Capping Violence

Capping Week got of to a ripping start last Monday, with one of the most senseless acts of violence and destruction that I have ever witnessed. The foyer outside the Studass Office in the Union Building, became the scene of monomaniacal chaos, as one student saw fit to take out his blind anger upon the Anti-Apartheid booth. It seemed that he was quite 'distressed', as it seemed to him that its existence contravened the whole idea of Capping Week; namely, to have a good time, and fuck anyone else. His anger stemmed mainly from what he thought was an injustice; the setting up of the booth in an area which had previously contained Capping Week advertisements.

Unfortunately, he did not see fit to inquire why they were there, but decided himself that they would be moved. Thus he went to work, literally destroying the entire booth and surrounding area. Smashing beer glasses and one wooden form, he then tore down all the display, and threw pamphlet boxes to the floor, covering the area in masses of paper, glass, and beer.

He was not aware that the display had been organised for some weeks, and that the area had been booked for that display well in advance. Had he at least thought to question someone first, before acting, he might have understood. But as it was, his actions can only have alienated many other students (and visitors to the campus) from the activities of Capping Week. To those concerned, I would like to apologise on his behalf, if he will not do so, forr his senseless behaviour; and hope that in future, students will think before they act. It would have saved a lot of time and worry, not to mention the emotional upset it caused to several students.

P. Hassett