Dress up for the party as a ...
 

Just some thoughts that went by while driving on the subject of theme parties where dressing up as a specific group might be proposed.

1) A specific race: This *never* ends well.
2) A specific group on the GLBTQ (etc.) spectrum: Ditto
3) A specific job, generally OK if it is a job that you'd admit that you had to your HS principal. Accountants OK, Pimp/Whore, nope.
4) A specific nationality/ethnic group: Generally OK if there haven't been any for at least 400 years like Vikings, Romans, Aztecs and bad if they are still around like French, German and Korean, but a few exceptions.
Greeks: The Greek system in the US annoys people from Greece enough that Athenian or Spartan themed parties aren't going to make a difference
Mayans: Yes there are still Mayans, but if you can pull of a dress as a Mayan for the December 2012 party, that's impressive.
Egypt of the Pharoahs: An odd one on a couple of levels, you've got the entire question of whether those of African descent are inheritors of that culture and then you've got the Alpha Phi Alphas having a particular tie in their traditions to it. So a white Fraternity might have the Black Student Union and the Alpha Phi Alpha brothers objecting, but might have the brothers of the other NPHC (Historically black) fraternities passing around popcorn.
"Southern US": Some fraternities founded in the southern US have parties based on Ante-bellum Southern themes. If yours does, you know the issues already, if you don't, find another theme, you don't want the headache.

Comments?

I never liked themed parties. Thank goodness they aren't too popular with your average NPHC chapter.

How about "white trash"? I thought it was funny back in college, but now...um, I've rethought that position.

One of my daughters is Maya and looks classically so. I think she'd be embarrassed by such a party.

If we do general theme we usually stick to Pirates/Vikings/Middle ages/Wild West etc.

But more often we pick more creative themes that are open to the imagination of the invitees, always fun to see how everyone interprets the theme in a different way.

Anything "and hoes."

I also dislike theme parties in general.

My husband is also indigenous Mexican (Zapotec), and I've met full blood Aztecs and Incans. They haven't been gone for 400 years, naraht. Also, they might not throw Christians to the lions, but I'm pretty sure you could find a Roman or two. As to whether he would be insulted or embarrassed...I think his exact words would be something along the lines of "Gringos pendejos".

People - JUST SAY NO.

Now that's a theme!

Temo que los gringos no les gusten el tema.

THIS
The first party I was invited to at college was 'Gold Bros and Tennis Hoes'. I was mentally going between :eek: and pearl clutching.

Add: CEOs and secretaries.
w. t. f.

ETA: meaning, this is something that should NEVER be done.

Apparently I'm in the minority (ha ha ha), but I like theme parties. There's totally a way to do it and not be offensive about it. Some of the more successful ones I've attended include:

1. Wild West/Cowboy
2. Toga Party
3. 1920s: flapper/gangster
4. Moulin Rouge
5. Superheroes

Frankly, I don't understand the brouhaha over an Egyptian/Pharoah party, being as neither black people nor Alpha Phi Alpha own the rights to Egyptian iconography.

Decade parties, 'why are you wearing that', 'when i grow up' (dress up as a doctor, firefighter, etc), if it isn't neon it shouldn't be on, etc. tend to have the fun and creativity of themed parties without being offensive

I also knew of a greek themed mixer that was "golf pros and tiger woods' hoes" and the girls dressed up specifically as one of the 50 mistresses. It was funny/creative, but offensive I know.

Anything Goes But Clothes is another theme that sounds fun, but in reality is a complete and total hot mess. Not offensive, per se, but not a good look for anyone.