The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Opinions

Not just for women

College males are not immune from being physically attacked, harmed.

Most guys don't think twice about walking home from downtown, hopping in a cab or walking through campus after sundown by themselves. You're young and in your physical prime. And, as a male, you don't have to worry about the rapist in the bushes.

We've used this space to urge women to protect themselves from sexual assault. But the same rules apply to our male readers, who run a much greater risk of being victims of armed robbery or battery.

Just last month a male student alleged that he was robbed by a taxi driver wielding a Swiss army knife.

Although the armed robbery charge against the driver was later dropped, the incident should make campus males think twice before entering a cab alone.

And then there's the sad case of Justin Gaines, an 18-year-old who mysteriously disappeared after spending an evening at a Gwinnett dance club.

Although we know very little about Gaines' activities that night, we know the story would have had a happier ending if he hadn't separated from his friends earlier in the evening.

Guys, go out, get a little buzzed and have fun. But stick with your bros, prepare a ride home in advance and don't mouth off to anybody. Even if he looks small, he may have bigger friends.

Whether you're bar-hopping on Clayton Street, on your graduation trip or wandering through downtown Jacksonville after next year's game, be safe and be smart. Because there's always going to be someone in this town who's bigger, stronger and faster than you.


- Drew Wheatley for the editorial board

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