I am the Rosa Parks of the Notre Dame sidewalks.
As I was walking to class the other day, I saw a female student walking my way. A few moments later, we collided. This collision was by no means inevitable; either one of us could have moved out of the other's way. Nervously, she apologized for the accident. I didn't. I'm not sorry it happened. More importantly, I'm not sorry that I didn't move to let her pass. After all, she was the one walking on the left-hand side. She was the one not paying attention. I was the one diligently watching her approach, anxiously waiting for the perfect moment to lower my shoulder. Why should I move out of her way? Because she is a woman? Nay, I will not yield my right to walk on the right. Not to any man or woman, pedestrian or cyclist. I will hold my course, barreling on toward freedom and knocking down all who stand in my way.
So the next time you see me coming toward you as you walk down the left side of the sidewalk, stop to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do you, Notre Dame?
Dan McInnis
senior
Sorin College
Oct. 4
