Editorial: "Girls Gone Wild" is expected side effect

The college experience is an ill-defined period that most American youths go through for at least a little while, a mythical rumspringa where they explore their own definitions of religion, freedom, education and sexuality while working hard towards becoming competent and exceptional in their chosen vocations.

Of course, beer pong and frat parties are as intrinsic to the general perception of college as study sessions. Any time a population of young, energentic people are given more responsibility and freedom than they've ever had before, questionable decisions will be made. But one of the most important aspects of the college experience is the relative cushion it gives to young men and women who need to develop into fully-functioning adults. College students must learn from their mistakes, not be insulated from them.

The fact that "Girls Gone Wild" came to Commerce is not one that A&M-Commerce and Commerce city leaders and were very happy with, which is understandable, considering that the company profits by objectifying women. Sororities forbade their members from attending, some going as far as to cover the signs outside of their housing to further dissuage any visits from "Girls Gone Wild."

But as A&M-Commerce seeks to grow in attendence and prestige, the city of Commerce must come to grips with what it is: a college town whose entire economic structure is based on the bank accounts of students. With every textbook purchase, Big Mac and improved road, A&M-Commerce students build into the local economy, whether they're aware of it or not.

You can't have good without the bad, if you want to call it that. "Girls Gone Wild" coming to Commerce is merely a sign that the university is expanding it's overall influence. It was held at a local bar whose clientele are, as a majority, not going to be offended by "Girls Gone Wild". Hate it or love it Commerce, the university is here to stay, and "Girls Gone Wild" is merely a side effect in a long list of benefits.