What an atrocious display earlier this month at the EMU Amphitheater. There I was, just walking by, and the entire amphitheater was packed with electronic gizmos, tents and people. I’m talking about a full-on, un-avoidable, power-generator display! Moreover, there was a guy on an amplified microphone trying to get myself and others to sign up for free stuff. Also, there was hip hop music playing. I didn’t want to listen to hip hop, and I didn’t want to have to look at a large screen television and video game system. Even if I plugged my ears and looked away, I could still tell it was there. I certainly do not want little kids being exposed to this stuff.
Look, I know it is the Freedom of Speech Amphitheater and all, and I don’t think anything should be censored. I’m just wondering why the somebody didn’t send me an e-mail about this to warn me. I could have chosen another route and not had to listen to the hip hop. Maybe some people could have held big sheets up and offered me earplugs so I wouldn’t have been forced to look and listen to the display.
I really am a very open-minded person, but this just pushed me over the edge. Can’t we just leave these controversial displays private? At the very least, don’t hole up in the area dedicated to free speech and simply expect me to be tolerant. And one more thing: Would people please stop writing in chalk on the
sidewalks? I gotta walk around and live in this world. I shouldn’t be forced to have to look at anyone else’s point of view.
Erik Talbert
University alumnus