PiKA Costume party - black face - bye-bye

[LatinaAlumna]

Most of the work that I do on a daily basis is with this district and city, so that's why I choose to defend them when people put them down--like I feel that those Pikes did with their "Straight Outta Compton" party.

I never said it was a better city than any other, and I even said that it does have problems. All I said originally is that it is NOT AS BAD AS PEOPLE MAKE IT SEEM.

Some of the good things about this city are its many dedicated teachers (who do things like go to a student's home to follow up on them, etc.), long-time residents who are activists for change, and kids who are excelling in academics, sports, and service. Of course, this can be said for MANY CITIES, but what I am saying is that Compton is not as bad and vile as people make it seem, and I don't think it's right to throw parties that try and perpetuate stereotypes. There are other good things that happen in this town that I don't think everyone will understand, such as neighbors pulling together and having yard-sales or selling baked goods so a family won't lose their home. People look out for each other's children, and the word "family" includes much more than just those who live in a particular household. I like that. Also, many people in Compton are grateful for what they do have, whether that may be a lot, or just a little in someone else's eyes. When I go to Compton, I know where I stand with people. I don't encounter anyone who is "fake" towards me. When I lived in Brentwood, I couldn't go anywhere without someone acting snooty or disrespectful.

Some of these things can be found in other places (and I keep feeling the need to say that because some of you don't get it), but don't put down a city if you don't want someone to put down yours. And please don't put down a place if you have never visted.

[msn4med1975]

Latina,

why are you still posting to this thread honey? The argument only briefly focuses on the topic before veering off. Whoever posted about folks being entrenched in their beliefs was right. Just leave these folks to their opinions.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by msn4med1975
Latina,

why are you still posting to this thread honey? The argument only briefly focuses on the topic before veering off. Whoever posted about folks being entrenched in their beliefs was right. Just leave these folks to their opinions.

Because you're totally being open-minded.

[msn4med1975]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Because you're totally being open-minded.

Actually I'm not, and neither are most of the folks on the thread. We've picked our sides and are staying there. My opinion remains the same, they can't use stupidity as an excuse if for no other reason than the four or five previous incidents over the last three years were not kept hush hush. It was widely known the damage and hurt that ensued from the OTHER fraternities behavior so to say they didn't think it would be a big deal is a weak argument for me. I've also said I don't think their charter should be yanked but if they aren't willing to at LEAST apologize some sanction against them should be imparted. A majority (or vocal minority) of the people on this thread disagree and there's no point in rehashing it. So as I told Latina, no need to keep posting to change minds, mine or yours, that aren't going to be changed. I'll keep my opinions and you are entitled to yours.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by msn4med1975
Latina,

why are you still posting to this thread honey? The argument only briefly focuses on the topic before veering off. Whoever posted about folks being entrenched in their beliefs was right. Just leave these folks to their opinions.

I think someone veered off topic when they started talking about straight outta compton parties.

And yes, people won't change their minds. But it just seems that some people have trouble accepting the fact that they have no control over this. In fact it got so ridiculous, that someone suggested a national program. I don't mean to bash that person, but come on. Who the hell are you to ask if a fraternity has a national program?? And it's not one person so I'm not mention one person - that is the mentality on this thread.

It comes down to this: The person who has control will form their opinion and will do what they feel is right. They are not in a fraternity for you nor do they have to justify their risk management, their party themes, etc. You are free to form your opinion on them. Others can form their opinion on you. And if you have an image developed - that is fine. That is an image that they'll have to fight for a while just like people might have an image of your fraternity/sorority.

-Rudey

[DietCoke43]

As a member of the Greek community at Georgia State and friend of Pi Kappa Alpha I feel as though I need to say something in their defense. There are a lot of things that need to be said.
Action has been taken within the chapter, the members were suspended for six months.
Within 48 hours of the incident, a formal apology was written to the members of Phi Beta Sigma.
The greek community at Georgia State is very small, approximately a little over 20 organizations including NPC, IFC, and NPHC. We all co-exist with minimal assistance from the school. Everything is funded through the individuals of each chapter. Therefore, you have to understand that we're all basically one big organization. Phi Beta Sigma and Pi Kappa Alpha have co-hosted parties before, in attendance were many organizations from all councils.
The "incident" was not an act of racism. However, due to media coverage the whole situation has been blown out of proportion. I know for a fact that some of the members of the chapter have received death treats.
Themed parties, at any time, can offend at least one person. "Cowboys and Indians," "Pimps and Hos," or even a Luau.
At the current moment they are suspended until further notice. IF Pi Kappa Alpha is removed from campus there will be a serious blow to the Greek community at Georgia State.
Before you decide to make any other judgements, learn the facts so that you don't seem ignorant.

