"Sex Signals" send cleans message

Last week, the presentation “Sex Signals” was given in the main auditorium of the Alexander Fine Arts Center. Students gathered together in the auditorium (including University 100 students that were required to attend) to hear the message of sexual consent and learning the meaning behind body language.

Before the event began, students were warned that the show did not mince words, and that they would talk about acts of a violent nature in explicit detail, and that those uncomfortable with hearing such words would be allowed to leave at any time.

The presentation began, and the hosts opened, as is often the case with such frank talks, with a joke. The jokes continued into the first skit. Through these demonstrative skits, the presenters showed just how easy it is to misinterpret body language and how signals are often missed which leads to heartache, trouble, and an awkward situation for all parties involved.

The audience appeared to be receptive to this message. Indeed, the hosts continually had to tell the audience to focus back on them as they talked among themselves about the jokes and about the message that the presenters were saying.

Following the skit, they called into question the terms we use for sex, and why they often sound like the things one does in yardwork. They followed this up with another skit that attempted to show how stereotypes such as “acting like a lady” and “being a macho man” can cause more harm than good.

Once again, the audience went wild. They were whooping and hollering and practically hanging from the rafters.

The next thing discussed was the topic of sex without consent. You could hear a pin drop at the mere mention of the word. A tension filled the room where there was mirth merely moments ago. They began a skit about whether or not a man had raped a woman.

During the entire performance, many people became uncomfortable and left. The event itself seems to coincide with a major anti-rape push from the administration that has been going on since the be- ginning of the year.

When asked whether or not it was the victim’s fault, many people argued emphatically that if they had acted in a different way that it could have been prevented. It would appear that people are deeply divided on this issue.

However, as they explained how it was the rapist’s fault and that people often blame the victim, those that did not storm out in anger seemed to have their perspectives changed. The idea of gender equality was also addressed. They were very clear that men are raped, just like women, and that sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender.

They continued on by saying that while all of the things we tell each other are great precautionary tactics against rape, they do not alleviate the

risk all-together. Instead, they said that our efforts should be focused on helping one another and looking for the signs that some might be potentially be taken advantage of. Minds were changed during the per- formance, and many seemed anxious to make a change for the better all across campus.

Despite a few hurt feelings, the message was effectively given out. A t-shirt was given out with a picture of “Blocktopus, the world’s greatest cock block” to encourage people to prevent sex without consent.

Anyone that is interested in owning a t-shirt of Blocktopus just needs to go to Sex Signal’s official website, like their Facebook page, and send them a message. Eventually, they will respond, and the t-shirt can be all yours.