2008 Woodie Awards
Play by the rules, fair or not
By: Letter to the Editor
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Forum
I must admit I am surprised by the number of responses I've seen in The BG News regarding the BG Undead/Nerf gun controversy. I've certainly enjoyed reading them.
However, I feel as though some of these responses have lost sight of the bottom line. That "bottom line" is the simple fact that the University gets the final say.
First off, I must say that I was astounded by the University's decision to ban the carrying and use of Nerf guns on campus. I feel it was a bit of an overreaction.
BG Undead is just a game that is played with children's toys and things you may find underneath your bed. I think the majority of students can agree with me when I say "college is stressful as it is, and I don't see how a simple game could hurt anyone as long as the rules are followed."
Sure, BG Undead is a registered student organization, but let's be honest, in no way, shape or form is the game "educational" as some fans claim.
Running around shooting your enemies with Nerf guns is fun, but in no way educational. I'm all for doing everything possible to get Nerf guns back, but let's stick to the truth.
I am aware that more than 20 other universities allow variations of "Humans vs. Zombies" to be played on their campuses as well as in three other countries, and that the University has one of the most organized branches in the game's history.
However, I am also aware that we live in a hypersensitive society, and that guns of any kind are frowned upon in public places.
BG Undead and its many fans must realize the type of world we live in today.
Tragedies at Columbine, Virginia Tech and, most recently, Northern Illinois have created more fear for everyone than ever before.
It wouldn't take much for someone to think it would be funny to use a paintball gun or gun with rubber bullets against their Zombie attackers, whether it's in the rules or not.
I'm not saying this is going to happen, but from the University's perspective sometimes you have to protect the many from the few. All it takes is one idiot to ruin it for everyone else.
However, I feel as though some of these responses have lost sight of the bottom line. That "bottom line" is the simple fact that the University gets the final say.
First off, I must say that I was astounded by the University's decision to ban the carrying and use of Nerf guns on campus. I feel it was a bit of an overreaction.
BG Undead is just a game that is played with children's toys and things you may find underneath your bed. I think the majority of students can agree with me when I say "college is stressful as it is, and I don't see how a simple game could hurt anyone as long as the rules are followed."
Sure, BG Undead is a registered student organization, but let's be honest, in no way, shape or form is the game "educational" as some fans claim.
Running around shooting your enemies with Nerf guns is fun, but in no way educational. I'm all for doing everything possible to get Nerf guns back, but let's stick to the truth.
I am aware that more than 20 other universities allow variations of "Humans vs. Zombies" to be played on their campuses as well as in three other countries, and that the University has one of the most organized branches in the game's history.
However, I am also aware that we live in a hypersensitive society, and that guns of any kind are frowned upon in public places.
BG Undead and its many fans must realize the type of world we live in today.
Tragedies at Columbine, Virginia Tech and, most recently, Northern Illinois have created more fear for everyone than ever before.
It wouldn't take much for someone to think it would be funny to use a paintball gun or gun with rubber bullets against their Zombie attackers, whether it's in the rules or not.
I'm not saying this is going to happen, but from the University's perspective sometimes you have to protect the many from the few. All it takes is one idiot to ruin it for everyone else.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Anonymous
posted 4/02/08 @ 11:42 AM EST
Emotionless and mindless: We should submit for the common good..........THE COMMON GOOD!!
matthew koogler
posted 4/03/08 @ 3:37 PM EST
If the university feels it needs to protect itself from kids with Nerf Guns, maybe it should take a page from any of those other 20 Universities? God knows it could take a page from just about ANY other university in terms of student relations lately. (Continued…)
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