Quinnipiac Theta Chapter Cancels Philanthropy

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

I think the fundamental question is: Why is that historically white GLOs use racial / ethnic stereotypes to promote their events? Why can't you just have the event? Can't the event you are having stand on its own merit without trying to use a cultural identifier?

Besides, what do queso and maracas have to do with raising money for a worthy cause?

What is y'all's obsession with (ethnic) theme parties?

I assume, Dr. Phil, this is the question you do not believe was sufficiently answered. In the context of this particular event, I think the relevant question would be- is the serving of nachos and a picture of maracas the use of "racial/ethnic stereotypes"? I can't speak for everyone who has posted, but I am confident that certainly the majority would agree that using racial/ethnic stereotypes is indeed not necessary, and I know that eliminating stupid, racist themes is something they would support and many are actively striving to do in their roles as advisers and officers. There's no one that I can see who is planting his/her flag on that particular hill.

The issue of ethnicity becomes a little more cloudy - is it okay to use an Italian flag to promote a spaghetti supper? A shamrock for a St. Patrick's day fundraiser? I think it is possible to use symbols associated with themes without them being offensive, with the caveat that all symbols must be analyzed in terms of how they represent the culture. So, using a Frito Bandito-type caricature to publicize a nacho sale? OFFENSIVE. Using a picture of maracas or, let's say, a piñata? Not offensive, because they don't have a negative connotation.

As to "what do queso and maracas have to do with raising money" - the selling of nachos is as relevant as having a car wash, or a bake sale, or serving pancakes, or any of the other many ways groups raise funds.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Using a picture of maracas or, let's say, a piñata? Not offensive, because they don't have a negative connotation.

But we know that even within groups, opinions can differ on what is offensive. See, for example, the Washington NFL team debate. And it surely is not the place of a non-member of the group to determine what is offensive. And, even if most people wouldn't consider something offensive, that doesn't mean that an individual doesn't have valid feelings or that their experience can be immediately discounted.

Gruber was offended, and she said so. She didn't demand a cancellation, she didn't contact the press, she didn't run to the university and ask for sanctions, she didn't stage a protest outside the Theta house. She told the Theta chapter that she was offended. Theta cancelled the event so they could have time to rethink their messaging. And the reaction here (and in the posted link) was to pile on to Gruber as overly PC, claim she was "tarring" Theta, speculate she was out for money or attention, etc.

Why is it so hard to just accept that she was indeed offended and her feelings are valid? Why are white people so eager to undermine her experience and rally around the Theta chapter instead of trying to understand her point of view?

[carnation]

Siggghhhh...almost everything you do will offend someone. I have now seen dozens of responses online from hispanos who are truly puzzled by her reaction. "So they used maracas to market the nachos? so what?" In addition, the consensus seems to be "She wants something--fame, bucks, whatever.

Also, our local Mexican restaurant uses the "nacho" phrases in their ads and they think they're hilarious. I do too.

Don't get offended on our account. We can handle the horrendous maracas and nacho phrases.

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Why is it so hard to just accept that she was indeed offended and her feelings are valid? Why are white people so eager to undermine her experience and rally around the Theta chapter instead of trying to understand her point of view?

Maybe becasue there is simply NOTHING valid to be offended by?? A fund raiser is not required to have some connection to the charitable cause that will benefit from the funds. There was nothing offensive to a person without a damned chip on their shoulder about this fundraiser. A SINGLE person decided that she felt that nachos and maracas were offensive. Really? Interesting. Move along while they raise some donations for a good cause.

Jesus Christ Almight save us.... does every damned thing have to be so completely inoffensive that absolutely NO ONE gets butt hurt?

Yes, "whiteness is awesome" and browness is awesome, and blackness is awesome - everything is awesome!

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

I assume, Dr. Phil, this is the question you do not believe was sufficiently answered.

Correct.

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

And the reaction here (and in the posted link) was to pile on to Gruber as overly PC, claim she was "tarring" Theta, speculate she was out for money or attention, etc.

Why is it so hard to just accept that she was indeed offended and her feelings are valid? Why are white people so eager to undermine her experience and rally around the Theta chapter instead of trying to understand her point of view?

Exactly.

Because whiteness is awesome. Never forget.

Originally Posted by carnation

Siggghhhh...almost everything you do will offend someone. I have now seen dozens of responses online from hispanos who are truly puzzled by her reaction. "So they used maracas to market the nachos? so what?" In addition, the consensus seems to be "She wants something--fame, bucks, whatever.

Also, our local Mexican restaurant uses the "nacho" phrases in their ads and they think they're hilarious. I do too.

Don't get offended on our account. We can handle the horrendous maracas and nacho phrases.

I forgot you are Hispanic. Well, you and other Hispanics not being offended does not erase the Hispanics who are offended.

[carnation]

White-Hispanic-black-NA in that order. And a lot of stuff offends me, including insults about multiracial people, but I choose to not make an ass out of myself freaking out about every perceived slight. After awhile, you end up hated--who needs that?

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I forgot you are Hispanic. Well, you and other Hispanics not being offended does not erase the Hispanics who are offended.

Belle, we might have a Hispanic mouse or 2 around the house!

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by carnation

Belle, we might have a Hispanic mouse or 2 around the house!

As long as it doesn't eat nachos or play the maracas.