Young adulthood in America has many defining characteristics and events. Voting? Of course. A growing sense of independence? That's included as well. Urinating on the walls of a club? Maybe not so much. But when one looks back to the events from the first Senior Pub Night on Sept. 24, the realization that Tufts seniors may not have grasped that concept arises. The various less-than-socially-acceptable actions displayed by those who attended Senior Pub Night have created doubts as to the future of the event. Two seniors unaffiliated with the Senior Class Council have created the group Senior Club Life and plan to go ahead with a Halloween club night at Ned Devine's. This new event, of course, inspires the question: Will this one be any different or is history doomed to repeat itself?
One would like to hope that the more questionable events of Senior Pub Night could merely be attributed to the novelty of the event. Seniors have waited three years to finally be able to take part in this hallowed tradition and may have gone a little overboard. The rather exorbitant prices at the club also may have encouraged people to drink more before actually leaving Tufts and to sneak in alternate sources of alcohol once they were at the club. And, of course, one also has to consider that those who were engaging in the more outrageous behavior weren't in the majority. This was not an instance of a mass riot, or a scene from a Tufts Gone Wild video. For the most part, the seniors who attended were respectful and seemed to have a good time.
Despite all the reasons and excuses, the actions displayed at Senior Pub Night must act, in words stolen from Barack Obama in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, as a call to action. When preparing for the Senior Club Night at Ned Devine's, maybe seniors should avoid that last Keystone or shot of Captain Morgan. The nips of vodka that seem like a great addition to the evening are probably better left at home. If a friend goes to urinate in a corner, maybe take them by the arm and guide them to one of the more bathroom-designated areas. So, Tufts seniors, when preparing for a night out on the town in a few weeks, put on your rabbit, cat, Mother Theresa or Spartan warrior costume and make sure that you look your best. And, before you leave your apartment, remember to check your pockets or purse and ensure that your dignity is safely tucked away in there as well.
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Paul Richards is a senior majoring in English and Community Health
