considered appropriate to let go and have a good time. But when does a good time involve losing your self respect?
As a woman, it is hard for me to imagine any one of my classmates wanting to take part in such a degrading experience.
Not only was the idea of the contest appalling, but the disgust continued when each content was asked to give a reason as to why they felt they should receive the prize.
For me, one particular answer really stood out, "I am a teacher."
A teacher is someone who is considered to be a role model for their students.
His or her job is to set an example of what is considered right and wrong.
A teacher's job is to teach morals and ethics, to guide adolescents down a respectable path.
But what made this night even better were the women who surrounded me, who I found to be some of the most-talented journalists on campus- or hottest, according to a very friendly bouncer.
We were all enjoying a night of celebration after an awards ceremony at which our beloved paper, the Muleskinner, was recognized as one of the best newspapers in the state.
For us, this night celebrated the fact that as young women it is possible to achieve greatness. Suddenly our celebration was interrupted by an announcement. It was time to start the contest to receive a free breast enhancement.
Women around our age rushed to the stage wearing next to nothing to give reasons why they should be the recipient of, what they saw as, a 'great prize.'
The audience full of screaming men was waiting for their opportunity to pass judgment as to who they felt was 'hot' enough to receive the prize.
As we watched the commotion going on around us, we could not help but look at each other with complete gall.
Now I know we are in a bar where it can be considered appropriate to let go and have a good time. But when does a good time involve losing your self respect?
As a woman, it is hard for me to imagine any one of my classmates wanting to take part in such a degrading experience.
Not only was the idea of the contest appalling, but the disgust continued when each content was asked to give a reason as to why they felt they should receive the prize.
For me, one particular answer really stood out, "I am a teacher."
A teacher is someone who is considered to be a role model for their students.
His or her job is to set an example of what is considered right and wrong.
A teacher's job is to teach morals and ethics, to guide adolescents down a respectable path.