Shark Scholar
Editorial

Last Man Standing is a key element of community building

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Last Man Standing has long been a tradition at SMIC-I. In the game, students in teams of four attempt to eliminate their target by soaking them with a water gun. The game is sanctioned by SMIC-I High School Student Council, with this year’s winning team receiving 400 RMB.

While Last Man Standing has garnered record-breaking participation from over a quarter of the high school student body, it is inevitable that the purpose of the game will eventually be questioned and challenged as the SMIC-I community continues to grow. The Huffington Post reports that many schools in the United States have banned similar games involving water gun “assassinations” out of safety concerns. The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a law in 2015 that banned water guns and imitation firearms within 150 feet of campuses—ironically without banning concealed carry of actual firearms.

Fortunately, gun violence is not much of an issue here in Shanghai. Nonetheless, some parents and community members are still concerned that Last Man Standing imports the violence of video games into real life or that it is merely a waste of time or a moot distraction from studies. However, numerous regulations are enforced by Student Council to counteract these concerns. For example, to ensure safety, players are automatically disqualified if they are caught using physical force or running in the hallways. “Safe hours” where the otherwise 24-hour game is suspended provide players a well-needed break as well as a chance to participate in school activities, such as Community Service Club’s Charity Fair.

The contributions of Last Man Standing to the SMIC-I community far exceed any potential concerns. In fact, it fully upholds the school’s motto, “Honor, Excellence, Community, Joy.”

  • Honor: When a player shoots his or her target, there are often no witnesses. Students must play with sportsmanship and acknowledge when they have been eliminated for the game to function properly.
  • Excellence: Last Man Standing rewards players who come up with witty solutions. [will add another quote from students after the game ends on Friday]
  • Community: Perhaps the most salient benefit of Last Man Standing is its potential to create connections between community members who may not otherwise have known each other. Student Council mandates that each team of 4 must include students from at least two grade levels, promoting the formation of diverse teams and meeting new people. In the course of seeking their targets, students will necessarily get to know them as well. “This game tests friendship,” remarks Esther Tak (10C).
  • Joy: And of course, students have fun playing Last Man Standing.

While it is likely that the continued existence of Last Man Standing will come under fire as the school moves on, it is critically important to consider the benefits of the game as well before deciding its fate.

Photo – Erica escapes campus by car courtesy of Erica Chen (10A)