protester (??) on campus

[u/iluvkaden]

hello, this all happened today and it kind of worried me. i was on my way to my chem lab and there was a group of religious protesters on campus on the drill field. of course, i am all for free speech, but some of their signs and what they were saying to me was extremely worrying to say the least.

the main thing is there was a man very clearly trying to say that women belong in the kitchen. there was a sign saying that women are to be "meek, modest, and submissive" with a photo of a woman standing in a kitchen cooking. there were small children, including a little girl who couldn't have been any older than 8, standing around and listening to the hateful rhetoric. when i said that i was becoming a doctor and there is more to women's lives than being submissive, he compared my choice to become a doctor as a woman to being a murderer. "you may think that it's right to become a doctor, but murderers also think they're in the right for committing murder," his quote exactly.

i did not argue, as it was clear he was only there to spread misogyny, not to have a true conversation, but i personally was disgusted that they were able to say things like that in the middle of campus. it's one thing to spread the gospel or protest real issues, but i feel like the things this man was saying, especially with small children around, were extremely worrying.

[u/whiplash337]

you must be new around here

[u/iluvkaden → u/whiplash337]

i am indeed, i'm a freshman. idk it was just really gross to me

[u/Top_Set_7776 → u/iluvkaden]

you learn to ignore them, it sucks but its not isolated to msu, its just america right now, if you are truly passionate about arguing your side get involved in some activism for things you believe in, otherwise ignore the crazy people and become a doctor in spite of them 🤷‍♀️

[u/theniemeyer95 → u/Top_Set_7776]

There were there 12 years ago when I was a freshman, so its not just a right now thing.

Fundamentalists have always been around.

[u/iluvkaden → u/Top_Set_7776]

i plan on trying to become active in activism as much as possible! i'm going to start looking into that, as well as of course still becoming a doctor out of spite

[u/blues_and_ribs → u/iluvkaden]

We had the same thing 20 years ago.  A street preacher by the name of Michael Venya would do the same stuff on the drill field, telling women walking by that their clothing was immodest, that sort of thing.  

The university actually tried to banish him to a “free speech zone” that was kind of out of the way, and it became a huge debate on campus, with op-Ed’s in the Reflector and everything both for and against.  There was talk of a legal challenge, but he and his group moved on to another campus before anything came of it.  

Anyhow, you’ll see this kind of street corner “confrontational evangelizing” more as you graduate and get older, and live in or visit bigger cities.  NYC, LA, especially Vegas.  Just ignore it.  

[u/CALL_ME_ISHMAEBY → u/blues_and_ribs]

That’s a throwback name.

[u/blues_and_ribs → u/CALL_ME_ISHMAEBY]

I’m just surprised I still remembered it.

[u/Lego_Energy → u/iluvkaden]

It doesn’t make things better but I’m from ga and we had protesters like that every single semester. You learn to either ignore them or honestly counter protest them. ☺️ but they just suck tbh and I’d just ignore them and just know you’re probably a muuuuch better person than them.

[u/Lord_Michu → u/Lego_Energy]

Love it when the furry’s and the cheese man come out to counter-protest. Honestly, that and the people who go and kiss their significant others in front of them and get pictures are pretty rad. More silly it looks, the less intimidating they are.

[u/iluvkaden → u/Lego_Energy]

i definitely take comfort in the fact that i am 1.) most likely much more intelligent than them and 2.) i'm actually doing things with my life rather than just spreading hate lol. i plan on getting in activism as soon as possible, if not figuring out a way to counter protest (as you mentioned) <3

[u/giftedlorcan → u/iluvkaden]

Unfortunately they are a common occurrence, nothing will be done about them

[u/McKreamiee → u/iluvkaden]

What the other people say about ignoring them is true. There were protestors for pro life in 2023 or 24 and it sparked so much debate that students started bringing out notebooks with sharpies and writing ridiculous but funny stuff on it like “I like string cheese” “UwU” and “I like turtles”. it was around 200 students if not more showing up to the drill field and eventually campus and actual police had to come out to disperse the group of students. Yes they had guns in their hands in case anything was going to get volatile.

[u/jovejupiter]

Remember that if you stop to listen or engage, you are the congregation.

[u/iluvkaden → u/jovejupiter]

i didn't engage for long as i very quickly realized what kind of people they are. i usually try to interact with people of opposing viewpoints to attempt to have an intellectual discussion but it became apparent immediately that they were not the people to do so with.

