This was written by D’Artagnan Scorza, the Director of the Social Justice Learning Institute.
African American students at UC San Diego were shocked and demoralized by a “Compton Cookout” that took place this past Monday February 15.
According to the Facebook invitation, students from several fraternities organized this party in honor of Black History Month, inviting guests to “experience the various elements of life in the ghetto.”
Males were encouraged to wear oversized clothing, chains, and display tattoos. As “ghetto chicks,” females were “to speak very loudly, while rolling their neck, and waving their finger.” They were also supposed to imitate other so-called characteristics of “ghetto chicks” such as having a limited vocabulary, using vulgarities, and smacking their lips.
After protests from the Black Student Union and African American students on campus, on the evening of February 18, 2010, several students broke into the university-funded television station SR-TV in support of the Compton cookout, calling the African American community “ungrateful niggers.” Upon investigation of the program host’s media offices, the campus discovered a note on the studio floor with the words “Compton lynching.”
The students involved with the initial event are currently planning a “Compton Cookout Part Deux” in March. This is in defiance of the frustration of African Americans and other underrepresented students of color.
These events have caused UCSD to earn the reputation of being a racist school and is a blow to recruitment efforts for Black students and other underrepresented minorities to the UCSD campus. Currently, UCSD’s African American student body comprises 2% of the total population, despite a much larger presence statewide. Our tax dollars are supporting an institution that has a reputation for tolerating such offensive behavior against Black students.
Responses
UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox issued a statement condemning the initial event as did the Associated Students (AS) organization. In addition, several hundred students have led protests on the UCSD campus. Fox agreed to a list of demands on the part of students and members of the community including the creation of a task force to improve the university climate for underrepresented students and launched an investigation into criminal activity and violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
What Is Needed
We need to raise awareness and apply pressure to the entire University system. As unfortunate as this circumstance is, it is not isolated to just one campus. Campuses such as UCLA, UC Irvine and UC Santa Cruz have faced similar problems in the past.
These types of events occur in part because of the small numbers of students of color. Without a critical mass of people of color, White students feel emboldened to allow their most base racist views manifest itself into incidents such as the “Compton Cookout.”
Organizers ask that letters of support and expressions of disapproval be directed to the UCSD Chancellor, Marye Anne Fox at University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 and to the UC Board of Regents at University of California 111 Franklin Street Oakland, California 94607.
Furthermore, you can support the students by attending any sponsored event both on and off the campus. Finally, you can call on UCSD to explore disciplinary actions against perpetrators of hate and intolerance.
You real can’t take these uneducated UCSD white trailer trash anywhere. This is what happens when more than one of these guys puts their minds together.
Oh, where exactly was a speech going on? Thats right, no where, but keep plucking that chicken.
I regret that EJS has chosen to use the deplorable acts of these racist students as a pitch for affirmative action. The problem with the underrepresentation of black students is not a flawed admissions policy. Rather, it is the failure of our government to correct the history of government-imposed socioeconomic inferiority of blacks. Go into impoverished black neighborhoods and provide proper funding for education, housing, and health care, and before long you won’t need racist affirmative action policies to achieve parity in admissions.
The flaw in your analsysis, Glenn, is that it presumes that the government can do only one or the other. Affirmative action is necessary, moreover, to combat the societal headwinds directed against minority progress. There has been much research conducted that shows that when you keep qualifications constant, minorities still face obstacles to success. Previously incarcerated white males, for instance, have the same success on the job market as do black males with no record. What this party shows is that many whites evidence a racial bias that impacts the socio-economic status of minorities in negative ways. Affirmative action is still necessary because the free market places a premium on whiteness. Affirmative action counteracts, slightly, the bias in whites’ favor.
Can EJS provide a form letter and the address of the frat house and the UCSD administration?
Thanks Calvin. We’re seeing about generating something.
Well, as Frank Zappa said in “Trouble Every Day” [The Mothers of Invention Freak Out, 1966]:
“I’m not black, but there’s a whole lot’s o’ times I wish I could say I’m not white”.
We are in the end times. A certain group of people feel the need to blame their insecurities on the most vulnerable in our society. What I mean is white folks (dominate group) need to feel good about themselves and this is how they do it, by blaming (minority groups) for their problems. This is how this country was built by oppressing the (minority group) people of color. Remember (Jim Crow Law’s) this is what has happened throughout the history of the United States of America when the times are hard they blame the colored person for their mistakes and punish us. At this moment in time they mock people by reverting to the race card, how ignorant is that and this is suppose to be a learning institution shame on them. Racism is alive and well in the United States of America. Do not respond back with racism that’s what they want you to do. But, most importantly remember confront your ememies with Love. Jesus is the way the Truth and the Light, He will save us not the United States of America and most definitely not the white man. God’s Peace be with us all.
It’s a plot by the fundamentalist rightwing party of tyranny called Republicans. They foment hate, they sneer, they make excuses for their behavior and blame everyone else. They advocate the supremacy of their America – a lily-white America. They are scared and frightened becuase (gasp) a black man has been elected to the White House. They are losing conrol and like cornered animals, they are lashing out. This is the national leadership from whom these studants take their cues.
