Blurred Lines Clarified

This evening the Union released the results of the referendum which was held in order to decide whether or not to continue playing Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” in Union-controlled premises.

The issue, which has polarised campus and invoked strong reactions from both sides over the past few weeks, has finally been decided upon officially with YES receiving 24.79% (552 votes) and NO getting 75.21% (1675 votes).

Despite nobody volunteering to run the No Campaign, and some controversy regarding the publicity of the referendum, students still took to the polls to ensure a landslide victory for the rejection of the motion.

This result means that UEA will live up to its motto of “Do Different” by not joining the list of universities in Britain who have banned the controversial song from being played. Instead, DJs will be free to play the song on union radio facilities and at the LCR.

Motion proposer Rachel Knott (who we congratulate for being elected as an NUS delegate) released this statement to the Tab following the results: “I am disappointed that the ban did not pass on behalf of myself and other women who have come to me and stated that the song made them uncomfortable to be in Union premises. However, I am pleased that the referendum had such a good turn-out and that this has created a campus-wide dialogue about sexism.”

Jess Brown, who seconded the motion told the Tab: “I think it’s ridiculous that less than half of those who voted in the Blurred Lines referendum voted in the NUS delegate elections – for a student body that’s been crying out for fairer representation of their views within the Union you’d think they’d care about representation of their views on a national level. I still think it’s a disgusting song and this vote doesn’t change my stance on it one bit.”

The Ethical Issues Officer Lauren Sloan said: “Whilst I am personally disappointed with the outcome of the Blurred Lines referendum, it’s great that everyone’s been debating this issue and I think this is a testament to what a great job Rachel is doing to promote women’s rights and issues on campus.”

Elliot Folan, who was also elected as an NUS delegate this evening, had this to say on the matter: “As a union representative for a society with a large number of female members, many of whom complained about Blurred Lines and asked me to vote for the boycott, I am disappointed this proposal did not pass. But I am glad it provoked a discussion about rape culture on campus and I hope we can move forward and combat misogyny and sexism in all its forms”

Feminist Society President Tilly Wood refused to comment on this evening’s results.

Opinions regarding the result have been flooding social media since the union statement was released. As expected, many have expressed strong feelings about the results, but others have also commented regarding the relevance of the whole debate, considering that the song is no longer in the top chart positions.

The full statement, along with the results of the NUS elections, can be read on the Union’s website here: http://ueastudentblog.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/the-results-are-in/

** TAB UPDATES: Motion proposer Rachel Knott’s statement has been added