Adam

Wanna hear a joke? An outspoken “religious” figure walks on to the T. Anne Cleary Walkway… and a lot of people freak out. You probably saw the mob surrounding the boisterous figure for several days last week. I can’t blame anyone who decided to lend him an ear: I’d probably pay attention to you if you were damning me to hell.

Turns out Jedi mind tricks aren’t only for the movies.

What makes this certain individual not only draw a crowd, but stir such crazy emotion? Stop to listen, and not only will you experience extreme religious claims, but you’ll get to see girls making out, students holding signs and hear some pretty ferocious remarks belted by those passing by. It’s like he can use Jedi (see what I did there? Play on his name) mind tricks, and it’s amazing how belligerent people will become in an attempt to change the mind of one individual.

Why?

Go to his website, and you’ll see he has a schedule of campuses he plans on visiting. He’s going everywhere! It’s almost like he goes on tour, like rock bands do. He’s essentially a celebrity, and has created quite the hype through his outrageous ideals. We see this often, from Stephen Colbert’s character on The Colbert Report to Lady Gaga’s ridiculous meat outfit drawing huge media attention. Sensationalism pulls the crowd. And he’s really mastered his character. No matter what you try, he’s not going to break.

So what’s the solution?

Well, unless you plan on stopping by for a laugh at other students, the best way to make a statement against this certain “Brother” is to keep walking. Don’t give him the time of day. You’ll do yourself a giant favor, and take away the stuff that allows him to keep doing what he’s doing: Attention.

He’s just flexing freedom of speech, and by getting just as ridiculous in protest, you’re stooping to his level, and raising your blood pressure for no reason.

-Adam