While the actions, decisions, and judgments made by the students who published this Facebook advertisement are certainly deplorable and in extremely bad taste, I do not agree with any university disciplinary actions taken against them.
The fact remains that this advertisement and its associated party were entirely private. There is no absolutely no connection between them and the university. This event associated with no public group or institution.
The fact that those responsible for the advertisement and party are UCSD students is merely coincidental. If they had held it after already graduating, we would not be discussing this issue.
While one may argue that students charged with outside crimes often face simultaneous university discipline as a precedent, it is important to note here that these students did not commit a crime legally.
One may also argue that the event does directly associate with a public institution since those responsible met each other at UCSD. This argument, of course, is a very slippery slope and allows the public sphere to invade the private one.
Holding racially charged events in a private setting, although extremely deplorable, does not merit punitive consequences in a public capacity. If that were the case, those responsible could be criminally prosecuted.
To sum up my argument above, UCSD should only initiate disciplinary actions against these students if they are also charged with a crime.
As a disclaimer, I do not condone the actions taken by the students in any way at all. In fact, I find them reprehensible and shockingly bigoted.
Is there any way to know which Fraternities took part in the party? There are many African America members of primarily white fraterities across the country. One way of dealing with this is from the inside. Those of us who are alumni in those organizations may be able to have an impact that those on the outside may not.
Could anyone post the names of the Frats?
Is there any way to know which Fraternities took part in the party? There are many African America members of primarily white fraterities across the country. One way of dealing with this is from the inside. Those of us who are alumni in those organizations may be able to have an impact that those on the outside may not.
Could anyone post the names of the Frats?
I’m black and I think if this is how these people want to be, then so be it. That is their own ignorance. They are the ones who have to live with being freaks, not us we’re not that stupid. The fact that we as blacks even respond to people this ridiculous is silly and a waste of our energy, who cares! It is not our jobs as African Americans to point out and announce every racist situation we come across. As long as no laws were broken they have a right to do what they want. You can’t stop someone from having a party regardless of if we think it’s offensive or not, but what you can do is choose not to attend. As long as no actual lynching took place, they have a right to have a party. They should have been arrested for breaking into the station and all the blacks at that school should march down to the police station, fill out reports, and have retraining orders put on these students, because claiming they’re going to lynch blacks is a threat, it should be taken as a serious threat, and these students deserve to have it put on record at the police station like any other person who threatens to do bodily harm to innocent people. I don’t really care how these people live their lives. As for education, I do believe blacks are given a fair chance to learn in this country and not all of us take advantage of the opportunity, but I can ALSO say the about some whites, that’s just life.
, but I can ALSO say the same about some whites, that’s just life.
I will tell you what I have seen these last few days, I saw people from different backgrounds, my children, my brothers and sisters come together in solidarity, and got the message heard.
This reminds me of a parable from the good book where a Levite and Priest come upon a man who fell among thieves and they both individually passed by and didn’t stop to help him. Finally a man of another race came by, he got down from his beast, decided not to be compassionate by proxy and got down with the injured man, administered first aid, and helped the man in need. Jesus ended up saying, this was the good man, this was the great man, because he had the capacity to project the “I” into the “thou,” and to be concerned about his brother.
You see, the Levite and the Priest were afraid, they asked themselves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”
But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
That’s the question before us. The question is not, “If I stop to help my brother in need, what will happen to me?” The question is, “If I do not stop to help my brother, what will happen to him or her?” That’s the question.
God bless all my brothers and sister that stood side by side with our brothers and sisters in need, when you saw a wrong you tried to correct it, you may argue the methods but not the reasons. I know God will not discriminate by country of origin, our sex, our orientation, color of our skin, or our religion as men do.
I will tell you what I have seen these last few days, I saw people from different backgrounds, my children, my brothers and sisters come together in solidarity, and got the message heard.
This reminds me of a parable from the good book where a Levite and Priest come upon a man who fell among thieves and they both individually passed by and didn’t stop to help him. Finally a man of another race came by, he got down from his beast, decided not to be compassionate by proxy and got down with the injured man, administered first aid, and helped the man in need. Jesus ended up saying, this was the good man, this was the great man, because he had the capacity to project the “I” into the “thou,” and to be concerned about his brother.
You see, the Levite and the Priest were afraid, they asked themselves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”
But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
That’s the question before us. The question is not, “If I stop to help my brother in need, what will happen to me?” The question is, “If I do not stop to help my brother, what will happen to him or her?” That’s the question.
God bless all my brothers and sister that stood side by side with our brothers and sisters in need, when you saw a wrong you tried to correct it, you may argue the methods but not the reasons. I know God will not discriminate by country of origin, our sex, our orientation, color of our skin, or our religion as men do.