[valkyrie]

Originally posted by DietCoke43
The "incident" was not an act of racism. However, due to media coverage the whole situation has been blown out of proportion. I know for a fact that some of the members of the chapter have received death treats.
Themed parties, at any time, can offend at least one person. "Cowboys and Indians," "Pimps and Hos," or even a Luau.
At the current moment they are suspended until further notice. IF Pi Kappa Alpha is removed from campus there will be a serious blow to the Greek community at Georgia State.
Before you decide to make any other judgements, learn the facts so that you don't seem ignorant.

I have a serious question -- if it was not an act of racism, what was it?

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by DietCoke43
Action has been taken within the chapter, the members were suspended for six months. Within 48 hours of the incident, a formal apology was written to the members of Phi Beta Sigma.

That's certainly encouraging!

[DietCoke43]

It was the same thing that Dave Chapelle does every week on his show... an act of comedy.
I have a serious question too... If Pike is at wrong then why does Dave Chapelle get a show on television and he constantly makes fun of white people? And he's not the only comedian to ever make fun of a different race, but a small act of comedy by a fraternity at a small school, and they might get kicked off campus?

[msn4med1975]

Originally posted by DietCoke43
It was the same thing that Dave Chapelle does every week on his show... an act of comedy.
I have a serious question too... If Pike is at wrong then why does Dave Chapelle get a show on television and he constantly makes fun of white people? And he's not the only comedian to ever make fun of a different race, but a small act of comedy by a fraternity at a small school, and they might get kicked off campus?

Actually it's not the same thing. A themed party CAN BE FUNNY but Blackface ISN'T funny. And anyone that thinks it is has a problem. When ANYONE does it the act is NOT funny and in case you didn't know Dave Chapelle is routinely blasted for his choices on what he thinks is FUNNY. He's able to stay on the air for two reasons 1) controversy brings in ratings and 2) he's on cable television not PUBLIC television. His show will never be on NBC or any of the others because the public outcry and boycots would hurt the station. Just like being perceived as a RACIST school can hurt a university which is why the fraternity is in the position they are in now.

Thanks for letting us know about the apology and sanctions, it shows they know what was done was WRONG (ie NOT COMEDY). Unfortunately, as is the case in Greek life, a few people can wreak havoc on the whole and make them suffer harsh punishments.

[valkyrie]

Originally posted by DietCoke43
It was the same thing that Dave Chapelle does every week on his show... an act of comedy.
I have a serious question too... If Pike is at wrong then why does Dave Chapelle get a show on television and he constantly makes fun of white people? And he's not the only comedian to ever make fun of a different race, but a small act of comedy by a fraternity at a small school, and they might get kicked off campus?

Apparently I live in a cave because I don't even know who Dave Chapelle is. Anyway, I can't imagine a situation where blackface would not be offensive, considering the history of it. I also think it's inherently more offensive for white people to make fun of black people than vice versa because in our society, white people are the ones in a position of power.

If these boys think that blackface is funny, then I'm afraid they need more education than a University is going to give them.

[pike]

