Quinnipiac Theta Chapter Cancels Philanthropy

[SWTXBelle]

Um, no. She questioned the motive for Ms. Gruber's actions, which is directly related to the issue. She didn't dismiss the argument on the " basis of some irrelevant fact about the author of or the person presenting the claim or argument."

[KDMafia]

So according to the article. The student made a criticism based on her opinion, the org chose to cancel and do it again later. I kinda feel that should have been the mature way to handle it but instead the sorority, who tried to do the right thing and err on not being insensitive is still getting their name dragged through the mud cause everyone has an axe to grind in regards to PC culture.

So good for the Kappa Alpha Theta chapter who realized this event was to raise money for kids, not make a stand on whether or not they can hold events with "nacho" puns because in reality a theme isn't the point, the philantrophy is. I also think it shows an ability to recognize that some fights aren't worth fighting and that being aware of that and not just focusing on what your core group thinks is a great skill and the type of leadership that will serve those ladies well in the future.

[OPhiAGinger]

I agree that the Theta chapter reacted to this issue with grace and class.

[Just interested]

So, Fiesta in San Antonio is being cancelled this year for being politically incorrect?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by KDMafia

So according to the article. The student made a criticism based on her opinion, the org chose to cancel and do it again later. I kinda feel that should have been the mature way to handle it but instead the sorority, who tried to do the right thing and err on not being insensitive is still getting their name dragged through the mud cause everyone has an axe to grind in regards to PC culture.

So good for the Kappa Alpha Theta chapter who realized this event was to raise money for kids, not make a stand on whether or not they can hold events with "nacho" puns because in reality a theme isn't the point, the philantrophy is. I also think it shows an ability to recognize that some fights aren't worth fighting and that being aware of that and not just focusing on what your core group thinks is a great skill and the type of leadership that will serve those ladies well in the future.

Originally Posted by OPhiAGinger

I agree that the Theta chapter reacted to this issue with grace and class.

As always, white people are celebrated as though their response is anything beyond basic and reactionary. This predominantly white sorority didn't do anything exceptional and we don't know the backstory that may have lead that student to take her discontent a step further. Perhaps it wasn't as peaceful of a situation as people are assuming.

Why do people insist on dismissing this as "PC culture"?

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Perhaps it wasn't as peaceful of a situation as people are assuming.

And, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, perhaps it was.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

And, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, perhaps it was.

The point: We don't know. The fact that GCers tend to do cartwheels over white people's responses is unsettling. Tons of race-themed GC threads over the years and the celebration of white people continues. White people aren't doing the world a favor in responding to something they initiated. Sigmadiva asked a question that was never really answered. So we will keep seeing threads about culture-themed events and racist chants from predominantly white GLOs. Shocking.

[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.

[SWTXBelle]

I accept that she was offended. Her feelings are of course valid. (Is there such a thing as invalid feelings? Is that like "You only THINK you are happy; you aren't really?") The bigger question is, should every individual's feelings, whether based on a logical analysis of the situation or a simple emotional reaction, be accorded the power to dictate to groups? If so, there are a great many St. Patrick's Day "celebrations" that need to cancel, because I have long found them offensive, both as a person of Irish descent and a Catholic.

As to the idea that only members of a group can decide what is offensive, that insults the intelligence of everyone. I cannot do better than C.S. Lewis in his A Preface to Paradise Lost in dealing with the logical fallacy of only allowing members of a group to judge for that group. I highly recommend it. As to the maracas, I'm also of Mexican descent, so TA-DA! Even according to your criteria, I apparently get to decide if nachos and maracas are offensive. I am more than willing to listen to an explanation of why they are and have my mind changed. My argument is that if you are offended, you should be willing to explain why. How do you hope to change hearts and minds if you simply go "Well, I find it offensive, and that should be enough." In the case of the Washington Redskins, it has been pointed out that the term "redskins" was a negative one of derision, used to belittle and denigrate. I'm not of the relevant group's ancestry, but I recognize that as being a good argument for why it is offensive and should be retired.

Why is it so hard to accept that she can be offended, her feelings can be valid, but that doesn't mean we can't support the Theta chapter in their attempt to raise money for a worthwhile cause? THIS is why the term "PC" has become so negative - this is why people of good will become frustrated when offense is wielded like a weapon. Ms. Gruber chose to make a public case of her personal feelings, at which time it became fair game to comment on the logic of her argument, or actually, lack of one.

[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.

[SWTXBelle]

Hispanic, singular. Unless she had a Hispanic mouse in her pocket.

[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!

[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!