Recently, there has been great debate over the editorial columns which have addressed the subject of bar etiquette. More specifically, I would like to enlighten some of the men on this campus who insist that ‘grinding’ on a girl at a bar is a sign of endearment. This is not just another attempt to bash males, on the contrary, men should consider this the inside scoop or piece of advice – to improve their accosting tactics. Several outraged members of the opposite sex have sent letters to the Lantern insisting that ‘grinding’ is acceptable. Some say women should be flattered. This statement absolutely baffles me. You mean to actually suggest that females should be flattered that a guy was able to muster up the courage to stroke them with his genitals? That is absurd. It takes no strength to mosey up behind someone. Tip: Try approaching from the front so we can actually see how charming you are. Yet others propose avoiding harassment by bringing along a date. You’ve got to be kidding! My response to these morons… Tip: Bring along some saltpeter to help ease your tension. Some males will even tell you that it takes a lot of ‘kahones’ to approach a girl and that this practice takes time to perfect. What a shame that so many misdirected males are focusing all their energy in such an unconstructive way. Tip: try practicing conversation techniques, or being yourself instead ( way bigger turn-on.) Besides, why psych yourself out when the majority of the time you are just setting yourself up for rejection? When girls dance away from you they are not playing hard-to-get.It is not difficult to see how some men could be confused. There are definitely mixed-signals out there when you combine alcohol and hormones. I also realize that some women (either due to lack of morality or self-esteem) perpetuate this form of dance. Dancing is absolutely my favorite thing to do and I appreciate all forms of personal expression. However, ‘grinding’ expresses nothing more than ones desperation to fulfill certain needs. It should be saved for Cinemax Afterdark or the Motel 6. And frankly, you look like trash. It takes very little brain to attach yourself onto the backside of another – amphibians, reptiles instinctively do it all the time. Now, of course I also realize that all the fine, decent, upstanding men on this campus are getting a bad wrap. Like the saying goes: ‘One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.’ It is unfortunate that a few Neanderthals have gotten so much publicity. That is why I have chosen to reach-out to those poor souls who simply aren’t creative enough to find an alternative means of approach. Many of you men who are guilty of such action could meet women just as easily – if not better – by losing the ‘grind.’ It is an ineffective means of communication and says nothing more to a woman than ‘I’m bar slime.’Tip: By switching from the ambush tactics, men will find that not only will women be more receptive, but the quality of women you attract will improve as well. Not all hope is lost for those of you who are ready to make the change.
Richelle Taylor is a senior majoring in journalism from Beavercreek, Ohio. She is eager to publish her how-to book for men willing to ‘make the change.’
