On April second, Gibraltar sophomore, Nora Harris, was oxed to the death by senior, Marty Witteborg. Over the course of the past two years, oxing has become a common, but violent way for friends to greet each other. The ox is carried out by sneaking up on a friend or acquaintance, sliding your arm between their arm and their side, and pushing back and forth as hard as you can. Obviously, this causes severe discomfort to the ox-ee, which is the goal. An ox usually doesn't last for more than a few seconds, but this was different. "It started like any other day," says Witteborg,"but today, I must have gone too far. I went for the crucifixion, and suddenly, she went limp." A crucifixion is the most severe kind of ox. To start, it's a double ox, with both arms attacking. Then, to complete it, the ox-ee is lifted into the air. "I never meant to hurt her," said Witteborg, through his tears. Oxing used to be seen as a form of camaraderie at this rural Wisconsin high school, but its consequences are now being rethought. Anti-oxing rules are now being enforced in the hope of preventing such accidents in the future. Nora Harris was an excellent student, varsity athlete, and loyal friend. Hopefully with her tragic death will come an appreciation for the fleeting years of high school and a turn from violent acts.
typical Marty
ReplyDelete