The use of sex toys is meant to protest the desensitization of violence and the over-condemnation of sexuality
University of Texas students protest gun laws with sex toys. Mockingly named ‘the penis protest’ by reporters and columnists, the demonstration is reactionary to a new state law, which is scheduled to enter effect on August 1, 2016.
The protest is called the Campus Dildo Carry demonstration and is meant to draw attention to alleged double standards towards public rhetoric desensitizing our perception of violence, while remaining overly concerned about everything of a sexual nature. For this reason, the students protest gun laws with sex toys.
Jessica Jin, a University of Student organizer of the event, has further argued that sex toys were chosen intentionally to highlight the ridiculous reactions from pro-gun advocates – who would otherwise not be offended, according to the students, if protesters would carry guns instead of vibrators.
Jin further states that state of Texas officials have dubious ethical perceptions by demonizing sexuality, while glorifying violence by rehashing old arguments that more guns result in fewer victims and safer people.
Texas has voted in favor of the so-called “campus carry” law which will effectively allow people with gun licenses to bring concealed firearms into college campuses. The Lone Star State has approved the law in an attempt, ironically, to curb the levels of gun violence in universities. This comes in wake of the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, which sparked nation-wide outrage and debate on the easy accessibility to firearms.
The bill itself will come into effect on the 50th anniversary of the University of Texas campus massacre, when Charles Joseph Whitman locked himself in a university tower and proceeded to gun down students below. Pro-gun advocates argue that if people are adequately equipped with weapons for self-protection, they can potentially prevent such massacres from occurring in the first place by fighting back against the perpetrator.
On the other side of the debate however, those favoring stricter gun control laws believe such arguments are insulting to the memory of those lost in tragedies like the one in Oregon. After the Umpqua Community College shooting, many political figures, including President Barack Obama, have argued for a need to reform current gun control laws.
According to the student protesters however, this argument is invalid and only creates a state of paranoia. Professors and students alike have argued that the new so-called “campus carry” law will only increase the chances of potential school shootings. One UT professor has already resigned in fears of his own safety, while 280 others have signed a petition against the law.
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