BLOG 5: PERSONAL OPINIONS

What is your opinion about the Chilean tradition called ‘mechoneo’?

mechoneo has been a tradition of Chilean universities that in the beginning was used to welcome new students from second year students. In it, different activities were carried out to create a harmonious and trusting environment among classmates. However, when privatization arrived in higher education te mechoneo changed its course. It becomes in a harassment and humiliation celebration. Suddenly the activities involved were trimming the clothes and hair of the new students, in addition steal their things (backpage, jackets, phones, etc).

In too many oportunities we have seen the violation of human rights, because the students are obligated to make dangerous activities without their will. Nowadays universities are starting to implement non-mechoneo rules, in order to create a comfortable instance for new students.

Personally, I do not agree with the mechoneo - or not this type of mechoneo - for the reason that it shows us that what little power I have over someone I will use to hurt them for being "inferior" in some sense of me. I think that one of the pieces most important in the universities are the students, and stick together is a good way to benefit us.

The mental health is a big concern in the university students. The stress to face unknown, exams, time for study, etc; can be made more bearable with a good welcome, and the tips from one student who have lived the same.

We can be the one to change things and cut the chain of abuse. Change the student body dependent on the students.