'Techno Guy' Forced to Pause His SUB Tunes

Justin Pierson
Post #9

Due to a complaint filed by a faculty member, Josh 'Techno Guy' Arellano has been forced to significantly decrease the volume of the music that he plays outside the Student Union Building. Arellano has been playing techno music outside the SUB twice a week, if not more, for the past five years without a single complaint. The complaint was filed on behalf of UNM students claiming that the volume of the music is disruptive to a learning environment. Arellano stated that he could understand this claim if he was playing his music outside the library, but outside the SUB seems to be an appropriate place to play music, dance, relax, and have some fun. Most students, if they have ever passed by the Student Union Building have heard the music and are farmiliar with 'Techno Guy'. At first I really did not enjoy the music being played, mostly because techno is not my genre of choice, but I felt that at a University where student lives can be stressful and drab it was nice to see someone enjoying himself and compelling others to relax and have fun during their break in between classes. Contrary to the filed complaint, 2,417 students have signed a petition supporting 'Techno Guy's' desire to play music, dance, and have fun.

This article shows how a University can act as a policing agent and punish those who do not conform. Arellano's punishment began with him not being able to play his music, now a compromise seems to have been made Arellano is allowed to play his music just at a more reasonalbe volume. This article also shows how one individual, a faculty member in this instance, can complain and restrict others. This seems to be an example of community policing, a member of the University community has complained about something that had been going on for the past five years and now 'Techno Guy' which to me is a staple in the SUB area is no longer. This article also shows how individuals may resist control, a petition signed by quite a few students will be given to the SUB administration and it is still to be seen if the petition will adequately vioce student's opinions and allow Arellano to continue playing his tunes. I feel that if Arellano is not allowed to express himself and play his music many other forms of expression that occur on campus ought to be in jeopardy as well. Even if you don't like the music, even if you dispise the music, relax enjoy the time away from lectures, powerpoint presentations, exams, and quizzes, have some lunch and appreciate 'Techno Guy's' ability to have fun on campus, which with the pressure of exams can be hard at times.

This article was found in the November 13th issue of the Daily Lobo.