EXCLUSIVE: Student vote to ban Blurred Lines likely

Robin Thicke Image credit: Kia Clay

Exeter students will vote on whether to ban Robin Thicke’s controversial hit song, Blurred Lines, on Students’ Guild premises and in student media.

In a Democracy Committee meeting this morning, it was decided that the Guild would be creating a student vote on the topic. The minutes of the meeting explain that:

“…the ban is not because of the sexual nature of the lyrics, but because of their intensely triggering and rape-­related content…”

The ban was proposed through the Have Your Say hub by an anonymous student. The Students’ Guild is now in the process of setting up Yes and No campaigns. If there is insufficient appetite on either side of the campaign, the vote will not go ahead.

Following the training and preparation of both campaigns, voting is set to open in late October.

Five university student unions have so far banned the song: Kingston, Derby, Leeds, Edinburgh and West Scotland.

Critics have denounced the lyrics and accompanying music video as sexist and promoting the objectification of women. Some have also criticised the ‘blurred lines’ referenced in the song, claiming that they blur the lines surrounding sexual assault and rape. One notable parody of the song pointed out that: “You can’t just grab me./That’s a sex crime!”.

Thicke has dismissed this, explaining on BBC Radio 1 that, “for me it’s about blurring the lines between men and women and how much we’re the same”. In the same interview, Thicke responded to accusations of misogyny with, “I can’t even dignify that with a response, that’s ridiculous”.

James Roberts is helping to set up the Anti-Ban campaign: “We don’t believe that students should be told what they can and can’t listen to. It should be our choice – we don’t need the Guild censoring us.”

Students’ Guild President, Hannah Barton told Exeposé: “I believe anything we can do to reduce sexism and sexual violence is paramount especially if concerns are raised by students. We are a student-led organisation here to represent student views.”

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Olivia Luder, Online Editor

DebSoc begin the year with controversial pornography motion

Image credit: Exeter DebSoc

The University of Exeter Debating Society is tonight preparing for one of the biggest events in its history, with a high profile panel debating a controversial motion on pornography.

The first proposition of the year, entitled ‘This house believes pornography provides a good public service,’ will be discussed at 7pm this evening, in the Amory Moot Room. The proposition will be represented by feminist columnist Jane Fae and erotic author Zak Jane Keir. Opposing the motion will be former porn star Dr Shelley Lubben and anti-porn campaigner Tiffany Leeper. The debate has attracted national media interest and is set to be a highlight of Freshers’ Week. It will be followed by a White T-Shirt social in the Monkey Suit. Scott Pepé, President of DebSoc, explained: “We are known for holding blockbuster debates but I’m really excited about this one. We have our first all-female panel which will provide an interesting perspective. At a time when politicians can’t stop talking about porn, Exeter’s oldest society remains the best place to discuss contemporary issues.”

James Roberts, Third Year History and Politics Student, said: “DebSoc are putting on a strong performance in their first debate with excellent speakers and a controversial motion. It should be a top event for Freshers’ Week and I hope that DebSoc can maintain the high standard in their next few debates.”

Simon Dewhurst, News Team

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