It does seem that on occasion, you'd run into that stupid joke of a security guard who makes your "offense" out to be a lot worse than it is, as if s/he is attempting to extract the worst out of you. Sadly, I learnt that the hard way.
Today, between 11.45 am to 12.15 pm, after paying that semesterly trip to the ERU (you know what it was about), I was at FOE br 1023, derping by the pc, while simultaneously studying. All of a sudden, two of those uniform-wearing pigs storm in, ask whether I'm a lecturer or student (Huh? Since when do lecturers wear shorts, sports shoes, and t-shirts?
You don't say?) and before I know it, they went on a tirade, speaking to me angrily as if I was caught in the act of some felony, when in reality, all I was doing was using the pc, nothing more. They continued haranguing me with their bullshit gibberish, and finally, one of them actually accused me of surfing for
porn sites. (
WHAT? That is
RETARDED!) Alright, just because a webpage features female photos snapped from an angle which happens to emphasize ... specific female body parts,
THAT CONSTITUTES PORN? Aw, c'mon, it's not
MY fault that those beautiful female athletes and models have such perfectly shaped curves and notable bodies deserving of respect and acknowledgement of the male gender, whereas those two withered, shriveled pigs past their prime don't get cast more than a passing glance! Now they subject me to their moral trip, like I'm some vile, perverse sinner deserving of their god's judgement?
Left with no other option, I just got up, and prepared to leave. However, the matter didn't end there. When I strode out of the class, and was about to turn the corner to the exit of FOE, the more "morally-sound" of the two actually yelled "eeehhh!" like an uneducated pariah in an attempt to detain me like a wanted suspect. Then she demanded I hand over my Student ID to see my ID number (Oh, I see. Probably because it makes her feel like a cop of the law, dutifully clamping down hard on
PERCEIVED criminals). I did so and she scrutinized it like crazy. Then she demanded my cell phone number. Fuming, I disclosed my personal detail to her, as each number spoken felt like a stab to the gut. When I was done, I demanded to know why she had to note my particulars. She claimed that it was so that she could compile a report, and submit that, apparently resulting in me receiving a warning. So, you're basically painting on yourself an illusion of competency, at
MY expense? You taint
MY record, all because you wanted some shitty raise or bonus? Whatever happened to ethics, or regards towards a human right for a fair trial?
I was shaken by that revelation. I felt so hurt and helpless, after the incident. I was so angry, worried and tormented by the horrible encounter with two insensitive pigs. Part of me had wanted to just bolt off at the sound of the pig yelling out like a mental patient to detain me, and to ignore her, but knowing that would just compound any disciplinary repercussion against me, I had to yield to their ego-fueled demands.
Shaken and traumatized, I just mindlessly walked all the way to FOM and sank in a bench. I tried to read that Cost Accounting Principles textbook purchased earlier that day, but all I could see was red. Feeling anger is bad enough, but add helplessness to the mix, and that feeling is the worst. I was utterly furious, but I knew I there was nothing I could do. I was powerless. Then, a friend passed by and said hi. Immediately, I poured out all my feelings and despair as she listened. Luckily, she seemed to understand my pain and helplessness, citing a somewhat similar case of one of HER friends falling prey to another security guard on yet another power trip, over what was an "offense" resulting in absolutely no damage or losses to on-campus property. He too ended up receiving a warning. After she left to attend to her stuff, I hardened my resolve. I would try. I would attempt to appeal at the security unit, to somehow get my warning waived.
At 2.30 pm, I went down there, and was pointed the directions to the main security office. There, I meet a really kind and helpful lady, to whom I pleaded my case to. She contacted the security on duty in that area, to investigate. When she was done, she kindly told me to take a seat. I did so. Several minutes later, this jovial, humorous guy came in and told me to relate my case. I poured out everything to him, citing that my "offense" did not result in any damages or loss of property, and how much I feared my disciplinary record would be tarnished as a result. I also commented how students should only be subject to disciplinary actions
IF their actions truly inconvenienced or endangered others or property. He laughed at my comment, saying no true "record" would be on the student's book. Instead, for offenses resulting in fines, they would merely be barred from receiving their graduation certificates until said fines were settled. The other, he said, were police cases in which the offenders would be hauled off to the nearest police depot. For most part, I had nothing to fear about my case. He even assured me that I could contact him, should I find myself between a rock and a hard place.
I thanked them and left, feeling truly liberated. They were really kind and helpful, the lady even joking, "kasihan dia", in an affectionate tone (lol). Damn, when I heard that, I felt like I was still in the 5th grade, and not in university. Damn (lol). Anyway, I met up with a few more friends, before I attended my new class, squash, at 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm. My day somehow brightened up.
Of course, any decent person would understand that those security guards had jobs to do, and duties to uphold, but where were the tact, discretion, and respect in the course of duty? Why were they so quick to jump to conclusions? Why did they talk in an angry manner? Why did they not evaluate my actions, on whether or not it had caused damages or losses of property, instead of instantaneously branding me a "problem" student? Assuming it were true that my actions really did incur damages or losses of property, then yes, go ahead and subject me to any disciplinary action you deem befitting my crime. But in this case, would it be
THAT hard to just exercise some discretion, tell me to cease my operating that PC, and to be on my way? In any case, I wonder why those kind of people are even allowed employment as security guards. It's chilling to know that we're at the mercy of those thugs, bullies and pigs. Pigs I say, not because they're security, but because they're giving otherwise decent students a hard time. Please understand. I'm not an unreasonable or unfair person. I just feel wronged, and I want to vent my feelings.
Needless to say, though, some security guards are genuine employees who are truly committed of their duty to protect and serve, to ensure a safe learning environment. They are the ones who should be recognized, commended and promoted for their effort and commitment.
Anyone else had a similar experience of being unfairly treated at the hands of scum like that? If so, don't worry, you're not alone. Comments are welcome.
