My roommate invited me to attend the Concordia bachelor auction in the spring of 2008, my first semester attending the school. It seemed like an entertaining event that could break the monotony of classes and work. After sharing a few laughs as women challenged each other in bidding wars and men showed off a bit, I wondered when the female equivalent would be held. I was shocked to discover that Concordia was this traditional in student activities, especially in Portland
My previous college that I had attended before Concordia held a co-ed auction. Even my high school had both sexes represented during auctions and pageants. Mr. SHS was balanced with a Ms. SHS and only had issues when students made t-shirts proclaiming themselves as “snohos”.
After speaking with the specific staff positions relating to student events of this nature, I began to lose hope. Although I could take the issue to ASCU they would not have the ultimate authority to make official changes. I decided to try again the next semester this auction was held and I was actually in the country.
The main issue that I would like to address is how a double-standard is being upheld with this auction only including men. Not even the notion of students attaching too many emotions on the date they are bidding upon really irks me. That is actually kind of understandable, since Concordia is one of those Christian colleges that half-consciously encourages students to be coupled up.
The embarrassing acts that men performed to attract dates and demean themselves are what bothered me when I last attended the auction. It is true that the mainstream American society is more comfortable in approaching male sexuality from a humorous position. However, women are continually show-cased as being extremely sexual creatures that even rank and compare themselves. Both unhealthy views toward sexuality are harmful to a person’s ego and should be avoided when holding an auction of this type.
This unequal depiction shown in the fashion world, movies and music throughout America
Many schools and charity organizations have done this by holding co-ed auctions for group dates or service events. The first three items that appear when one searches for “bachelorette auctions” on the internet are co-ed auctions. These events around the nation are seeking volunteers to auction themselves off for charity.
They often require the purchase of an expensive ticket even to attend. Such as, the Sacramento “Up for Bid” held in mid-September that cost thirty-five dollars for individual tickets. These profits cover the costs to hold the event and an immense amount for charity. When bidders purchase the ticket they are reminded what intentions are placed upon this event and their money.
Upon entering the Guys and Dolls auction for Cystic Fibrosis guests receive a flyer that includes a bio of each bachelor and bachelorette, rules to how the bids will be received, and details surrounding the date. They are very specific as to holding the date in a public place and advertising the day it will occur to avoid many safety concerns. When I attended Concordia’s auction the bachelors were responsible for arranging the date and time of their date with the bidder. It seems to me that many issues could be avoided if guidelines were set before the auction. Concordia should be responsible for maintaining a secure atmosphere for their students no matter what gender they are.
There are many unexpected emotions and insecurities that may arise after many possibilities in holding an equal and safe auction for the bachelors, bachelorettes, and bidders are accounted for. I can only think that people will have to deal with these things as they come. The only bit of advice relating to this issue, even just for the bachelor auction, would be to remember that this is just a fun event for charity. Students should not place too much pressure on the bachelor or bidder to uphold their end of the bargain. They do not have any specific contract with obligations towards each other. Each date is just a fun outing that was purchased for charity.
That is actually another point that seems to be lost during the hilarious entertainment surrounding this auction. All of the money being raised is for charity! The amount of money spent on a participant should not be taken too personally. Especially since Concordia is such a tight community of friends who do not always happen to be wealthy. There is way too much pressure placed on the bid amount that could negatively affect the bachelor or bachelorette. However, if either does take this number personally it is their own issue to solve and not the school’s fault. It is ridiculous to assume that Concordia can protect each and every student’s self-esteem throughout the duration of the school year. So why place so much emphasis on this one auction?
