Ghost Busters

For the past 2 weeks there's been one thing, and one thing only catching the attention of all the USMers...

Orang Minyak.

I have gotten so annoyed with all of it, that whenever i hear it being discussed i have to consciously press my lips together and keep myself from telling those how i feel about it, and them for freaking out over it.

So here's the story.

Some time last week news got out that a girl was raped by an Orang Minyak. Problem is, its one of those things where the stories never match up with the other stories that go around. Within a couple of days, people were saying 'rape' happened in Bakti, Cahaya, Restu and Tekun - 4 of the hostels around campus.

The OM (as he is now affectionately called) is a man who covers himself in black oil, runs around in his underwear and dabbles in Black magic for his powers. In order to become invisible (i think) or more powerful, he has to rape 44 or 100 virgins. The details vary each time people discuss it.

Not only that, he is supposedly able to walk through walls and come in through key holes. Hollywood should think about casting him in Heroes, they'd save on CGI.

Many, and i mean a LOT of girls have gotten super freaked out about it to the point of shifting out of their hostel blocks, sleeping with the lights on and basically living in fear when the sun goes down.

I am annoyed because every year since 1st year, there's always rumours of rape here, rape there, but never any solid proof or report. Then people say the Uni covers it up. Right. How convinient. All along most of the cases heard i seriously think that its just a case of a guy being caught with a girl, and all hell breaks lose. It crops up, then dies down.

Back to the OM. I believe that people are getting more afraid the more they talk about it. Dah-la you scared, instead of blocking it from your mind you nicely initiate or join the conversations with other people that are afraid and build up on the story by listening to or adding to the so-called latest news about the OM. I'm sorry to be blunt but, use your brain and some common sense for goodness sake.

If you believe he can walk through walls and keyholes, then whats the point in changing any of the usual routine cause he's gonna come in anyway.

And if you think moving to the neighbouring hostel to get away from him...Well, i'm sure he wont mind walking down the road and going through those hostel walls to get his 44/100 virgins.

Not only that, i have had plenty instances where i go to sleep and dream about the days events. So if you've got OM on your mind the whole day, the chances of you dreaming about it are so high. Suria thinks maybe some girls got wet dreams and because of that say they got raped.

A story from a friend of my room mate's friend (yeah- all the OM stories are from a friend of friend of friend) is that she was brushing her teeth that night, and in the corner of the bathroom she saw a small black thing that looked like a cat. She could only see its eyes, and she threw water on it to chase it away but 'it' smiled at her....

Honestly, when i heard the story from Suria, we both burst out laughing so much. In fact, much of our crazy laughter this week has been at the hilarious stories that just get more absurd as the days go by.

Sigh.

I'm not saying that the rape may not be true. However, i'm thinking more on the practical side of it; girls should always be aware of predators. Yes, lock your doors. Yes, dont walk alone at 3am. But these things should be done ALL THE TIME not just when rumour starts going around.

Sarah my coursemate was in HEPP and actually asked them what was their position on the matter. The officer there said that one of the Student Council people got a call from a girl saying she 'kena raba', was touched. But when called back, she didn't wanna answer and hung up the phone. Somehow or another, from there its spiralled to what it is today.

My lecturer says she heard it was started by the people outside campus who want to rent out their apartments, so by causing the scare, people flee to them for a safe place. If thats the truth, then i must say they are bloody brilliant.

So, thats my 2 cents worth. If you read this and are offened, too bad- no one asked you to read. And i'm not even getting into why Christians shouldn't be afraid.

But seriously la.

Come on.