Just for once, let’s pretend that we want to take our city back from vagrants and criminals.

We students recently received a letter from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee requesting that we use extra caution while walking around campus. Apparently there have been an abundance of strong-arm robberies lately.

Do you know what strong-arm usually means? Someone grabs your bag, pulls until you let go and runs. The university police sent out these suggestions:

Don’t walk alone. (Duh.)

Don’t resist, give them whatever they want.

Call police. (Also duh.)

My problems with these suggestions go deeper than the fact that two of them are ridiculously obvious. No one tries to walk alone; it just sometimes turns out that way. And of course, we should call the police.

The only problem is that the police will never get our crap back, and most of the time they don’t even find the guy. As much as I support the police, sitting outside waiting for the officers to finish the report can be pretty unnerving after an attack.

My biggest problem is the university police suggesting that we give up our possessions without a fight. Screw that. I know there is less of a chance of me getting hurt if I fling my shoulder bag at the guy and run like hell. I worked hard to earn not only the bag, but the books, cell phone and other little things I keep in there. I am not going to allow some guy who thinks he is intimidating to get my earnings without working for it.

If we, as citizens, don’t fight back, we are making robbery easier. By doing this, we are encouraging these guys to keep it up. The easier it is to steal, the more often these degenerates will do it. If you choose to give up your purse and run, good for you. I’m sure this is what your parents and the police would rather see happen. The chances of you dying are a lot lower.

Just for once, let’s pretend that we want to take our city back from vagrants and criminals. Take some self-defense classes; kickboxing, martial arts or street-fighting is a good start. Go out and buy yourself some pepper spray — the more potent, the better. Carry it everywhere. If you are alone, keep your eyes open and be aware of everything around you.

When you walk home, pay attention to places someone could hide. Alleys, behind dumpsters and next to porches can be great places to remain concealed. Every day, look for awkward movements, new shadows and unfamiliar sounds.

Don’t be paranoid; be aware. Be prepared. Carry the pepper spray in your hand, ready to fire. Hopefully you will never have to use it, but knowing how is important. I hate that we are afraid to enjoy our beautiful city because some assholes are trying to get ahead by breaking the law instead of working like the rest of us.

I say we fight back. Go out in groups; be prepared; call the cops every time someone insists in a menacing way that you give him money. Pepper-spray those leeches of society. Fight back against the criminals taking over our city.

In the meantime, learn to feel confident in your own skin and your own neighborhood. I will not allow anyone to make me feel intimidated or frightened in my city. I will cautiously walk wherever I choose. Will you walk with me?

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