Trigger Warnings In College Essay

Although trigger warnings are on the rise, many people are fighting the tides of change that are closing in on universities here in the US. Trigger warnings can be described in short, as a preemptive disclaimer. These warnings are a common prelude to articles discussing, sexual assault, war, mental illness, race, etc., on the internet. A trigger warning would indicate explicit material as something graphic enough to ignite a reaction that could be as severe as post traumatic stress disorder. Trigger warnings have a become a rising issue in Universities, since adopted from internet blogs. Although many people find them tantamount, others see it as a decline in a more broad curriculum that would surely push the boundaries of controversial subjects; thereby, strengthening a students education. The problem here is that professors and universities are unwilling to change their policies where they are clearly needed. Trigger warnings are only as fair as movie ratings for ages of maturity.
Yes, it’s true that gradual exposure in a safe environment is one way to treat phobias and sometimes PTSD. However, that is something that should be addressed by a qualified professional. Some allergies can be treated with gradual exposure too. Like a series of shots that let the persons body know that the allergen isn’t actually a threat. Animal allergies are a type that can sometimes be treated this way(such as in my case. And that especially doesn’t mean it’s okay to drop a cat on someones lap and say “Don’t worry! This will cure you!” Especially when you don’t even know if they’ve started that series of shots or not, much less finished it. Yes, it is an individual’s responsibility to avoid triggering content; however, just as an allergic person needs a label so that they can effectively avoid allergens, PTSD/phobia/anxiety sufferers need a warning so that they can avoid their