This evening, students will have a chance to simulate the life of a homeless person by building shelters out of cardboard boxes and sleeping on the ground.
Box City, sponsored by Students United to Remain Free, takes place from 6 p.m. today until 6 a.m. Saturday. The annual event's purpose is to raise donations and money from T-shirt sales for the Muncie Mission and to make students more aware of homelessness.
But students who spend 12 hours in cardboard boxes at the Noyer Bowl will have luxuries homeless people live without. Students will be provided with food and live musical entertainment. Also, after they have slept outside, the students will have the option of going inside to their real beds, warm showers and electrical appliances.
These students won't be exposed to the elements homeless people face or experience the same feelings -- they will be in the center of a controlled environment with friends and other fellow students nearby.
This event will support a good cause and raise some consciousness about homelessness. Still, it will not help the participating students understand the issues. They will not have to deal with the harsh realities of homelessness.
Instead of jumping into a cardboard box for a night and socializing with friends, students might gain more empathy for actual homeless individuals by going out and talking to them and learning more about their situation.
While the intentions of SURF are in the right place and the Muncie Mission will surely appreciate the money this event raises, students who really want to learn about homelessness might consider working a day at the mission instead of spending a night at Noyer Bowl.4420+â-Ç+â-+v+â-Çeditorial for 10/11/02DNEditorial442SORT?+â-ä2AUDT
+â-ä-»L
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
