Desensitization of The Student Body

Laughing to keep from crying is a common motto used as a substitute or more comfortable way one can choose to manage pain. The phrase is often started by got or must, meaning you believe you have no choice but to make light of the situation to reduce the seriousness of the matter. Despite how severe, extensive, or detrimental the outcome you can find safety in humor because it is more bearable than the reality you face. Desensitization is the process of a gradual emotional and physiological reduction in sensitivity to violence, achieved through repeated exposure. 

Over the short span of two weeks, the campus has received threats of violence aimed at the student body. In response to these unfortunate circumstances’ lockdowns, campus closures, and class cancellations we’re permitted at students’ expense. Abrupt but dainty notices of danger to the campus were provided for faculty and students leaving room for not only suspense but also confusion. The intensity of security at the checkpoints seems to be progressively aimed towards actual students rather than the public. 

While the debrief for cars approaching the checkpoint is causing more havoc than protection for the landmass, regarding anyone being able to walk on instead. In response to the restrictions and empty threats, the students are frustrated. The potential threats to the campus were picked apart by the student body via social media. Campus safety is ridiculed due to a lack of information. An outpour of mixed emotions was expressed, some choosing to educate, entertain, or even dismiss the matter. Unfortunately, many believe these matters to be quite common in our community.

 As an HBCU our history reflects a multitude of violence to our wellbeing due to political, systemic, or racial motives. Sadly, it has become our norm to be targeted or even suffer from violence at the hands of our own. We engage in honest conversations, speak out against oppression, and educate ourselves on the root of the problem but it is a recurring cycle. The weight, the heaviness of our reality today can be too much to dwell on. So, therefore we laugh to keep from crying.