The bees are buzzing and the days are getting longer as we finally feel spring on the horizon. We trade our boots for sandals and winter coats for tank tops.
The season of allergies and sunshine is upon us. As is the infamous and sacred part of the college experience, spring break.
College students rally together anywhere from Fort Lauderdale, Cancun, Miami or the Bahamas for one week of chaos and relaxation.
However, in between the excitement, a phenomenon occurs. One where people’s relationships are seemingly at stake.
Those who got together during the middle of the fall cuffing season are now in pieces worrying if their relationship can survive the fateful spring break trip.
In the past few years, TikTok posts about spring break have put the blame for the phenomenon onto women. There is an idea that when women go on trips together they should not be trusted. This could be the case for multiple reasons.
Our society places pressure on women to dress “modestly” even during a time of severe heat, so when women decide to wear what they want they get attacked or even shamed. Who hasn’t heard an off-hand comment from a family member at the beach for their bathing suit, or dinner outfit?
People tend to feel threatened when women start to go out and wear what they want because of the fear other people might find them attractive and won’t be able to control themselves.
So is it really men who don’t trust women, or do they just not trust other men?
Another reason could have to do with online posts, even this very article. Due to the large amount of freedom people have with posting online, whether that be TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat or Twitter. When one idea expresses our fears and makes us feel validated, we tend to hold onto that idea.
In this case, the fear is of a relationship ending when a significant other leaves to go on a spring break trip. Especially when it is known that they will be surrounded by hundreds of other college students looking to have fun. Rather than to discuss their personal fears with their significant other, men take to go online and participate in discourse that bashes and shames women.
Let us remember that before spring starts, women can wear what they want and that no man owns a woman. If you feel your relationship is at stake, discuss this before posting. It’s okay to worry, but never okay to attack people online.
Tweet us, @VALLEYmag, with your thoughts on spring break dramatics.
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