One sunny afternoon, my two friends and I were trekking back from class through Indy-Zik route. As we got to block D in Zik, we met a group of guys on the ground floor and on the corridor eagerly awaiting the presence of their victims so that they can leisurely run their commentaries as usual which of course they did on this fateful day. At a point, one of my friends felt so uncomfortable because it became obvious that their remarks were directed at her. Calling all the available names they have in the corners of their oral outlet. Despicable, unbefitting descriptions were hurled at us. As they made progress, they roared in sinister laughter which worsened the situation we found ourselves in. For sure, we ignored them all and hastened our steps out of their sight to their distinct continuous chatter.
As we got close to the edge of the block where the inscription boldly writes; ‘Block D’ ‘Finalists’ Block’, a crooked voice from behind shouted, “sister in the middle (referring to me), why are you sad and depressed?” I turned back as I closed my eyes trying to look up the meaning of that word ‘sad’ in my cognitive dictionary. The moment I “booted”, I returned the curse in a” calm”, “attractive”, “sexy voice” which of course led to a heated argument between me and the other guys there.
Aroing, as it is called in this Campus is a way of making open commentaries about ladies. Most guys see it as an opportunity to display their male prowess regardless of the moods of the ladies in question. I honestly believe Aroing is fun when certain rules are followed, but anything done in excess will surely have its repercussion i.e the ladies could retaliate and thereby creating a scene. In the actual sense, Aroing could lead to defamation of one’s character; a typical case of slander whereby unpalatable statements are made to hurt the ladies. The way vulgar terms are used to describe women’s anatomy is a complete contradiction to an academic environment where the law of tort is taught.
Ideally, Aroing should be used to lighten up sad moods but only very few know and make good use of it. Some of us ladies often have long days and bad ones too, so the least thing we should be bothered with is the curses rained on us when we pass by. Just very few “Aroers” are good at getting a moody look off your face and replacing it with a smile. But rather, most of them have turned this route to a ‘cursing ground’.
A 100level student shared a bitter experience which she had earlier last semester when she was trying to find her way to Queens Hall from Zik/Black Market intersection. She asked the direction from two male students nearby who directed her to go through Kegites club that she would see the Hall’s signpost right behind the hut! In a similar case, a friend of mine from who resides off-campus lost her direction on her way to visit me here in Idia Hall. The similar architectural structure of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Independence halls (especially the quadrangle) put her in the junction of four similar roads. Noticing her dilemma, our honourable male colleagues instructed my friend to go further into Block B part of the hall far away from the short route beside Indy cafeteria. On the alternative to this pattern of Aroing are foul unsolicited comments on ladies’ appearance which are enough to disgust one’s mood for the whole day. Sometimes, one might just be provoked to tears!
However, Aroing is an interesting activity that is sometimes mutually enjoyed. It depends on how decent and worthy it is expressed because no self-esteemed lady would enjoy being called unbefitting names.
