2008 Woodie Awards
Be smart:Plan to protect yourself
MARC WHITAKER
Guest Opinion
Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
We’ve all heard the warnings and cautions about walking the greenbelt alone, especially after dark, and we all know the reasons.
By now, we can all probably recite the warnings by heart.
Even so, this does not stop some from traversing this most dangerous of roads.
A few years ago, I tried organizing a women’s self defense club that was free of charge to any woman who felt it prudent to prepare for an attack before it happened (while optimistically hoping that it never does).
That attempt failed miserably, and was even curtly dismissed by the Women’s Center.
I am frustrated to see women walking the greenbelt in terror, only to have that terror retreat once she arrives on campus or at her car.
I know that somewhere in the back of her mind terror lurks, waiting to come out the next time she is alone.
The time of day is irrelevant; if conditions are just right, anyone can be attacked, so it is of utmost importance to be prepared at all times.
I can’t understand why some people refuse to plan ahead and prepare for the possibility that something just may happen.
That’s what going to college is all about, isn’t it? We’re preparing for the future, we’re planning ahead.
I don’t mean to scare anyone, but what good will all this preparation do if you’ve failed to prepare yourself against physical assault, against rape, and against murder?
Usually, a beating or rape won’t prevent someone from living an otherwise healthy and productive life, but murder might just put a damper on most of your other plans.
I’ll be the first to admit, random rape/murder cases are rare in Boise, but in the spirit of looking ahead, are we all going to stay in Boise for the rest of our lives?
Even so, we must realize that Boise is growing; people from larger, more violent communities are moving in, and it’s only a matter of time before the crime they are fleeing follows them.
No, instead of living in fear, I would choose to do something about it. I would rather set my own terms, than to be gripped by terror whenever I am alone at night.
There are several clubs on campus that offer instruction in some level of self defense; some better than others. At the request of a few friends, I have again launched an attempt at teaching a defense-based Seiryu Karate Club free on campus that is open to and welcomes men and women alike; students, staff and faculty, regardless of previous experience level.
Join a club that will teach you how to defend yourself.
There are many offered on campus; shop around, find one you like.
I promise you, as an instructor of the martial arts, that you will see an increase in your self-confidence and that the fear of being attacked that hides in the back of your mind will decrease in proportion – you will feel safer than ever.
Marc Whitaker is the owner and head instructor at Blue Dragon Martial Arts and a Boise State student.
By now, we can all probably recite the warnings by heart.
Even so, this does not stop some from traversing this most dangerous of roads.
A few years ago, I tried organizing a women’s self defense club that was free of charge to any woman who felt it prudent to prepare for an attack before it happened (while optimistically hoping that it never does).
That attempt failed miserably, and was even curtly dismissed by the Women’s Center.
I am frustrated to see women walking the greenbelt in terror, only to have that terror retreat once she arrives on campus or at her car.
I know that somewhere in the back of her mind terror lurks, waiting to come out the next time she is alone.
The time of day is irrelevant; if conditions are just right, anyone can be attacked, so it is of utmost importance to be prepared at all times.
I can’t understand why some people refuse to plan ahead and prepare for the possibility that something just may happen.
That’s what going to college is all about, isn’t it? We’re preparing for the future, we’re planning ahead.
I don’t mean to scare anyone, but what good will all this preparation do if you’ve failed to prepare yourself against physical assault, against rape, and against murder?
Usually, a beating or rape won’t prevent someone from living an otherwise healthy and productive life, but murder might just put a damper on most of your other plans.
I’ll be the first to admit, random rape/murder cases are rare in Boise, but in the spirit of looking ahead, are we all going to stay in Boise for the rest of our lives?
Even so, we must realize that Boise is growing; people from larger, more violent communities are moving in, and it’s only a matter of time before the crime they are fleeing follows them.
No, instead of living in fear, I would choose to do something about it. I would rather set my own terms, than to be gripped by terror whenever I am alone at night.
There are several clubs on campus that offer instruction in some level of self defense; some better than others. At the request of a few friends, I have again launched an attempt at teaching a defense-based Seiryu Karate Club free on campus that is open to and welcomes men and women alike; students, staff and faculty, regardless of previous experience level.
Join a club that will teach you how to defend yourself.
There are many offered on campus; shop around, find one you like.
I promise you, as an instructor of the martial arts, that you will see an increase in your self-confidence and that the fear of being attacked that hides in the back of your mind will decrease in proportion – you will feel safer than ever.
Marc Whitaker is the owner and head instructor at Blue Dragon Martial Arts and a Boise State student.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
ellen count
posted 3/30/07 @ 9:53 PM MST
Perhaps women Boise students are over-confident because few incidents have occurred? Interested in their responses!
--Ellen, in New York City, where young women also tend to feel invincible. (Continued…)
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