Column: Wood’s Stock; Kissing shouldn’t be organized, But columnist still urges students to take plunge
On Friday, countless young men and women stood atop the ‘A’ and came together in what may easily be our university’s most time-honored tradition. Yes, the True Aggie: proud, powerful, a little naughty and, last Friday … organized?
Instead of the usual ballyhoo of chaotic brilliance, there were roped-off lines, good lighting and little stairs to make the transition easier. Stairs? What is happening to us? Where were the scrambling masses, the mob mentality, the pure, unbridled passion of star-crossed lovers? Instead of a rock concert, we got a barbershop quartet.
I didn’t even get on the ‘A.’ Don’t worry — I have before, because how are you supposed to go through the terrifying ordeal of approaching complete strangers just to wait in a line? Awkward.
“So … um … what’s your name? Cool … um … well … where you from? Cool … um … well … do you … oh, that’s it, I’m out of here.”
I remember my first True Aggie Night. It was a magical time with excitement in the air so thick you could cut it with a knife. It was like Christmas, only instead of spending time with your family, you watched other people make out. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, who are we kidding? But that’s what made it so darn special.
True Aggie Night has its critics, it always has, and that is the cornerstone of the entire experience. Other schools look at us in awe and speak in hushed tones about “those darn Aggies and their kissin.'” People come from far and wide to let their hair down and fly their freak flag on our night of nights, and we have a responsibility to keep the experience true to its heart.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking, “So what? There was a line, big deal.” You’re right, it’s not a big deal. The night was still a success and many an Aggie joined their peers in the upper-echelons of glory. The only reason I bring this up is because the whole time while I observed the goings-on, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. People still came, still kissed, still conquered and yet it was just a little off.
The True Aggie experience is a little strange. If you pause a moment to think about a horde of college students jumping on a statue to kiss each other, it’s kind of weird. Lining us up in a calm manner in a way makes it even weirder.
What if we all took a number for our turn: “Now serving number 13. You may begin kissing now,” or if we signed up for appointments. “Mr. Wood, the ‘A’ is ready for your 12:07.” Watering down True Aggie Night is like making Big Blue take out his nose ring and dress in polos and penny-loafers.
There’s nothing wrong with a little chaos, and there is no better sight than the sardine-packed mound of the student body cheering for their peers. It’s a beautiful thing. Congratulations to all the new True Aggies, and for those of you who have not yet taken the plunge: do it. What are you waiting for?
Comments can be sent to columnist Ben Wood at bcwood@cc.usu.edu.