Letters & Opinion
Creeping around
ladyvuwsp@yahoo.com
Okay, so we all have at least one. If you are lucky, depending on how you want to look at it, you have quite a few. They are always there when you least expect it, whether you want them or not. Some people, as sick as they are, are flattered by the constant presence of these people. People that I, like many, like to call…
Creepers.
Creepers do just that. You notice your creeper more often than you would ever desire.
It (I am going to refer to creepers with this pronoun because they can be of either sex) may not even be doing it on purpose. But maybe It is.
Mild – Moderate Creeper: This is the creeper that may just spend a lot of time in the same building as you, has a similar class schedule or is very sedentary. Once you notice this creeper, you notice It all the time. But you seem to be the only one who does.
*There are different ways of creeping. The accidental creeping is obviously the least you should worry about. (I am going to use a Brewhaus example here.) This is someone who just happens to frequent the Brewhaus at the same you do, every Tuesday and Thursday. You should start to worry when It orders the same thing you do because It taste-tested yours last week on accident when your orders were mixed up.
Moderate – Severe Creeper: This level of creeper may be one you should be a little bit more cognizant about. Make sure you point It out to your friends every time you see this creeper. Make sure they know what it looks like and how It creeps. Usually you notice someone creeping at this level when it has distinctive qualities.
Some people just give off that creepy vibe. It may be the way It walks or looms over people when It walks into a room. Some can be smaller, even with a hunchback, and have a tendency to sneak up behind you when you least expect it. It even may be the off-handed vernacular It uses all the time and then is the only one who laughs (or grunts, snorts, whatever). Creepers also talk to themselves a lot. Make sure you look for headphones before you make any judgment calls.
*This level is when the creeper orders your drink for you. It is ready for you when you get there. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Just because It can. Some may mistake this for a friendly gesture, but if it possesses any of the creeper qualities, beware!
Severe – ”I-am-so-calling-campus-security-on-your-ass“ Creeper: This is when you should be afraid. It is there every time you are alone. Because It knows your friends know, It scouts out when you aren’t with anybody. Until you notify authorities, make sure you have someone with you at all times. Or just think, “WWSD” (What would Steve do?). Bracelets will be available at the bookstore, Brewhaus, dining service locations and all Centertainment events very soon. (Maybe next week there will be a coupon in the paper!)
*This is the final level you should worry about as far as this scenario goes. It is when the creeper drops Its Tuesday and Thursday class just so It can work at the Brewhaus and make your drink “just the way you like it.”
There is really no way to avoid creepers, especially in a town this small, where college students frequent many of the same establishments. When you begin to feel uncomfortable is when you need to do something. Call your local authorities. If they get annoyed enough Stevens Point may have to implement the very first Creeper Control Unit. Let’s start something to improve the social realm!
I would love to take your questions! Please send them to ladyvuwsp.@yahoo.com. I will answer damn near anything!
Please note, I am not making light of stalker situations. If you ever feel threatened or in danger please notify campus Protective Services at x3456 or call 911.
