Quote:
Originally posted by sigmadiva
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?
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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