‘Seal clubbing’ is when an older ‘scores’ (kisses, or anything more) a first year. It’s become quite the craze at Rhodes as it seems newcomers make for an easy target, especially during o-week where the phenomenon is at its peak.
Talking about first year guys, Kupe (a fourth year student), says “they're new to varsity and the prospect of older chicks showing interest in them is so appealing it’s almost complementary”, which corresponds with Duncan (1st year) saying “as a guy it’s always sweet to get with an older woman, kinda like bragging rights”. For boys it seems to be a thing of pride and ego boosting. Since they’re already open to the idea of being ‘seal clubbed’ they’ll embrace the opportunity making them an extremely easy target for older girls. They’re out to impress their newly made friends so anything to put them in higher status from the start is welcomed eagerly.
Girls aren’t usually looking for bragging rights, since being with an older guy is seen much more normal in society, hence the kick out of seal clubbing differs across genders. “Girls are too open to the new found freedom, and are attracted to the concept of being with an older and apparently "more experienced" man... and of course copious amounts of alcohol don't exactly stiffen one's inhibitions” says Emily (1st year). There seems to be a social mindset that it’s better for girls to go for older guys, hence their willingness when someone flatters them off their feet. They’re usually more naive to the idea of seal clubbing and welcome the attention of new people in unfamiliar territory.
Generally, most first years have come from school where their lives are largely restricted in comparison to the varsity freedom. Entering o-week, they’re keen to go wild and enjoy it as best they can. There’s a lot of socializing, partying and alcohol consumption. The naivety of it all is quite humorous to look back on, as drinking at Rhodes is way more advanced than drinking experiences through school. They can’t handle as much as they like to think so after the influence of a few too many and the exciting atmosphere, first years tend to completely forget their sober selves and run wild on the town doing things they may not usually do. They don’t know the older people yet, so past reputations don’t come into play. You could be seen as the nerdiest guy/girl around or the biggest jerk, yet an innocent first year wouldn’t have these reasons to judge so they give in to the older person anyway. They may also be a little insecure in their new life and jump towards any hint of affection.
Older girls don’t really have to charm the younger guys; the mere fact that they’ve been taken interest in by her is satisfying enough. Older guys on the other hand seem to know the perfect ways to seduce first year girls with cheesy phrases and pick up lines. Compliments like “you’re the most beautiful first year I’ve seen” can have a girl blushing in pride and seal clubbed in no time.
It is generally known at Rhodes that first years are the easy target due to their naivety and off-the rails nature upon arrival. Their inexperience and crave for attention and fun is their main weakness which allows the whole tradition of seal clubbing to continue, although for the clubbers it’s all fun and games in finding easy ways to just get some action, have a laugh or win a bet.
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I am sorry but I think you are on the wrong track. You make it seem as if all first years are naïve and have never been hit on by an older person. The whole o-week experience is a new thing but that does not mean everyone becomes completely stupid and forgets everything they have learnt in the years before. You do not know the past reputations of every person you meet and hook up with so why would a random hook up in o-week be any different. Most girls are competent enough to know when a man is using a pathetic pick up line and when they are actually being paid an honest complement. Being intoxicated may make people loose a few inhabitations but most of the time common sense does prevail. Obviously you were a victim of seal clubbing and can therefore not give an unbiased opinion on the situation.
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