By: Grace Massara (Whetstone contributor)

 

Senior Travis Ragland says chivalry isn’t dead.

“It’s all down to how you treat a woman,” he said. “How do you treat your mom or your sister – that’s how you treat your lady, that’s chivalry.”

The Black Student Union hosted a general board meeting Oct. 17 on “cuffing seasons,” the months in fall and winter when people get into serious but temporary relationships. Cuffing figuratively refers to handcuffing, one person attached to another, mostly for sex.

“Relationship topics are common ground for everyone and easier to engage freshmen students,” said Kadijha Erskine-Michel, secretary of BSU. “Personally, I didn’t know what cuffing was and I wanted to know more about it.”

The topics discussed include chivalry, condoms and protection, and how women are perceived in society.

“Chivalry isn’t dead,” said senior Julian Borris. “Guys have it. They just don’t have the balls to go up to a girl and introduce themselves properly.”

Although none of the 40 students in attendance admitted to “cuffing,” they agreed it exists.

“A booty call is after 10:30,” said sophomore Anastasia Hannah. “That’s when people make assumptions of what’s happening.”

Junior Hawa Turay agrees.

I had first-hand experience seeing it,” she said. “My fellow’s roommate had a girl come over at night, and when she came in, he said, ‘you know why you’re here for’ and she just giggled and stayed.”

She also said she thinks girls might only have sex to satisfy the man so that the man will continue to like her.

“Girls fall into peer pressure,” she said. “Some girls just feel obligated.”

Borris said he agreed and that boys take “hooking up” differently than men.

“As you get older, I think you can just kiss,” he said. “Men can be cool about not having sex.”

Condoms and protection were also topics discussed.

“Both parties are responsible for protection,” said Cydnie Flowers. “As a woman, if a guy comes over and he says he forgot a condom, I’m like, oh, I’ve got one. If both people carry protection, then you’re always safe.”