Quote:
Originally Posted by SOPi_Jawbreaker
I don't know. I think it could still be seen as kinda offensive, because it still looks like dressing up like Indians without understanding the culture behind it. It could possibly be seen as perpetuating the stereotype that all Indians wear deerskin clothing, live in teepees, wear feather headdresses, etc. when in actuality, there are many different Native American groups with differing cultural dress, differing traditional types of homes, differing religious/spiritual beliefs, different cultural practices, etc. And it could possibly be seen as cultural misappropriation of a historically oppressed people. I'm not saying that that's what fraternity and sorority members are trying to do when they have Indian parties. But if someone wanted to get offended, they still could.
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A CBS affiliate has some updated information about the U. of North Dakota situation posted on its site:
http://www.kxmb.com/News/222272.asp
Excerpts from longer article:
A University of North Dakota sorority has been put on probation in the wake of a party in which some people dressed up as American Indians.
The Gamma Phi Beta sorority was put on probation by both the sorority's central office . . .and by the UND dean of student's office.
That office will investigate a discrimination complaint filed against the sorority by American Indian students. . . .
Edited to add this link / address for the offical national Gamma Phi Beta press release regarding the UND situation:
http://www.gammaphibeta.org/news/det...CATEGORY_ID=11