PiKA Costume party - black face - bye-bye

[wishinhopin]

A couple of thoughts. First and foremost, I of course do not think that the decision these particular Pikes made was intelligent, respectful, or right in any way.

However. I can't figure out if they were being intentionally disrespectful in their attempt at humor, if they were just moronically ignorant about the implications.

I know that they should know. I realize that this is an important facet of the history of music/film/comedy/Black history/etc. And I would be surprised if these guys hadn't been in at least one high school or college basic history class that mentioned what blackface was, what it represented, and how people (black and white) felt about it.

But the thing is, some people don't want to know. Some people are so ignorant about tons of different cultures, and their particular subcultures and pop cultures, that it is plausable to consider that maybe these guys were like that.

I know this sounds ridiculous. But think of this way- if you're, say, a white guy who has been raised to believe that, to some degree, blacks or other minorities are inferior- then do you pay that much attention during black history month? I'm positive that there are people who may or may not acknowledge that they have racist tendencies- but still disregard information that contradicts their world view, and/or discusses things they feel are inferior.

Which is not to say that their own ignorance excuses their actions. If we followed that precedent then there's a whole bunch of people who wouldn't be in jail right now. But I think there's a chance that these are the type of guys who zone out during parts of classes that they aren't interested in, memorizing what you need for the test and then totally spacing on it two days later. Hell, we all do that to some degree. But it frustrates me that stupid people do stupid things that contribute to racism and the perception of racism- I mean crap, it is 2004, and this is such pointless behavior.

I don't think they should get kicked off campus or in legal trouble- it's true, they have the right to be as insulting as they want. But the University has a right to protect the mental well being of its students, and provide them with a place to learn where they will be respected. I definitely think that some extreme diversity awareness training should be mandatory for these guys.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

Corina

[Glitterkitty]

and the PIKEs there have always been a$$holes. They desearve this. They've been asking for it.

[SiKeS]

Originally posted by Glitterkitty
and the PIKEs there have always been a$$holes. They desearve this. They've been asking for it.

Do you go to the same school as them? If not, it isn't fair to judge an entire fraternity on your opinions of one of its chapters... Although it is true that each of their chapters represent their fraternity.

[preciousjeni]

What kind of nationwide programming does your fraternity offer for diversity/sensitivity training? If there is none, have you petitioned to have this training implemented?

[Glitterkitty]

Originally posted by SiKeS
Do you go to the same school as them? If not, it isn't fair to judge an entire fraternity on your opinions of one of its chapters... Although it is true that each of their chapters represent their fraternity.

I have been with her on several of her sorority socials, philanthropy things-whatever. I've partied with them on a few occassions b/c I was with her. They are A$$holes. There may be one or two exceptions, but everyone I've ever met were. My brother went there about 7 or 8 years ago-he said they were buttholes then too.

BTW-not judging the whole fraternity as a national-just this chapter. However, if I am remembering the article posted correctly, their national is not doing anything about it. Makes you wonder. Personally, since it was an off campus party, I don't think the University should have the right to do anything about it if it wasn't a university related thing. HOWEVER, their (inter?)national should have been down there raising all sorts of hell. So since their national isn't shutting them down, I hope the university does.

And that's all i got to say about that.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by russellwarshay
Since when does any public institution's code of conduct take priority over the constitutionally protected freedoms?

That code of conduct should be found to be illegal.

Since you agreed to the Code of Conduct of the school when you enrolled...just like how Phi Kappa Psi could kick you out for doing something that's okay by the Constitution because you agreed to it upon assuming membership.

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Since you agreed to the Code of Conduct of the school when you enrolled...just like how Phi Kappa Psi could kick you out for doing something that's okay by the Constitution because you agreed to it upon assuming membership.

Phi Kappa Psi is a private institution. Georgia State University is not. Phi Psi is protected by America's Freedom of Association and may act in such a manner. Georgia State is a public institution, and therefore, must ensure that our statuarory freedoms are preserved. Just like no fraternity may have a rule to promote illegal behavior like hazing, no public institution may have rules that contravene constitutional freedoms.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by russellwarshay
Phi Kappa Psi is a private institution. Georgia State University is not. Phi Psi is protected by America's Freedom of Association and may act in such a manner. Georgia State is a public institution, and therefore, must ensure that our statuarory freedoms are preserved. Just like no fraternity may have a rule to promote illegal behavior like hazing, no public institution may have rules that contravene constitutional freedoms.

Well maybe you should go to law school and help them sue then, Russell. I'll eagerly await the results. Tell Scalia I still don't like him while you're there.

[James]

If people hang out with those they already know to be assholes they kind of deserve their bad experiences. How stupid can you be? Is that like a girl thing, lets go hang out with people we think might hurt us lol?

Originally posted by Glitterkitty
I have been with her on several of her sorority socials, philanthropy things-whatever. I've partied with them on a few occassions b/c I was with her. They are A$$holes. There may be one or two exceptions, but everyone I've ever met were. My brother went there about 7 or 8 years ago-he said they were buttholes then too.
.

[Rudey]

I think at the end of the day it's the end goals of what Pi Kappa Alpha has that matter.

You can scream all you want about how they're this and that, but they seem to be doing well and, with that ace up their sleeve, can tell you to STFU.

-Rudey

[Tom Earp]

Oh Rudey, wonderful post! Da, your usual standards!

Yes, while ALL National Greek Organizations Have High Ideals, there are those that abuse it!

Then, a few make The Goup look bad and they all suffer for it!

Do you think that I like it When I see not only LXA screwing up, but anyother Greek Organization screwing up that it makes me feel better!

Get a better writer! OH, STFU, really Original!

[Rudey]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Well maybe you should go to law school and help them sue then, Russell. I'll eagerly await the results. Tell Scalia I still don't like him while you're there.

Chicago prof woo woo!

-Rudey
--Edited to say prof, not alum

[KEPike]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
What kind of nationwide programming does your fraternity offer for diversity/sensitivity training? If there is none, have you petitioned to have this training implemented?

They don't, and I'd venture to say that the vast majority of NIC Fraternities and most sororities too do not either (at least on an inter/national basis). The reason behind this is simple implementation. Each year, there are more than 10,000 undergraduate members of PiKA and the cost and time associated with implementing a total diversity/sensitivity training program would be too great.

As others have mentioned, I'd be all for having this chapter go through diversity/sensitivity training. I've been through some in my undergrad years and it has helped me to understand where others are coming from.

If they really are a bad chapter, then Pike needs to look at revoking their charter. Although I seriously doubt that asshole-ish behavior and racial insensitivity will get their charter revoked.

[IvySpice]

Chicago alum woo woo!

??? Who, Scalia? He was valedictorian at Georgetown and then went to Harvard Law.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by Rudey
Chicago alum woo woo!

-Rudey

Take him back woo woo!