JHU Sigma Chi "Halloween in the Hood Party"

[PhrozenGod01]

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.

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.

[shinerbock]

I don't think its a big deal, but then I wouldnt. However, you guys do realize that these parties are often just excuses to drink 40's and listen to rap and what not. Its a theme party, just like anything else. I wonder if Hawaiians get offended over Luau parties...

[Drolefille]

Actually, I think someone was upset by that.

This stuff is all mostly harmless and while I understand how offense could be inferred, it's hard to say "you can't take this from pop culture because you're not the right skin color"

[shinerbock]

I'd also like to nominate the following as the worst comment of all time...

...I wish people would operate under the "if it isn't a necessary theme and has the potential to offend anyone, do something else" rule.

People are way too sensitive in this day and age for something like this to work. Americans just need tougher skin.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I'd also like to nominate the following as the worst comment of all time...

...I wish people would operate under the "if it isn't a necessary theme and has the potential to offend anyone, do something else" rule.

People are way too sensitive in this day and age for something like this to work. Americans just need tougher skin.

Actually, it's a good rule that most adults will have to live by at various points in our lives. Doesn't mean we have to live by it all the time but it's a matter of whether we feel like being bothered with the possible consequences of not living by it.

Is it worth it to keep a theme that MIGHT offend someone and result in disciplinary action? Probably not.

[shinerbock]

What would be better is if people could be offended without pressing for disciplinary action. This PC is killin me.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

What would be better is if people could be offended without pressing for disciplinary action. This PC is killin me.

Well that's what I recommended in my other post. A combination of being proactive and educationally reactive is what's needed, which is what my posts are speaking to.

I certainly don't think that, if we're against being too PC, anyone should have to hold their tongues on either side.

[LaneSig]

Originally Posted by PhrozenGod01

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.

I understood completely the passion behind your feelings. Whenever I hear that a fraternity has done something wrong, my first thought is always: "Please don't let it be a Sigma Chi chapter. Please, not Sigma Chi!".

I think the 'Real World' season was set in Chicago, but might have been New York. The female was Coral, who has appeared on some of the RW/RR Challenges. I can't remember the AfricanAmerican male, and the white housemate was Mike(?). And, of course, he was a fraternity guy.

[tunatartare]

A friend of mine is one of the Sigma Chi founders at Johns Hopkins. With his permission, I am reposting a note that he wrote on facebook about the situation:


When I along with 14 other Hopkins undergraduates founded Sigma Chi Sigma, a petitioning local of the Sigma Chi international fraternity, we did so in order to foster an environment of diversity and equality for men of different temperaments talents and convictions on the Hopkins campus. This is why I was horrified to learn of the events that had taken place Saturday night and the subsequent unapologetic behavior of certain members of the chapter. However, I feel that, before any irrevocable judgments are passed down, it is necessary to understand all facets of the events that managed to make the Baltimore & DC news, and even the New York Times. On Monday, I spoke to the BSU president, vice-president, and treasurer, in addition to the Sigma Chi province administrator and the Kappa Upsilon chapter advisor, in an effort to separate fact from spin and event from emotion.

Firstly, the Facebook advertisement of the party was one of the most horrific and prejudiced statements I have ever read. I was appalled that the statements were made and then defended by a member of the organization I spent 3 years building. The brother who posted the announcement did so without authorization from the school, the national fraternity, or the executive board of the Kappa Upsilon chapter. He also re-posted it after it was taken down, again without any form of authorization.

Let me state, this brother has been stripped of his status as a Sigma Chi, before any of the university’s proceedings even began. Sigma Chi has fought long and hard to be known as a diverse fraternity with brothers from all walks of life. Hatred is not a value we share among our brothers, and intolerance has no place within our ranks. His repeated offensive and un-apologetic behavior forced Sigma Chi’s hand and while an extreme punishment, we felt it was necessary due to the gravity of the incident. The Johns Hopkins chapter of Sigma Chi, while relatively young, has a strong history of community and neighborhood relations. We have been very open about who we are and what our goals as a brotherhood are, throwing community barbeques and potluck dinners with neighboring Charles Village residents, racking up hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network in Baltimore over the years, and throwing an annual Haunted House for the Baltimore community.

The scarecrow that the BSU has interpreted as a black man being lynched, and the photograph of which has been spread to most major local news media is an extremely evocative and disturbing image, but I believe some explanation is required. The “scarecrow” is actually a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed costume, and the noose is another Halloween-themed novelty item also movie licensed and themed. In fact, the costume is a “Jack Sparrow” themed costume, which accounts for the black wig. So while they labeled it a black man, it was actually meant to be Johnny Depp in character from a very successful Disney film.

Both of these Disney-licensed items were purchased at a Party City and put up first last year at our Halloween Party and the Haunted House which Sigma Chi provides for free every year since our acquisition of a house. This is an event co-sponsored by the Office of Greek Life in which, on Halloween, the brothers of Sigma Chi decorate their house and invite the neighborhood children in the surrounding areas to come and trick or treat. We include entertainment for parents and escort through the Haunted House by brothers. We invited the BSU to participate in this event last year but they never responded.

