But what does that matter? It matters when people are wishy washy, are one facade after another. Just pick one. If you're consistently a jackass, whatever. House finds it appealing, and maybe you will, too. If you're a vegetarian, don't eat fish; it's cheating. I hate whenever people pull this shit, and I really dislike when faceless groups do because we all know it's easier to get upset at an idea than any individual. I dunno; maybe it's a shred of human compassion that we all allegedly have that prevents us from complete and utter apathy, total cultural cannibalism, and electing Rudy Giuliani as president.
But onto the bullshit!
Facebook & Employers
Alright, if they can't read our mail or ask us to list where we go after 5pm each day or what movies you rent at Blockbuster or any other insanely personal things, why should they even consider Facebook or Myspace? Yes, I get it. If Sally B. Dumbass chooses to post pictures of herself drunk on the internet, clearly she doesn't care who sees them, and I suppose the issue is intent. If you're simply moving Facebook to Facebook scanning about, I really don't care what you stumble upon. If you own a business or are an employer and choose to let someone's recreational (and here I add legal) activities or pictures or statuses affect your decision, I think that's wrong. Recommendations are one thing, but this is another. Jokes I would tell my friends are not what I'd say at my job; shocking as it is, I do know how to exercise discretion, and so while I can post edgy things, I won't say them at work. To be sure, this is a small annoyance compared to...
UVa's Drinking & Streaking policies vs. Steam tunneling
Okay. On tours, UVa acknowledges that drinking and streaking happen and then lists all the safety precautions concerning alcohol (safe ride, Hoos Sober, RA training, etc). Also, they laugh off streaking as a cute tradition at UVa that kids just do. Conversely, steam tunneling is not acknowledged nor condoned. It is seen as flagrant trespassing and extremely dangerous (*gasp* what if they get lost!).
The Breakdown?
Drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, is illegal, and can result in personal injury. Streaking is typically not done sober, but even if it were done sober, it is illegal and can result in personal injury. Steam tunneling is done both dry and drunk, is illegal, and can result in personal injury. I'm seeing some striking similarities, so why the fuck are treated so radically different? Well, here's as far as I've surmised: because kids will be kids and drink, because it's tradition, because it's something people are familiar with and therefore are comfortable with and accept. Streaking? Well, streaking really isn't hurting anyone; they're just running a few paces and then coming back. Also, streaking is also something people are familiar with and therefore don't fear. Steam tunneling sounds scary, dirty, dark, and extremely dangerous. It's not as well spread as drinking or streaking, and so there are several misconceptions.
In my humble opinion, drinking is worse than urban exploration (steam tunneling falls cleanly into this category). Drunks are known for getting into fights, for vandalizing property, for hurting themselves. A true urban explorer leaves no trace he was there: they don't break property or even litter. They simply are there to appreciate the wonders modern architecture has lent to those willing to follow adventure and wherever curiosity may take them. Oh, and fun fact: urban exploration isn't tied to date rape--something rather infamously married to alcohol.
PS- It's rather hard to get lost in UVa's linear steam tunnels as a few kind souls have spray painted directions on the walls down there. If you're going to do anything, be smart and research before absolutely diving in head first, and have common sense. Please. The last thing the urban exploration community wants is a dumb ass breaking his leg because he didn't bring a flashlight and was slaying from a few too many rounds of beer pong and frat juice.
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