2008 Woodie Awards
Nerf toys still resemble guns
By: GUEST COLUMNIST
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: Forum
BG Undead has been involved in the hubbub of recent news. The news and the game's vibrant presence on campus caused me to ponder when I last saw any other student group running through campus.
Yes, the juggling club occasionally stakes out a spot on the sidewalk to juggle and sometimes organizations band together to go paint the rock, but no one else has such an on-campus presence as does BG Undead.
I haven't seen the hockey team shooting pucks between students' legs or body slamming other players right in front of my psych class. Unless I go to the ice arena, it's not likely I'll see a hockey game on campus. However, all I need to do is step outside of my dorm to witness zombies running after humans.
When BG Undead took place last semester, it didn't bother me at first.
I didn't have a problem with it until I was on my way to class and eight people would suddenly run out from behind a building.
Or when I witnessed a participant pointing two Nerf guns at every person he walked past (including me) when clearly 98 percent of the students on that sidewalk were not wearing armbands.
During the week or so when BG Undead took place, I remember not being surprised toward the end of the game if I happened to see six people walk into one of my classes with huge yellow and orange guns strapped to their belts.
I propose this situation: What if someone had brought an actual gun into my classroom?
Taking into account a real gun would not be flashy colors like yellow and purple, would I have been surprised to see it? Would I have even noticed it? Or would I have ignored it, not giving it a second thought?
I find it to be alarming that I could ever get used to seeing guns around, fake or not.
During a time period in which Northern Illinois-like shootings are no longer unusual events, I think it would be irresponsible of the University to not respond to Nerf guns. If during the BG Undead game an actual school shooting took place, the University would (figuratively) get kicked in the face by comments from angry students, professors, parents, and alumni who would say, "Why did you ever let all those students run around with fake guns?"
I feel that campus is not the place for guns, real or fake.
Some say, "What is the world coming to when we can't use Nerf guns?"
Try going into a plane or near the nation's capital with a Nerf gun and see what they say. When BG Undead is allowed to be played there, then I say, "Let them have Nerf guns!"
Paul Dalsky is a freshman majoring in AYA Integrated Language Arts.
Yes, the juggling club occasionally stakes out a spot on the sidewalk to juggle and sometimes organizations band together to go paint the rock, but no one else has such an on-campus presence as does BG Undead.
I haven't seen the hockey team shooting pucks between students' legs or body slamming other players right in front of my psych class. Unless I go to the ice arena, it's not likely I'll see a hockey game on campus. However, all I need to do is step outside of my dorm to witness zombies running after humans.
When BG Undead took place last semester, it didn't bother me at first.
I didn't have a problem with it until I was on my way to class and eight people would suddenly run out from behind a building.
Or when I witnessed a participant pointing two Nerf guns at every person he walked past (including me) when clearly 98 percent of the students on that sidewalk were not wearing armbands.
During the week or so when BG Undead took place, I remember not being surprised toward the end of the game if I happened to see six people walk into one of my classes with huge yellow and orange guns strapped to their belts.
I propose this situation: What if someone had brought an actual gun into my classroom?
Taking into account a real gun would not be flashy colors like yellow and purple, would I have been surprised to see it? Would I have even noticed it? Or would I have ignored it, not giving it a second thought?
I find it to be alarming that I could ever get used to seeing guns around, fake or not.
During a time period in which Northern Illinois-like shootings are no longer unusual events, I think it would be irresponsible of the University to not respond to Nerf guns. If during the BG Undead game an actual school shooting took place, the University would (figuratively) get kicked in the face by comments from angry students, professors, parents, and alumni who would say, "Why did you ever let all those students run around with fake guns?"
I feel that campus is not the place for guns, real or fake.
Some say, "What is the world coming to when we can't use Nerf guns?"
Try going into a plane or near the nation's capital with a Nerf gun and see what they say. When BG Undead is allowed to be played there, then I say, "Let them have Nerf guns!"
Paul Dalsky is a freshman majoring in AYA Integrated Language Arts.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 10
Buck up, Sally
posted 3/28/08 @ 8:23 AM EST
You're kidding, right? Comparing a game which utilized brightly colored toys which launch low velocity foam darts to any of the high school, campus, or any real-life shootings is ABSURD!
You've got an opinion - and that's fine, but take a step back, Drama King. (Continued…)
Jodi
posted 3/28/08 @ 8:30 AM EST
"If during the BG Undead game an actual school shooting took place, the University would (figuratively) get kicked in the face by comments from angry students, professors, parents, and alumni who would say, "Why did you ever let all those students run around with fake guns?'"
Because, clearly, if someone came onto the BGSU campus and started shooting at people with a real gun, CLEARLY, the BGUNDEAD group would be at fault. (Continued…)
Zachary
posted 3/28/08 @ 12:18 PM EST
It is the hallmark of a civilized, rational society that we do not concern ourselves with fear of what might happen. Playing BG UNDEAD here on campus is not harmful to anyone involved. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 3/28/08 @ 2:56 PM EST
Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security." - Ban Franklin
He does have a point
posted 3/28/08 @ 9:04 PM EST
If there ever is a school shooting (heaven forbid) during one of these games and the campus police are inundated with calls, there wouldn't be a whole lot stopping them from assuming the calls were only students mistaking the group's nerf guns for the shooter's gun. (Continued…)
Linsay
posted 3/29/08 @ 12:50 AM EST
Are you serious? As if real guns look anything like a nurf gun. This is completely blown out of proportion. Personally, I am not involved in BG Undead, but it doesn't bother me if students play it on campus. (Continued…)
Big B
posted 3/31/08 @ 7:30 AM EST
Paul, it's my opinion to say that your opinion is retarded. Now shut up and have a beer
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