You know GC...there's always someone (usually the same people) who just don't get it. EVERYTHING is a PC issue. ;)

may, just maybe you know NOTHING about me or my life. so don't make assumptions or try to make me see the "error :rolleyes: of my ways". i don't appreciate it.

i refuse to watch EVERYTHING i say or do because i MAY offend someone. good lord.

Sincere question
 

I've always wondered: Why do NPC/IFC groups tend to have theme parties centered around ethnic minority stereotyping? Is it not as much fun to just show up as you want and have a good time?

I've never been to or even seen a NPHC group have a 'Potato Famine Party' where we dress up as drunk Irish people in rags and the entrance 'code word' is to beg for food. Oh, I know, maybe because we have CLASS and respect the struggles of others!!!! And we know that you don't have to make fun of a group to have a good time!!!

For me, a good NPHC party is one where the DJ knows to play the best music and no matter who is sponsoring the party, all groups have a chance to get out there and strut.

Re: Sincere question
 

I think a few things are factors:

* Tradition: probably had these types of parties for YEARS and feel there is nothing wrong with keeping them going. Particularly if they know and believe that they themselves as individuals are not racist

*Lack of diversity in the NPC/IFC system: I've stated it before. Just because Sally likes soccer, but Cindy likes acting, that doesn't make you a diverse chapter. "Diversity" has become so overused that it's lost its true meaning.

*Lack of proper intercultural education: If lil' Johnny comes to college with his only exposure to African American culture having been Yo MTV Raps (Lord, is that still on?), BET, and bling-bling videos, he's likely to not have any TRUE understanding of the AA community as a whole. He is basing his knowledge on assumptions and media conceptualization...

*Lack of sensitivity: Race is just not the predominately relevant, socially pressing topic of the moment for college students right now...So there's no need to educate. Hip-hop/R&B is embraced by all cultures now, so there is an assumption again that they have nothing to "fix" in their mindset

*One more possibility: I am giving them the benefit of the doubt and assuming that maybe, possibly, they mean it as an homage to the culture? And I don't mean these blatantly ignorant examples...I mean other parties that have been held. I don't WANT to think that the sisters/brothers of these chapters are sitting around thinking/saying, "Hmm, what race haven't we insulted? Hmm, I know! We can make fun of Mexicans this time!" Their actions, as uneducated as they are, may not have been derived from or for impure, vicious thoughts or intentions

It's always just seemed to me that poor whites are the only group that everyone feels okay about criticizing--and that goes for rich as well as poor, black as well as white. They are the last group to be impacted by the PC movement.

I guess that's why it's okay to have a "White Trash Bash" and not a "Ghetto Fab Ball." :rolleyes:

edited to sufficiently show sarcasm and my belief that all forms of discrimination and denigration, including against those of different socioeconomic status, are wrong.

Flashback to the Seinfeld "Donna Chang" episode. ;)

And yes, for a lot of kids in the boonies (I was one) the only exposure they have to blacks IS music videos or other blacks in the media. If that's the only image that keeps getting put out, people will start to believe it.

FWIW during my whole time in college, I NEVER attended (or heard of anyone holding) a mixer or party whose theme had anything to do with "ethnic minority stereotyping" so please don't assume everyone does this.

No, not EVERYONE, but, I think it can be agreed that the ethnic stereotyping parties are more common among NPC/IFC groups.

No, it is not okay. And if you notice it is the NPC/IFC groups that are having the "White Trash Bash", not NPHC. Like I said, NPHC orgs don't need to denigrate a group of people to justify a party.

The problem I have with the White Trash / Ghetto Fab parties is that they are poking fun at people of a certain (lower) economic group. Why is that?

I was being sarcastic. I think it's terribly mean and snobby to have something that denigrates people based on socioeconomic status, but I think I understand why it's accepted at some college campuses.

They're just as guilty....

Everyone, no matter their ethnicity, is capable of prejudice.

I think people object to pimps & hoes more because of how it makes the sorority look or because it's promoting males in a position of power over females. I've never heard of the pimp lobby voicing a protest. :p

Do whatever you feel as right. As long as you can live with the way YOU choose to treat others then that is on you. Just be prepared to deal with ALL of the consequences of those actions. IWe all have to remember that values like class, respect, and courtesy are not important to all.
:)

Have a great day.

Re: Re: Sincere question
 

Sigmadiva, I've often wondered the same thing.

Sigmagrrl, good post.