Pornography and weaponry: boys’ toys for YUSU and OTC
Our boys in York
Given the generally reserved and predominantly politically correct culture that pervades the University, I wasn’t surprised at the sheer outrage that met the York University Officer Training Corps’ decision to host a ‘German’ Social. Only weeks after Goodricke College’s ‘Stella Artois’ sports social was pulled because a certain female found it distastefully offensive, the University Officers’ Training Corps have done it again.
By dressing up as German soldiers and concentration camp victims and mock executing a prisoner in their barracks, the soldiers are merely amusing themselves distastefully, a crime that I, nor the majority of the student population, cannot honestly say I have never committed without an element of ignorant hypocrisy. I find soldiers who kill people offensive, but I’m not going to cry about it. Given the fact that the British Army’s world-wide popularity is not particularly high at the moment, however, I’d suggest that they concentrate on how to avoid being ambushed by Iraqi militants, rather than showing off the British Army’s highly efficient execution skills.
I suggest that the University of York reassess its admissions policy to ensure that fewer idiots with guns are let in. According to their Facebook group, the UOTC are the “hardest drinking and hardest fighting” people in York and the Rugby team merely exists so that “gays can get together without having to tell their dads.” Hiding your craving for man-love is always hard to keep from your dad, so maybe they have a point. But I have to question their “hardness”. I doubt the entire York contingent could even match an eight-year-old West African child soldier.
Misplaced morals
Even so, I think that the two societies ought to fight it out in Ziggy’s this Wednesday. Since violence in York has been at a shameful all-time low recently, this could create some excitement, as well as providing a necessary deterrent for any mouthy public school boys (usually recognisable by their extremely skinny public schoolboy legs) whose sheltered lives have rendered them fearless.
Rabbi-gate
The appearance of an anti-Zionist Rabbi at the University has, once again, caused much tension, since he is a figure who has been accused of Holocaust denial and views Israel as a regime that should not exist. Given that we are at university, free expression and debate is probably healthy, maybe even essential. Any attempt or desire to curb it should simply be ignored.
YUSU’s online forum is a prime example of free expression through the medium of pornography. The links vary in quality, but you’ll probably find something for just about every taste. If in doubt, email President Croker for more details. Apparently, YUSU have already performed a live show in Ziggy’s, featuring a guest appearance from the rugby team. Watch out for Part II later on this week.
Back to the 50’s
You may not be aware of this, but this week is Women’s Week. It aims to raise awareness of important women’s issues, particularly cooking and cleaning. Monday’s international cookery course will be followed by Tuesday’s ‘Good Wife Guide’. Wednesday will feature lectures highlighting the importance of bra-wearing. Skin is surprisingly stretchy, or so I’m told. Think of it as a future investment, ladies.
Pioneers of campus news
Congratulations must go to Vision this week. Their recent edition demonstrated some pioneering journalism. Not having found enough actual news to fill their four-page slot, Vision took it upon themselves to stage a radical protest. That their ‘24-hour protest’ lasted about three? Well, bless ‘em for trying.
I have a growing concern with the increasing number of vegans on campus. Very much like the environmentalist who drives everywhere, the vegan should take a step back and reassess the whole situation. If they don’t eat a particular animal, someone like me most certainly will. My teeth were designed for such activity and I’ll continue to carry it out until all animals and humans run out. Perhaps vegans should try the Central African diet and then will be able to appreciate their privileged position, one in which they can choose what to eat rather than moralising to the rest of us on the basis of eating straw and organic peas.
