The nightlife is a dangerous scene especially for young females who are not fully aware of the peril that arises. Even more unfortunate however, are the young women who are well versed with these dangers on a personal level. Unsuspecting women are followed to their cars parked streets away from any kind of help. Late night workers take a risk every time they cross the seemingly deserted parking lot. These days, it is damn near impossible to meet a relatively normal man, let alone rely on the kindness of strangers. But what can we do? It is illegal to carry any kind of protection inside the bars of Massachusetts and it is not always plausible to be accompanied to your vehicle, or to be out with another. Therefore, certified individuals should be able to carry concealed weapons in public for their own safety. Now I’m not saying to give every want- to-be gun slinging cowboy a loaded gun, I’m specifically referencing those who are able, who have the proper certification.
Those same qualified people should be able to have their protection (in this case pepper spray) on campus as well. While a campus police escort is available to those who desire it for the evening hours, it would save their time if students did not feel the need to call. The dimly lit street lights barely illuminate the curbside, how can we feel safe making the hike down to the Maple lots when we must trust fate to guide our blinded steps? Simply having the comfort of physical protection would provide the necessary security.
While I agree that women should be able to carry pepper spray in their purse on campus, I think you take it a little too far by proposing "certified individuals" to be allowed to carry concealed weapons. Firstly, who are "certified individuals? What constitutes one? is it all women? Could it include gay men? straight men? is there an age limit?
ReplyDeleteSecondly, you say it is illiegal to carry any kind of protection into bars in Massachusetts, but would we really want people, even if they are "cerified individuals" bringing a weapon, like a gun, into a bar? imagine if that person has one too many and gets in a fight. There are too many risks.
I do agree with your logic that women should protect themseles when alone at night. I would suggest every woman to have a rape whistle on their keychains, and if pepper spray were allowed, one of those also.
Pink, don't be obtuse. "Certified" means licensed to carry concealed weapons.
ReplyDeleteAs to your rape whistle idea: there have been studies that show that people are more likely to respond to a woman screaming "fire" than to respond to a woman screaming "rape." How many people would actually respond to a "rape whistle?"
Third, in response to your person getting drunk and shooting argument. What if a person has one too many drinks and starts using glass liquor bottles... there are too many risks! We should just ban bars all together! Or the ever present risk of someone using a bar stool to attack someone...
Finally, in Massachusetts you need to have a license to carry in order to carry pepper spray.
Anonymous, thank you for the clarification of "certified." I guess I made the mistake of believing that it was a commonly used term.
ReplyDelete