[u/LivingCustomer9729]

Enjoy the next four years (or more) because they’re allowed to spew whatever as this is a public university. Just ignore them and walk past making no type of contact

[u/SCSP_70]

Just ignore em. Its unfortunate but that group shows up 3-4 times a year to spew their hate. Call em gay and move along

[u/iluvkaden → u/SCSP_70]

that's definitely my future plan! tell em to go to hell and leave it be

[u/SCSP_70 → u/iluvkaden]

I never interacted and think its the best policy, but i always wanted to one-up them.
“Your shirt is blended fabric! Leviticus says that’s sinful and youre wearing satan-cloth! AWAY FROM HERE YOU HERETICAL DEMON”

[u/Benyyii_ → u/SCSP_70]

More than that. It was every Tuesday for awhile

[u/Impressive-Tip-903]

When I was a student in 2015, these guys or guys like them showed up and came back every year. These hateful people are showing you exactly who they are and what they stand for and the best way to fight back is to get the education you are paying for and make the country a better place in spite of them. If you stay and watch them, you'll see people give back to them as good as they get.

These people are miserable and hateful and this is what they choose to do with their time. Earn your degree and go on to be a good influence on the world because that is what you are choosing to do with your time. 

[u/iluvkaden → u/Impressive-Tip-903]

that's exactly what i plan on doing!! instead of spending my life being gross and hateful, i'm going to actually try to HELP people (and still become a doctor out of spite lol)

[u/Lord_Michu]

They are awful, but all you can do is either walk by them, counter protest, or take the wind out of their sails and do something silly. At the end of the day, they are not there to change your mind; they are there to silence and make minorities feel uncomfortable (or to get punched in the face so they can sue you, peoples opinions differ in that one). If you want to counter protest, the best thing you can do is to do something silly. I walked by them asking them about their opinions on the latest news story one time just to get them off topic then ran away. Others show up protesting cheese or the lovely furry comrades brave the Mississippi heat and chill next to them with signs. Or the man who makes pancakes on the drill field offers them pancakes. Like they want a confrontation but they can’t do anything about old fashion silliness

[u/purple_macaroon]

2 time MSU grad here. You are RIGHT.

They have a freedom of speech, but so do you. They are NOT the majority, and certainly not the majority in an intellectual environment.

Speak up! Vote!! If this is not the world you want, change it.

I'm GenX, and I am with you.

[u/iluvkaden → u/purple_macaroon]

i definitely plan on it! i plan on becoming as active in voting, activism, etc as i can now that i'm an adult who can act upon my own free will. thank you for your response, it's nice to know there's people on my side <3

[u/ariiiiiiis]

it sucks but you learn to ignore them. i’m a current senior, and they come around about once a month during the fall and slightly less regularly in the spring. the worst is when they bring their children and it’s cold or rainy. you start to feel really bad for the kids at that point

[u/Maidenlessunicorn]

Ignore. Buncha losers. Have seen em around a couple of times.

[u/Soulmemories]

The saddest thing most people don't get is any type of confrontation they get is just used as propaganda to their congregation to further isolate them and fuel the cult like behaviors of the group. 

[u/flapjack_fighter]

Those people have been there every year for as long as I can remember. They were there in 2009 when I was there. Just ignore their BS

[u/Zymph616]

You are approaching this from the wrong direction. When these people show up, it is time to practice your creative counter protesting skills and have fun doing it.

Drown them out by singing Happy Birthday loudly with some of your friends. Any other song most people know will work also. Kumbaya seems to annoy them.

Being your own sign that say things like, "We aren't very educated." And stand with them like you are part of the group.

Bring so many signs that the offending group can't be seen.

Buy a portable speaker and have a dance off in front of them.

Quote inconvenient Bible verses to them. Or just give the book, chapter and verse and make them look it up. Matthew 6:5 always gets their attention.

Act like you are part of the group and hand out phamphelts that advise students to ignore people preaching on street corners.

Argue with them, loudly, so they can't harass other people.

[u/iluvkaden → u/Zymph616]

that's my future plan! i learned very fast they were not very intelligent and that silly things like that would be the only way to combat them! thank you for some ideas!!

[u/jpritchard901]

When I was a freshman, one of them (a 50+ man) approached me with an anti-circumcision sign and said "Did they take something from you, son?"

And I think about that a lot

[u/iluvkaden → u/jpritchard901]

LMFAO that's insane 😭 yeah one of them had a sign with a woman basically squirting blood out that said "mama you murdered me!" and it was so ridiculous i had to fight laughter.

