A Home for the Homeless

Needless to say, I was entertained this afternoon. It is ironic that my last post discussed the homeless, because unknowingly, today my post is about supporting the homeless!

It's Shack-a-Thon time! I knew today would be a great day to be a spectator, and it sure didn't disappoint!

The sound barrier was definitely broken, there was hammering and screaming coming from every direction. However, it was the things that were said that kept me laughing.

Shack-a-Thon raises money for Habitat for Humanity, and Habitat raises money to build houses for the homeless. Perhaps I am being pompous, but I thought that this was common knowledge for many OU students. Apparently not all who raise money know what it is for.

I sat next to one shack for an extended period of time for one reason, and one reason only, the girl assigned to collect the money.

At this particular shack there was a group of guys, and just one girl, but boy did she make her presense known. As people passed her, it was her job to try and get them to donate money. I heard such things as:

"Help feed the poor people!" -----The money doesn't go towards feeding poor people. I thought maybe she was just trying to be sly and see if she could get people to scrap a few pennies... but then she continued.

"It's for the poor... and they need stuff."

This, and other rediculous remarks (that will be left unsaid because of repetitiousness) is when it became apparent that she had no clue what she was raising money for.

She would turn around and flirt with the boys around her occassionally. She made jokes about selling her body for the money, then eventually started advertising it.

Turning and looking at a group of boys passing on the sidewalk, "I'll give you a kiss if you want one!" Then she shoved the jar towards them.

Then she would turn to a girl, "I'll give you a kiss too!"

Then a boy from her group giggled, she turned around and screamed "Shut up!" and returned to her propositions.

I'm not sure what this is supposed to say about the philanthropic deeds at OU, or those who participate in events like these, but I was disappointed with what I saw.

Other groups were very inventive in getting people to donate. My favorite was the group of students at the end. There was a saxaphone player and they were all singing and dancing. They seemed so happy to be there. I saw several people walk up and donate to them.

I heard several cheers from other groups promoting the organization. However, I couldn't get that one girl out of my head.

I know I am being a little bit harsh and mellow dramatic, but really? This is an event to give to people in need. This isn't just a Greek competition.

What message are you trying to send to the world? I was embarrassed, I knew that someone would look at her and hear what she sad and say. "You know, just another sorority girl. Acting slutty, without a clue of what she is really doing."

Which is not true! I decided to walk away from the sceen I was witnessing. What I found is over a dozen other organizations not acting like idiots.

The message I am trying to send is this. People can see you at the Oval, they do listen. That is why I started this blog. Because I wanted to see what people would do knowing they were being watched.

I was amazed to find that some people would want to flaunt ignorance. Also, that they would want to do that while attached to several organizations.

SHOUT OUTS!

*The girl riding a scooter, that is just legit!

*The shack that put a bathroom, including a toilet, in their little hut!

*The people who were legitimately excited about doing something good.

*The people that donated money.

*The people who avoided the area all together and went out of their way to walk around the area where all the shacks were, I know how you feel.