One of the immediate, concrete ramifications of the BSU’s outcry against Sigma Chi has been the immediate removal of all Hopkins funding of Sigma Chi. This will not shut down Sigma Chi’s ability to throw parties; however, it will make it impossible to host the Haunted House, as the brothers were relying on the Office of Greek Life’s matching funds. The children who enjoyed the Haunted House last year didn’t seem to mind the “hung” costumed skeleton, but I’m sure they’ll be disappointed by the fact that the Haunted House had to be cancelled because of the BSU’s hasty action.

The hearing yesterday did little to enhance debate but, did a tremendous amount to stoke the anger and hurt feelings being felt by the campus. I was there, sitting with my brothers, and frankly could not stand being called a prejudiced and elitist over and over by people who had never met me. A Latino student asked if any of the BSU students actually went to the party. None had. I found the hearing to be less a debate on action, and more a rally to build support for the BSU’s position. After an hour and a half of being called a racist and being out of touch with the Baltimore community, a community that I had personally reached out to in my 5 years in Baltimore, I could not stand it any longer, and left, knowing my presence could not help the situation and only further separated Sigma Chi from the rest of the student body.

The disconnect between the students of Johns Hopkins and the greater Baltimore community go far beyond one hate-filled post and a scarecrow with a black wig. There are real issues that the university must acknowledge and must work with student groups, Greek organizations and the community at large to ameliorate. However the solution to the problems of racial inequality at Hopkins and Baltimore is not the simple crucifixion of an organization created to help change the campus, or of 27 upstanding young men because of the reckless and arrogant venom from one immature ex-brother. The problem will still exist the day after the Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi disappears, except then Hopkins will be left with one less group of students who were truly shocked and disgusted by the events of Saturday evening and the extensive impact they had on the student body and the community.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by KLPDaisy

Let me state, this brother has been stripped of his status as a Sigma Chi, before any of the university’s proceedings even began.

This was a good speech and helped me understand the issue more. And WOW at this part.

Oh yeah, I love Sigma Chis.

[tunatartare]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

This was a good speech and helped me understand the issue more.

Yea my friend's a great guy and a great writer and after I saw that, I asked him to post it because I felt that people on here could appreciate it.

[AlexMack]

Now see, this right here is racist:
http://www.tolerance.org/news/feature/auburn/index.html

There's no excuse for this. The JHU Sigma Chis just showed poor judgment, kind of like the XOs awhile back who gave an award for the 'blackest Chi Omega', which did not go to a black Chi Omega.

I believe that there are times that fraternities and sororities are sometimes oblivious to the fact that people this day and age are sensitive to certian things.

As a hispanic male, I would be offended that a party like that would be going on. But then agian, people at times believe things like that are funny, or have no affect on surround individuals.

One has to be consious of the fact that:

Even if it is a themed party, when is it taking it too far? And will there be consequences?

The JHU brother's learned the hard way, and it should have never gotten to that point. With respect for the fratenity, I know for a fact that this does not represent the National's POV.

I am not bashing the fraternity at all, but I am saying that all greek organizations should be a little bit more socially concious...

[AlexMack]

Originally Posted by Tear-Drop (TEP)

I believe that there are times that fraternities and sororities are sometimes oblivious to the fact that people this day and age are sensitive to certian things.

As a hispanic male, I would be offended that a party like that would be going on. But then agian, people at times believe things like that are funny, or have no affect on surround individuals.

One has to be consious of the fact that:

Even if it is a themed party, when is it taking it too far? And will there be consequences?

The JHU brother's learned the hard way, and it should have never gotten to that point. With respect for the fratenity, I know for a fact that this does not represent the National's POV.

I am not bashing the fraternity at all, but I am saying that all greek organizations should be a little bit more socially concious...

Well considering that the BSU marched over there with an intent to find a racist slant to the party and never even set foot inside the party, I'd say perhaps people need to be less sensitive instead. Someone somewhere is going to be offended no matter what. There is no pleasing all people all the time. It's retarded. Soon someone will say that a Las Vegas themed recruitment party is offensive because gambling is against christianity and oh god think of the children.

[PhrozenGod01]

Originally Posted by centaur532

Well considering that the BSU marched over there with an intent to find a racist slant to the party and never even set foot inside the party, I'd say perhaps people need to be less sensitive instead. Someone somewhere is going to be offended no matter what. There is no pleasing all people all the time. It's retarded. Soon someone will say that a Las Vegas themed recruitment party is offensive because gambling is against christianity and oh god think of the children.

I don't know what JHU's greek system is like, but would male BSU members even be let inside? At my school and many I have visited, most fraternity parties have archaic lists. Even when someone is on the list, entry might be denied without a member even checking it(as they see other randoms walk in without being asked about their list status). It would be an extra hard slap to the face to hear about an "urban" themed party and then not get let in because of some sort of risk management issue(the members' fear that I'm a real thug or something... and the lack of women with me).

Without getting too far into that realm(the party could have been open for all I know), it can be safe to say that their BSU acted rationally and with a level of diplomacy that shines brighter than the ignorance of a few individuals. The BSU was just as sensitive in the aftermath, as Sigma Chi was when planning the party.