Until last Saturday’s Picnic Day, I never had to think much about how sound can be used to torture humans But now I can report a physical assault by sound.

No, it did NOT occur inside the arena at the dachshund races. There, a huge crowd in good humor raised great, shouting roars as groups laughingly cheered at each race of wiener dogs. I can enjoy that kind of crowd noise, even when ear-splitting. No, this aural assault occurred on Unitrans bus “K.”

My young buddy (a 2010 UC Davis graduate) and I boarded the bus on Arthur Street at about 11:30 a.m. along with maybe 25 others, most of them acquainted, loud, and in the street. As my friend and I found seats, most of those around us began shouting cheers, chants and songs AT THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS in this closed space. The nearest screaming mouth was no more than 16 inches behind my ears. (Did you ever deal with a young child’s tantrum?)

I covered my ears defensively with both hands, but the volume — and senseless screaming — continued at fever pitch until we (all) got off at the campus roundabout. Then I could see that many of these large boys and girls were jumbo size. (I cannot call them men and women.)

Sadly, it seems this level of hysteria was induced by something beyond morning alcohol, because alcohol becomes a “downer,” yes?

How sad to see what these once promising, privileged youths are doing to their brains. But we needn’t allow them to assault ours, as well.

Dale Heckman

Davis

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