Quote:
Originally Posted by LaneSig
I will not argue that my brothers at JHU did something thoughtless and stupid. In this day and age, no matter that they probably did not intentionally mean to defame or debase another culture, they should have known better. That being said:
* I do not think that banning them 'forever' is a punishment that fits the crime. It was incredibly stupid. They should have known better. Did they intentionally decide: Hey, let's suggest that black people should be lynched? I doubt it. Alternate scenerios: Have them present a forum on racial relations. Have them volunteer at an organization that supports either the African-American community or any other group.
* As a white man, I can never fully comprehend the pain and hurt of the history of lynchings. I can empathize, but that is it. Teach them. Let them learn from their mistake. This reminds me of one of the seasons of "The Real World". One of the white house members made some very racially hurtful statements. One of the African-American female housemates treated him in a very disdainful manner, no matter how he apologized. The African-American male housemate made it his mission to educate the white housemate and show him where his thoughts were wrong. Should we still have to do this in 2006? Ideally not; in reality, yes.
Again, it was a stupid thing to do. It is not justifiable. Should they be punished by being banned forever? I hope not. Teach them where they went wrong and how to avoid it again.
PhrozenGod, I hope you accept my thoughts and feelings in fraternal spirit. It hurts me that any member of my fraternity would intentionally or unintentionally degrade another culture.
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First off, my bad. I was too sarcastic in talking about some very serious issues. Even though I have never been to that campus, I can truly understand how members of the BSU feel, but also feel that the national scrutiny into the incident is a pretty significant consequence for ignorance. There are probably a couple of chapter members who are extremely embarrassed that they are "that racist frat". I can picture one of your bruhs going home for that weekend to see his fam, and then coming back on monday wondering why his chapter is featured on Yahoo News, and not for any good reason.
I feel as though your solutions or alternatives are much more constructive than a slap on the wrist, pocketbook, or charter. If the sigma chi chapter actually did something proactive to help out black people, or anyone who really needs help in the community, then they could probably learn something more than just outdated slang. They might actually put some thought into their future party planning and have those same BSU members jealous that they didn't think of it first.
It's probably a little too late for that situation to be perfectly smoothed over, but I balk more at the ignorance and not so much at the intent. I mean, the chapter had to have more than just the three people who apologized at the press conference. Like other posters have said, someone within the org should have proofread the facebook invites so that their event would seem both wild and classy at the same time.
Oh, and which season of "Real World" was that? God, I wished I had tried out for that show.
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