At midnight tonight it is my birthday. Since I count days based on when I wake up in the morning, I am totally oblivious to this fact. Thus, I don’t suspect anything out of the ordinary when three tall and slim guys stand outside my door, behind the RA (student hall leader). The RA says, “You know what time it is?” The boys laugh.

They try to carry me, but I put up quite a fight, kicking the people who hold my legs and trying to grab on to things. Despite my flailing, they do not waver in their task. One student (my roommate) pointedly does not participate, but despite my resistance nobody actually objects. It is just as Zimbardo says — the good guys are key to making it work.

Right before the shower I’m able to break free several times. I crouch into a ball but then think of making a run for it. That is my mistake, since they take the chance to scoop me up again and pull me in. And then they stuff me in the shower and aim the nozzle at me. I get moderately wet but escape quickly. A few of the boys who carried me compliment me. I survive with only a scraped arm and some missing keys (which I find soon enough).

Later, my roommates reminisce. “Man, why didn’t we think to take a picture of that?” one asks. “I did, but I was too busy trying not to get kicked,” the other answers.

Back in my room, I have a sweet birthday email from Mike Godwin (Mike Godwin!) and some cards from family. My immediately family has apparently decided not to bother with presents or thinking of things to say, sending only plain cards with signatures. I go to sleep, wet and presentless.

posted November 08, 2004 02:50 AM (Education) (10 comments) #

Nearby

Stanford: Day 47
David Boies on the Dispensation of Justice
Stanford: Day 48
Amy Goodman (and guests) on the Election
Stanford: Day 50
Stanford: Day 51
Donald Knuth writes Condi Rice
Stanford: Day 52
Stanford: Day 53
Stanford: Day 54
Stephen Pinker on Uniting Techies and Fuzzies

Comments

Ah, college traditions! Due to totally poor judgement and naivete, I ended up in a fraternity my first two years. (I am definitely NOT the fraternity type.) Although my house boasted on “no hazing,” I was strongly encouraged (for tradition’s sake) to take an oaken paddle to an upper classman and recite, “O most noble Sir, wouldst thou inscribe upon my rear proboscis, an enormous scarlet welt, greatly exceeding in size and intensity, any mere tap, which in the past, it has been my very great pleasure to have received.” Then I would assume “The Position” and you can guess what followed…

posted by Russ Schwartz at November 8, 2004 07:08 AM #

Hey, Monday’s your birthday! There’s still time for presents to arrive! Watch for some surprises today!!! We love you!

posted by Mom at November 8, 2004 07:10 AM #

Happy birthday dude, enjoy it.

posted by Paul at November 8, 2004 08:24 AM #

Happy birthday, Aaron!

posted by Mike Cohen at November 8, 2004 09:44 AM #

We love your and miss you. Presents ??? talk to your mom. Leaving for Southland thursday, grab some wings and visit us. Avery misses you, will show him your photo taken at b3con.

                    Grpa & Grma

posted by at November 8, 2004 10:10 AM #

happy birthday! just stumbled across your website. you really impress me.

posted by aaron n. at November 8, 2004 10:25 AM #

I’ll be eccentric: Happy Birthday Aaron

posted by RT at November 8, 2004 01:33 PM #

Happy birthday, Aaron!

posted by Seth Schoen at November 8, 2004 05:02 PM #

yo road dog! happy bday

posted by Jim at November 8, 2004 05:26 PM #

Well. A little belated, but Happy Birthday all the same.

posted by Riana at November 10, 2004 01:07 PM #

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