Concerts and "her-ass"ment

IIts no secret: Our women aren't safe at concerts or any other collective public gathering. I have heard numerous horror stories of girls getting groped or even worse, assaulted at concerts.

http://karachi.metblogs.com/archives/2006/06/misbehaving_aud.phtml

This post by Huma got me thinking: What exactly can we do to stop it? Its a pipe dream to hope our society can change overnight (for the better). Its futile to physically fight back: It only inflames a situation that is already out of hand. On the flip side, its also impractical to expect women to stop attending these events all together- that would be admitting defeat to these poop stabbing loafers.

Here is my solution, from a rational business perspective:

Concerts tend to have two principal focal points who stand to benefit monetarily from them; the organizers and the musicians themselves. As far as I can tell, the organizers usually work haphazardly and there isn't a set pattern to how they make their money; some prepay the band in advance and then make their money off of attendance while some prefer to go into a profit/loss sharing deal with the musicians where all the net profits are divided as per an initial written contract or verbal tort.

Here is where it starts getting a little complicated so bear with me as I pretend to explain some business concepts :P

What I propose is for these (primarily) these event management companies and (then) the bands to partner up with good, solid, security companies and outsource their concert security to them. Initially, the event management firm might end up having to shell out some cash to hire the security company. But these costs can then be recouped by raising the price per head of the ticket slightly; the justification being the value added service and peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that you will be secure at these concerts.

By guaranteeing physical security, you throw in an emotional tangent to the ticket- a premium that most people would NOT mind paying a little extra for. Moreover, you build positive brand equity and rapport with your consumers- after a consistent string of "safe" concerts, I would wager that people will start recognizing the event management company and appreciating the extra effort put forth by them.

Also, the event management company can get a discount from the security agency if they know they are sub contracted out in advance for a number of concerts.

In addition to all this, I think its incumbent on musicians to INSIST that their concert go-ers remain safe and secure. Its not effing rocket science: the majority of our bands are male leads- why WOULDN'T you want WOMEN (the majority of your fan base) to stay safe?

Why they dont already do this is mind boggling to me. Its exactly the same mindset as doing sound and light checks- as a band you want to ensure an amazing, all encompassing concert experience for every single one of your fans. Except the loafers who arent potty trained. Yet.

Finally, I do understand there might have been similar efforts in the past. But, with event management it isnt WHAT you do but HOW you do it. Here are some added guidelines for you if you are an event organizer:

1) Make sure you go with a big time security agency with guards who dont have the "traffic police" syndrome i.e. who arent paralysed by the should we stop this guy who is being a jerk or could he be "kissi barey aadmi ka beyta" dilemma. The bigger security agencies have ex-military personnel who are NOT afraid to set things right. Use them.

2) Add incentives for the security agencies to get the job done right. Tell them that if the first concert goes smooth and without a hitch, they have a shot at more in the future for more money. Always, always give someone the perception of exponential profits for competency.

3) Get the band on board. Its amazing how big fights at huge concerts here in the US have sometimes been stopped by a simple request by the lead singer. On a personal sidenote, I was doing security for a Linkin Park concert in college (circa 2001) when a huge fight broke out in the mosh pit. We were going to run in there and risk getting injured. The lead singer immediately saw this and stopped playing and threatened to end the show if "this bullshit continues". The fight stopped almost instantaneously. Its simple psychology- oh Mr. Big Celebrity has requested I stop. So I shall!

As a female, all I can say is I apologize on behalf of the scum you find at concerts. Just make sure you go with a lot of male chaperones, if possible and have them form a circle around you and your female friends.

My hope is someone reading this puts this plan to action and executes it PROPERLY. It might not be the perfect solution but its a start.