Operation Jungle Red
By: Megan Grossi
This week, as a way to spark conversation about acts of violence around the country, Salem State University will be hosting a series of events supporting Operation Jungle Red. This organization began back in 2008 by Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in memoriam of the Virginia Tech shooting. The founders originally intended to spread awareness of acts of violence committed by men, and how social constructs can push men down an aggressive path that is deemed “masculine.” Within the past few years the group has included in its discussion acts of violence committed against women and how to prevent domestic violence.
Operation Jungle Red tackles subjects that would more likely be discussed in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but Salem State, and specifically staff members of Residence Life, are raising awareness this week due to Valentine’s Day. February is seen as the month of love, and the best way to spread the love is by spreading opposition to acts of violence. Because this was originally an organization for men, showing them how to not act out of violence without compromising their masculinity, Operation Jungle Red also challenges gender norms. And so, to show your support this week, on top of taking a pledge against domestic violence, paint your pinky nail red as well. Let it chip and fall off on its own, and in the meantime keep the conversation going about what your red pinky means.
There will be different things going on all around campus in honor of Operation Jungle Red. Every day this week at lunch time somebody will be tabling in Marsh dining, discussing how you can ask for consent; Wednesday at Starbucks there will be an open mic night called Sex on the Mic at 9pm; Friday afternoon in Atlantic Hall a guided discussion will be held on {Re}Defining Masculinity; and on Friday night a 21+ Jungle Red Party will be held in Bates Hall. On Tuesday, Valentine’s Day, everybody will be encouraged to “Enjoy Your Consensual Date” and treat either your partner or your date for the evening respectfully. Take the pledge, paint your pinky, engage in the discussions, and spread unity across campus. And remember: asking for consent and standing up against violence is not a week-long endeavor.
Pass the message on and keep the conversations going.