Quote:
Originally Posted by SWTXBelle
Using a picture of maracas or, let's say, a piņata? Not offensive, because they don't have a negative connotation.
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But we know that even within groups, opinions can differ on what is offensive. See, for example, the Washington NFL team debate. And it surely is not the place of a non-member of the group to determine what is offensive. And, even if most people wouldn't consider something offensive, that doesn't mean that an individual doesn't have valid feelings or that their experience can be immediately discounted.
Gruber was offended, and she said so. She didn't demand a cancellation, she didn't contact the press, she didn't run to the university and ask for sanctions, she didn't stage a protest outside the Theta house. She told the Theta chapter that she was offended. Theta cancelled the event so they could have time to rethink their messaging. And the reaction here (and in the posted link) was to pile on to Gruber as overly PC, claim she was "tarring" Theta, speculate she was out for money or attention, etc.
Why is it so hard to just accept that she was indeed offended and her feelings are valid? Why are white people so eager to undermine her experience and rally around the Theta chapter instead of trying to understand her point of view?