The Catalyst

By Rachel Davis, Reporter

To the average person, the word 'mosh pit' often conjures up images of bloodied, tattooed punks standing in a circle and stomping each other to death with steel-toed combat boots. Most regard it as a display of senseless violence and an obnoxious distraction from watching their rock band of choice. However, these odd festivities aren't all they appear to be; naysayers and concerned parents seem to have given it a bad reputation.

This reporter's personal experience with moshing was limited until attending a concert in January of '09. The band was As I Lay Dying, and the crowd was relatively tame: perfect for a beginner, as I soon found out. I had heard all the tales of broken bones and crushed digits, but friends assured me otherwise...With a little instruction on proper behavior and etiquette in the pit, everything would be fine.

Moshing etiquette might strike some as an oxymoron, but even a crowd of concertgoers shoving each other around has a set of rules to follow. Basic manners are what keep many people from being hurt in most mosh pits, and for anyone new to the concept, these rules become all-important. A few things to remember are the following:

• Take it easy: Those horrific tales of injuries in concerts are all too often the result of someone getting too aggressive. Don't be rough on your fellow moshers; you may shove people and bump into them, but don't throw any kicks or punches. Remember, they're all there to have fun, not to start an actual fight.

• Help when needed: As with any other law of gravity, it's inevitable that someone is going to get knocked down in a mosh pit. If possible, help the person up off the ground. More often than not they'll do the same for you if you fall. Even the scariest-looking people can be good samaritans when it comes to saving you from being stomped on; there’s nothing quite like being helped back on your feet by a multi-pierced, Tripp-wearing stranger.

• Expect to get knocked around some: Even in the mildest of conditions, you're bound to get the wind knocked out of you at least once or twice. My first moshing experience was abruptly ended by a 300-pound man landing on me after I had already fallen down. Severe injuries are extremely rare in most concerts, but it's not at all uncommon to end the night with bruised knees and sore toes.

• Know when to get out: If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's perfectly acceptable to leave the pit. Others will understand this, and often there will be a gap in the crowd to allow people to exit.

• Maintain good hygiene: This might sound like a ridiculous rule, but it's very important. Please don't forget to wear deodorant; smelling decent is a must when you’re in close proximity with others.

• For the men: There’s a good possibility girls will be in the pit as well, and yes, they might be close to you. This isn’t an excuse for you to abandon your sense of decency. Don’t try anything; you might not get caught by her, but you’ll still get some odd looks from other moshers in the process.

These are all just guidelines to follow, but they take the intimidation out of first-time moshing. It adds fun to a concert while still allowing you to enjoy the music, (or tune it out, if you don't like the band), and gives you justification for shoving your friends around.