Every Day Is Hump Day

If you’ve seen any of these humorous headlines, you’ve probably heard of “The Hump,” an Instagram account dedicated to satire about current events on campus. The anonymously run account, @conncollhump, emerged during winter break, featuring headlines on topics like the current construction in front of Cro and Conn’s low standing in the NESCAC.

As we all know, Dean Rodmon King recently resigned in protest following President Katherine Bergeron’s decision to host an event at the Everglades Club in Florida, a social club with a controversial past and a history of antisemitic and racist behavior. The incident and Bergeron’s email responses have provided “The Hump” with material for many headlines, mainly calling out Bergeron for her poor handling of the situation. Currently, the Hump’s most-liked post, at 321 likes, reads, “Kathy B Apologizes, Says She Didn’t Know Black People Or Jews Were Allowed At Conn Either.” The post was made after flyers circulated around campus detailing the circumstances of King’s resignation. When the Conntrarian published an article titled “#MyPresident, “The Hump” retaliated with the headline “My Mommy Didn’t Love Me Enough.”

As the saying goes, “laughter is the best medicine.” Throughout history, humorous satire has provided people with a space to cope with serious issues and express their beliefs. Satirical publications like The Onion turn current events and social phenomena into funny, over-exaggerated articles. “The Hump” provides a space for students to see their frustrations aired out. I reached out to the account for an interview, but received no response.

Two headlines following the Dean King’s resignation focus on the concept of a “Hunger Games” in the arboretum. On Feb. 9, “The Hump” posted the headline: “Kathy B Announces Hunger Games In Arboretum,” with a caption stating, “Two tributes will be selected at random from each dorm; hopefully their sacrifice will teach the student body to be grateful for the stability of my leadership.” In the comments, students fleshed out their very own “Hunger Games.” “Morrison is District One: luxury. Larabee is District 13: the trenches,” wrote one user. “The Hump” posted a comment saying “The ridges are District 13,” and another user wrote,“Laz is 12 (impoverished but still standing).” After the faculty wrote a letter in support of the students, King, and the Division of Institutional Equity and Inclusion, “The Hump” posted a headline that reads, “Kathy B Adds Faculty To Arboretum Hunger Games Tribute Pool.” By referencing the popular book series, “The Hump” compared Bergeron to the Capitol, calling her out for her refusal to take accountability for her actions.

Currently, “The Hump’s” Instagram bio details a switch in content: “Pivoting to Kathy B content until DIEI is fully funded, vital staff are hired, salaried, and retained, Unity [House] is renovated, and all demands are met.” As many students know, Bergeron’s plan to host a fundraiser at the Everglades Club and King’s resignation are just the tip of the iceberg. Historically, DIEI has been underfunded and its employees underpaid, and the Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion has changed multiple times in the past years. 

“The Hump” is a unifying force on campus in these trying times. At 680 followers, about 39% of students follow the account. Most days, I see a headline posted on my feed, or on a friend’s story. Many of “The Hump’s” posts have triple digits in likes. The account has become a popular conversation topic on campus, making many people laugh at the silliness of the situations that Conn students face. •