Dear Rocco Contini,
Allow us to introduce ourselves: We are Carolyn and Emily and we are survivors of rape. We both read your open letter to OU Administrators and we’re shocked that you fail to see the true reasoning of students and administration asking the Marching 110 to not play “Blurred Lines.”
You seem to think that the problem we have is with the vulgarity of the song, but you should know that we level-headed adults are not concerned with the sexual nature of songs played by the Marching 110. We are concerned with the triggering language performed by Robin Thicke in his summer hit.
“I know you want it,” a direct quote from Thicke’s song and, coincidentally, our attackers. You mentioned that those who take issue with the song, “a small handful of people,” have the option to leave the stadium when offensive songs are being played. However, the logistics of leaving the stadium in time to prevent an episode of PTSD is next to impossible; given the crowds of people and the abundant noise created when every member of the band turns their instruments to the stands to play.
We should note that the “small handful” you speak about equates to one quarter of the female population and between three and four percent of the male population here at OU (based on national statistics).
We also feel that we should have a say in what the 110 plays, because they are partially funded with our general fee. Additionally you asked if we, the students, would stop the dance team from performing if their moves were too provocative. Our response? When the dance team uses choreography that simulates rape and forces us to remember the most terrifying moment in our lives, then yes, we will ask the administration to step in.
Imagine this, a headline on your Google news feed reading “Despite student outcry, OU 110 Marches on Blurred Lines.” We think that you, and the Marching 110, should be thankful that a handful of students stepped up and asked for the assistance of the Administration to sideline this song, and therefore preventing a major PR scandal that would tarnish the public view of the band.
We look forward to your formal letter of apology.
Go Bobcats! Get jacked!
Emily Harper and Carolyn Preston are seniors studying international business and marketing and political science, respectively.
