KNOXVILLE, TN - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People hosted it’s annual informational meeting surrounding college relationships this past Monday. This year’s event, titled “Issa Bee or Nah?” provided students with the opportunity to voice their opinions and experiences in a fun and engaging environment.
Kitgene started the discussion by asking those in attendance to define the modern day talking stage of relationships.
According to the responses, 31 percent answered “we’re working towards something,” 35 percent answered “we’re just getting to know each other,” 4 percent chose mutual boredom and 31 percent said “we’re just going with the flow, at least I am.”
Next, Kitgene asked the audience “How do you shoot your shot?” Meaning how do they go bout approaching someone that they like.
The results to this question concluded that 16 percent of people approach them, 4 percent of people use twitter’s direct message feature to introduce themselves, 44 percent answered “be their friend first,” and 36 percent said they do not attempt to approach others at all.
Jerome Dockey, a freshman at the University of Tennessee, says that he just asks them to a date. Dockey said, “They say the worst thing you can hear is no. However, on the other hand, it could be a yes. So why not?”
Nolan Borner, a senior majoring in architecture, said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots that you don’t take. Rejection is sometimes a part of the game.”
Antrenisha Tyler, SophomoreI at Tennessee, feels like getting to know them first is the best option.
Tyler said, “You don’t waste your time, you find out if you like them or not without getting heartbroken in the process.”
Jerome Dickey interrupted since he disagreed with Tyler. Dockey said, "It don’t work bro. You become they’re friend and you’re going to forever stay their friend.”
Errias Jackson, freshman at UT, said, "I took from the event that everyone has an idea of what or who they may want, and that people are on growing in their own ways."
Sydney Ledsinger, the Secretary for the NAACP, learned thatnot everyone is on the same page in life. Ledsinger said, "It is important to communicate with your prospective partners to understand what both of you are getting into.
Current NAACP President, Kiana Townsel believes that this year's presentation was successful and looks forward to next year.
Townsel said, "This event gave the younger crowd a chance to hear about relationships from other points of view. I look forward to doing this again next year and seeing the changes in responses."