BLog 6 Gentlemans' Rule

"The student is expected to conduct himself at all times, both on and off the campus, as a gentleman and a responsible citizen."

-Wabash College-

As everyone knows this rule has been under a bunch of scrutiny these last few weeks.  I believe if people look at the direct words there is not any room for error; therefore, the rule I believe is a good one.  The first few words "The student is" are set in stone and whoever reads it knows that the Gentleman's rule talks about each and every student as an individual not as a group.  If it said "The students are" then people could find error and say that the rule was not very specific about who it was directed to.  The next word said in this phrase "expected" tells the student how they should act and how everyone will be looking at them.   The rest of this phrase "conduct himself at all times" again verifies the student on an individual basis, not a group.  The verb conduct is also a concrete statement that needs little explanation.  It is not to act, or to carry out which leave room for argument.  If it was "The student is expected to act himself at all times, ..." people would think that however the student acted before he came to Wabash is acceptable.  For some students it probably is, but for others they might need to change a few minor details to meet this rule. 

The second part of the sentence breaks for assurance.  "Both on and off the campus" makes the student know that acting as a responsible citizen is not acceptable only on campus.  Once again, this gives little room for mistake in the rule.  This break also helps the reader to think about, comprehend, and reflect about what he/she read at the beginning of the rule.  

The third part clarifies how the student should conduct himself with more concrete word choices that have one meaning.  "Gentleman" and "Responsible citizen" are two words that are not often used in today's society.  One reason is because not too many people can be called these.  A gentleman in my definition is someone who does the little things in life: opens a door for others, picks up trash when they pass it on the ground, kind, caring, honest.  Pretty much if someone does the right thing when no one is looking makes up a gentleman.  A responsible citizen is someone who follows the law and does right from wrong.  If a person knows that what they are doing is wrong will they stop?  This is a question many may ask for a gentleman and responsible citizen.

If I were to put synonyms in for the words I mentioned above there would be many loopholes in the rule.

"The students are anticipated to perform themselves at all times as a chap and an accountable person."