Have Mixer Themes Gone Too Far??

[pinapple]

I think most people on these boards know I am a huge supporter of the Greek Community at UT. I consider myself to VERY panhellenic, and I also consider myself to be reasonable. Just because those above statements are true, does not mean it is okay to sweep under the rug a major issue on campus right now that pertains to all Greeks. It does not matter if I am or not a part of either group. Certainly if everyone steps back you have to realize that harm was done. Both of these houses have women of hispanic heritage as well as actives and as new members. (very few...but they exist) How do you think they feel in this situation? And when it first went down, instead of doing immediate damage control, they played the "no comment card" which only put fuel on the fire. The apology came out late last night but for the people they offended, it came out of pressure, not because it was the right thing to do.

Behavior like this only fuels the stereotypes of the Greek community. Stereotypes that are fought against every single day. As far as the "callout" of the specific groups, I didn't call them out, the media called them out and frankly the behavior is what got them in the hot water, not me personally. And although this started in the Burnt Orange Report, the Daily Texan has run multiple reports on this and a local news station picked it up yesterday.


http://dailytexanonline.com/news/201...aises-concerns

http://dailytexanonline.com/news/201...ccused-of-bias


http://dailytexanonline.com/news/201...-out-apologies

Just to add...there are people on this campus that work very hard to make the relationship between the University and the Greek community a positive one. This work is literally exposed into rubble when things like this occur. This is what I have a problem with.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by pinapple

Both of these houses have women of hispanic heritage as well as actives and as new members. (very few...but they exist)

Once again...pointing this out completely misses the point.

[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by pinapple

I think most people on these boards know I am a huge supporter of the Greek Community at UT. I consider myself to VERY panhellenic, and I also consider myself to be reasonable. Just because those above statements are true, does not mean it is okay to sweep under the rug a major issue on campus right now that pertains to all Greeks. It does not matter if I am or not a part of either group. Certainly if everyone steps back you have to realize that harm was done. Both of these houses have women of hispanic heritage as well as actives and as new members. (very few...but they exist) How do you think they feel in this situation? And when it first went down, instead of doing immediate damage control, they played the "no comment card" which only put fuel on the fire. The apology came out late last night but for the people they offended, it came out of pressure, not because it was the right thing to do.

Behavior like this only fuels the stereotypes of the Greek community. Stereotypes that are fought against every single day. As far as the "callout" of the specific groups, I didn't call them out, the media called them out and frankly the behavior is what got them in the hot water, not me personally. And although this started in the Burnt Orange Report, the Daily Texan has run multiple reports on this and a local news station picked it up yesterday.


http://dailytexanonline.com/news/201...aises-concerns

http://dailytexanonline.com/news/201...ccused-of-bias


http://dailytexanonline.com/news/201...-out-apologies

Just to add...there are people on this campus that work very hard to make the relationship between the University and the Greek community a positive one. This work is literally exposed into rubble when things like this occur. This is what I have a problem with.

Damage control was probably being done on the national level, and until the national officers of the sororities determined the appropriate course of action, the collegiate members were most likely told to avoid speaking with the media or issuing any statements whatsoever.

[James]

The media shapes the story. Stories like this are fun in a sense. You can generate outrage but no one really got hurt.

In the grand scheme of things this is not serious. Compare it to something real: Rape, Murder, War or even a mugging.

General civil rights violations would still be serious. This isnt the same.

But compared to that this is like Chilis having a cinco de mayo party and people showing up with the same costumes. Its human interest not a real story.

My personal experience is that most people dont care. The people that do care are usually either politically motivated or have some bad experience that makes it emotional for them.

In which case take a mental deep breath. Making a non issue into a serious issue just for something to talk about is . .. well . .. silly.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by James

In which case take a mental deep breath. Making a non issue into a serious issue just for something to talk about is . .. well . .. silly.

I'll say something I don't often say. I agree with the TFM commentator. If these groups are so upset, throw a white people cheese and Franzia party. Dress up in cardigans and skinny jeans. Maybe jorts.

Sure, I'll always counsel my own groups to avoid parties which might offend someone even if I think that person being offended is ridiculous. I do it because it's simply not worth the effort of having to engage in defensive PR when some group writes a letter to the editor or something.