First off, these two individuials acted completely separate from their fraternity. Secondly, if you do not attend GA State and didn't attend the party, then you don;t know the truth. These guys are not racist, not in the least bit. I don't know the last time I saw a white guy in any Black Greek Organization. I challenge all of you to become as diverse as this Ga State Univ. PIKE chapter is. And then speak of racism and discrimination. The patry held was a hip hop themed party. NOT celebrating racism. Hip Hop is very cultured including White, Hispanic, Asian and Black. Those at the party were supposed to dress like their favorite rap artists. There were people dressed up like black rappers, and white rappers, such as Eminem and Bubba Sparxx. The party was a PRIVATE party, invitation only. And it was at a PRIVATE house OFF CAMPUS. The fraternity had a BLACK Police officer at the party to oversee it. Why would they get a Black Cop at a "racist party" Since this party alot has happened. GA State has promted racism, defamation, slander, and bigotry. They have violated many of their own rules in their "Code of Conduct" Examples of this are approving a Black Student Alliance flyer, which depicted the PIKES as racist. This flyer is completely fallacious. It showed a picture of a fraternity at Auburn, of a Hunter, a guy in a KKK outfit, and a "blackface" individual with q neuce around his neck. The flyer had TTKA letters on it and said "Happy Black History Month from your friends at TTKA" School allowed this slandarous flyer to be printed and over 100 copies to be posted in all the buildings at school. Keep in mind this is a Campus with a pop. of 25,000+. So it is a big school. Then school allowed an open froum to be held at school. In attendance were about 500 "concerned students" This was nothing but a bash on PIKES. Pikes were threatened, verbally attacked, as well as physically attacked. There was also a black guy parading around with Blackface on. I might be wrong...But isn't this Racial Discrimination on the schools behalf. Or do the rules not apply the same to whites and blacks. I thought we were all "Equal". The Black fraternity members who attended the party and who were "offended" did not want to press charges against the individuals or against the chapter. But for some reason the Asst. Dean of Students pressed charges on the School's behalf. The judicial process has went through for those two individuals, they are awaiting the outcome. Which will most likely be appealed. Thetre are many other legal issues that i won't go into. All I can say is that these guys ar not racist. Don't pass judgement on anyone unless you personally know them. Thanks for all of The GA State students who have posted replies about the truth. And for everyone else- Here is the truth. So why don't you stop Bitching. Nothing aboput this was racist. It was a themed party, and is covered under the 1st and 13th ammendments of The Constitution of the US...you know the one we all Live by. So stop listening to the media, and all the liberal bullshit out there, and open you biased minds. It is ya'll whol look like ignorant pieces of shit talking about stuff without knowing the truth.

[deuika]

Did you seriously just use them having a Black police officer as a sign this wasn't a racist act? You don't have a point.

Pike...perhaps you should take a breath or something. Coming on here calling people ignorant, yata yata, doesn't really help your little cause does it?Why, because You don't have a point.

I don't recall anyone calling the Pikes racist, but the act darn sure was. Also, a Black person can't dress in "Blackface", you really don't understand this issue do you? You don't have a point.

Hip-Hop being a "shared culture" isn't definitive, so that's a shaky argument at best. You don't have a point.

For the record, there are plenty of non-Blacks in NPHC orgs, Again, You don't have a point.

If you want to do your organization, or however you are connected to this a service, don't post anything that makes you look stupid. Nothing you said has any weight, and to insult people because they disagree? WOW, I'm TOTALLY impressed.

No one is saying the things that have happened to the Pikes as a result of this is fair, of course it isn't. But honestly, what did you expect? Let's say I have a "themed party" ; we'll call it Corporate America. Everyone comes dressed in tight slacks with briefcases containing Klan robes, I doubt all the White kids would be singing my praises. You get what you asked for. And there is no way in Holy Heck they didn't know that Blackface was stereotypical, and may result in a couple of asswhoopings. If they didn't, the Pikes are rather dumb, at best.

[msn4med1975]

Thanks for that eloquent reply it's opened my eyes. Let me just say I don't and DIDN't have a problem with the party just the actions of two people who may not BE racists but acted in a RACIALLY offensive manner. Has nothing to do with a liberal agenda but moreso with NOT wanting to deal with someone else's misguided attempt at humor. ANYONE, Black or White, in blackface is JUST WRONG. Again I'm glad you handled the situation and I'm even a bit sorry your organization is taking all of this heat but that happens when people representing any org act stupidly sometimes. If you think the school is letting other folks get away with MURDER call em on it, until then I hope things get better for the rest of you.

It makes NPHC orgs get suspended all the time when one person acts an azz with their letters on.

[pike]

How is saying Hip hop is diverse not definitive?

How can a black guy wear black face paint, but not a white guy? We got out of racial/gender/religious discrimination years ago!

I never said that having a black cop didn't make it an "unracial" party. I said that if they knew the black cop was going to be there before hand, then why would they go in blackface as a racist act?

Yes, people have called the pikes racist on here, and at GA State.

"For the record," I never said Black Greeks don't have white people, I said all the ones I've seen don't. And I've seen quite a few.

I guess I'm not up to date, I didn't know that corporate America carries Klan robes in their briefcases. And if you wanted to do it, go right ahead, it's your freedom of expression. But lets say you held the party at your house, do you think that your Employer should get involved, as the school did with the PIKES?

So in conclusion, what I say has a lot of "weight" It's just that your small mind is so one-track You are not willing to look at both sides of a story.