JHU Sigma Chi "Halloween in the Hood Party"

[LaneSig]

Originally Posted by PhrozenGod01

Like William Brody, I am also deeply disturbed. Sigma Chi should be suspended from Johns Hopkins forever because of what they did. I mean, who says "bling" anymore? And what the hell is "ice ice"? "Hoochie Hoops"? It's a free country, but what the hell is up with using terms that weren't even that cool six years ago? It probably would be a lot less offensive if the chapter members did some actual research on their theme. I mean, those guys could easily get positions at BET if they didn't date themselves as much as they did.

Okay on a serious note, I wonder how the actual party turned out. I'd love to see some pictures. Before I was greek, I got turned away from some "hood" or "ghetto" themed fraternity parties. That irony stung harder than the actual stereotypes. I'm still protesting BET. Just because they aren't a GLO doesn't mean they don't promote the same ignorance. I'm so mad I can barely ramble.

The king has spoken

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.