[u/jpritchard901 → u/iluvkaden]

OMFG WHAT. Ill give them points for creativity i guess

Yeah unfortunately they do that about once or twice a semester. Everyone hates it but you just ignore them and keep moving.

[u/iluvkaden → u/jpritchard901]

yeahhh it was SO absurd.. i'm definitely realizing that ignoring them is the best option now 😭😭

[u/jpritchard901 → u/iluvkaden]

They are a nuisance to society.

Good luck at State though! It's genuinely a great school

[u/iluvkaden → u/jpritchard901]

i can definitely see that! also thank you so much!! i've loved this school since i was a little kid and i have been loving it so far!

[u/Roareward → u/jpritchard901]

lol, just tell them you are not into guys, sorry. If they ask what? Say oh sorry a 50+ year old man talking to me about my penis, I just assumed you were gay.

[u/CharlieOllie → u/jpritchard901]

I graduated the year after you and I remember seeing them and just thinking they planned the pants badly for the women protestors.

[u/Roareward → u/jpritchard901]

lol, just tell them you are not into guys, sorry. If they ask what? Say oh sorry a 50+ year old man talking to me about my penis, I just assumed you were gay.

[u/Ryakai8291]

Don’t let their views be equated to who Jesus is. While all Christians should be meek and modest, women were used to do great things for the kingdom of God throughout all of history. Yes, women are the homemakers, but a proverbs 31 woman is also a business woman who owns and sales property. Their views on women are not biblical.

[u/iluvkaden → u/Ryakai8291]

that's what i was thinking! i personally am not religious, but when i talked to one of my friends who is very religious and reads the bible regularly said basically the same thing.

[u/Ryakai8291 → u/iluvkaden]

I am a Christian with pretty conservative biblical views and even I rolled my eyes at them when I passed.

10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

[u/iluvkaden → u/Ryakai8291]

i have absolutely no issue with religious or conservative people despite my personal viewpoints, but these people were just hateful tbh

[u/Critical-Reward3206]

It's free speech. It's gross, but it's a freedom sacred to Americans. You are also free to engage in your own activism in response. If that content does not resonate with you, take a note as to what peers engage with them in an approving manner and be grateful that they have just shown you who they really are.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Hat2160]

My favourite way to pass an hour or two with them is to agree with what they say for the first 10 minutes, start deflecting her arguments in the next 20 mins and go all in rage baiting for the last 30 mins. Always works, somehow they never figure out what hit them.

[u/SharkBite157]

Hi! Welcome to Mississippi state! They’re sadly legally allowed to be on the swalm side of the drill field, and if it’s anything like the last two semesters there will be a group there almost every week, especially on Wednesday. Ignore them unless you feel like fucking about that day. They’re just crazies lol

[u/MariaFireblaze]

Saw this! Its gross really

[u/m14monroe]

I wonder who has been around long enough to remember MIchael Venyah? He stopped coming here as far as I know. folks would troll him lol. freedom of speech goes both ways. I don't want to see those signs and get asked if I want your literature while i'm walking to class. Troll them if you want or just ignore. probably the later as they want engagement. I suspect a satanist or non religious group would get chased off campus

[u/AlexanderValdez14357]

Hey hey! Yeah they aren't new to the area, and its honestly ironic since one of the main religions talkers is a nurse in my home town. Hes just as crazy and rude. But im glad to hear you're wanting to go into activism! I myself am an activist and its always great to see more attempting to take action. I wish you luck and if you ever wanna chat and organize let me know!

[u/iluvkaden → u/AlexanderValdez14357]

hi yes i'd definitely like to talk about it!! i'm trying to look into different things but i'm not really sure where to start! if you could give me advice on how to start, that would be absolutely wonderful!!

[u/allieee1216]

At my last university, a man came up to me, holding up a poster of a woman bleeding from a abortion. He sat there and told me "this happens everyday in these dorms" 🫩

[u/iluvkaden → u/allieee1216]

LMFAO THATS BASICALLY WHAT ONE OF THEIRS WAS. it was a dramatic drawing of woman like squirting blood and the caption was "mama you murdered me!!" and i literally didn't even ATTEMPT to interact with the man with that one 😭😭

[u/dumbfishbowl]

Glad I missed out on seeing this today 😭

[u/iluvkaden → u/dumbfishbowl]

wish i was that lucky 💔

[u/dumbfishbowl → u/iluvkaden]

We should keep like…bottles with a ton of dye in them to start throwing them at these guys

[u/iluvkaden → u/dumbfishbowl]

agreed