Recently, on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, white dots have been appearing on sorority women’s rear windows. The appearance of these dots, with the accompanying Facebook warning posts, is what solidified the fear that sorority women are being targeted.
The white dots, as reported, is a sign for various gang members. The presence of a white dot marks a woman as an easy target. This is not reserved for only women on the L-Lafayette campus. The incidents in Lafayette are following other similar circumstances. While not always a white dot, other symbols such as an ‘X’ or something similar.
Explanations for the symbols have been shown to be something as small as something left by manufacturers. Some symbols could also be left when a car is being serviced as a way to communicate what service a car needs to undergo.
Skeptics of the tactic argue that if gang members were to attack or rob someone, they would simply do it without any premeditation or warning. Some also think that criminals have no desire to help one another. This could be true, but people helping each other through the use of symbols is not unheard of. Beginning in approximately the 1930s, traveling homeless people used symbols to make others aware of nearby squat houses, abandoned buildings, and places considered to be important to traveling safely. During this time period, train hopping was common and the symbols were used as a type of camaraderie. Known as "Hobo Signs," they were very helpful.
Others call it a Facebook hoax. Facebook hoaxes are extremely common. They range from the notion that Facebook would charge users to the idea that microwaving an iPhone would charge it. There will always be the infamous Facebook hoax indicating that Facebook owned all of the photos and content posted to a profile. All of which were completely believed.
Despite the validity of it, the situation arising on the University of Louisiana-Lafayette campus should be taken seriously. It is better to be prepared for something that may not be true than it is to be unprepared for a serious issue. While there are separate sides to the issue, both of which post valid claims, it does not change that this may be a serious criminal activity occurring. With the a person's safety at stake, any action is a good action to be taken.
As a form of protection, notify campus or local authorities if you notice any suspicious activities. If you find a white dot on your car, notify the police as you are not alone. If you believe you are being followed, do not continue to your destination. Take detours to be sure. If you are still being followed, call the authorities and drive in busy areas. If you can, drive to the police station on campus or the one nearby.