Black, white, brown, or yellow people should not force their views on anyone else. If people of color want to have a Compton Cookout then they should be allowed to and not be discriminated because they are white. I hope they have another Compton Cookout and have lots of fun. Screw the people trying to control Social behaviors because they don’t want others to have fun.
Black, white, brown, or yellow people should not force their views on anyone else. If people of color want to have a Compton Cookout then they should be allowed to and not be discriminated because they are white. I hope they have another Compton Cookout and have lots of fun. Screw the people trying to control Social behaviors because they don’t want others to have fun.
As a past BSU president and a member of the ASU government at Cal Poly, SLO during the early ’70s, we faced a similar situation with majority students who had the “Governor Regan Fever.” With all of the unrest in and around college campuses about civil rights, and with the fairly recent assassination of Dr. King, racial slurs were hurled at the first ever black candidate for homing coming queen during a rally. We launched several levels of protest against the administration and demanded that sensitivity training on many levels be instituted in the curricula and programs to educate both faculty, staff and students about diversity. I believe we diverted violence on that campus by becoming more involved in the decision making processes in student government and programs that are still in place to day. Need-less-to-say, I believe we are loosing our will to be sensitive to others, particularly now that there is a serious economic divide growing in this country. Having elected the first African-American president seems to be causing matters to worsen.
When I was in school, the Black Student Union (BSU) kids all wore shirts with big letters that said: “Black Power”. The BSU was a University sponsored group.
I was offended by these shirts. Imagine what would have happened if a mostly white sorority had chosen to wear shirts that said “White Power”.(Our sorority colors were blue and white- we could have.) What would have happened if a bunch of us wore White Power shirts to class and around campus. Or, if I, on my own, had made a shirt like this and wore it to make a point. Yet the black kids felt it was their right to call out the color of their skin in this way and promote their “power”. I let it go- they can wear what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.
Now let’s turn this party around. Would you be offended if a group of black students chose to have a party with a theme of “White Rich People of the Hamptons”? Or maybe “White Trailer Trash”? And then encouraged the actions and dress in a mocking style that are associated with these stereo types? Maybe in honor of President’s Day (which up until this year celebrated only rich white men). Or labor day?
I would not be offended- (I have attend White Trailer Trash parties where we all dressed trashy and ate bacon wrapped mini hot dogs with cheese wiz and acted like we lived in trailer parks, or at least what we thought it would be like- it was fun)
So why are you so offended about a party with the theme of Compton Cook out? It is just as offensive as a Trailer Trash Party. Let’s get all upset about Hawaiian Luaus that encourage the women to dress scantily and dance seductively. Let’s get upset about Wild West Parties that encourage play gun fights and bank robbers. What party can we have without your scorn?
Give it a rest- have some fun, and quit being so sensitive- let others live their lives- I shut up about the Black Power shirts- I have no right to tell them what they can wear, what type of party they can have, just as I have every right to wear the clothes that empower me and throw the parties that make me laugh- they certainly were not hurting anyone with their theme, and if they were planning to, then of course the police should get involved to ensure the safety of others, (just as a wild west party planning to use real guns might need police intervention) but until then take a breath and live your life and let the rest of us live ours.
In fact, these students may have learned some empathy for those growing up in poor neighborhoods after putting themselves in the scene, but not with all your controversy- telling them how to live just separates us all even more.
When I was in school, the Black Student Union (BSU) kids all wore shirts with big letters that said: “Black Power”. The BSU was a University sponsored group.
I was offended by these shirts. Imagine what would have happened if a mostly white sorority had chosen to wear shirts that said “White Power”.(Our sorority colors were blue and white- we could have.) What would have happened if a bunch of us wore White Power shirts to class and around campus. Or, if I, on my own, had made a shirt like this and wore it to make a point. Yet the black kids felt it was their right to call out the color of their skin in this way and promote their “power”. I let it go- they can wear what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.
Now let’s turn this party around. Would you be offended if a group of black students chose to have a party with a theme of “White Rich People of the Hamptons”? Or maybe “White Trailer Trash”? And then encouraged the actions and dress in a mocking style that are associated with these stereo types? Maybe in honor of President’s Day (which up until this year celebrated only rich white men). Or labor day?
I would not be offended- (I have attend White Trailer Trash parties where we all dressed trashy and ate bacon wrapped mini hot dogs with cheese wiz and acted like we lived in trailer parks, or at least what we thought it would be like- it was fun)
So why are you so offended about a party with the theme of Compton Cook out? It is just as offensive as a Trailer Trash Party. Let’s get all upset about Hawaiian Luaus that encourage the women to dress scantily and dance seductively. Let’s get upset about Wild West Parties that encourage play gun fights and bank robbers. What party can we have without your scorn?
Give it a rest- have some fun, and quit being so sensitive- let others live their lives- I shut up about the Black Power shirts- I have no right to tell them what they can wear, what type of party they can have, just as I have every right to wear the clothes that empower me and throw the parties that make me laugh- they certainly were not hurting anyone with their theme, and if they were planning to, then of course the police should get involved to ensure the safety of others, (just as a wild west party planning to use real guns might need police intervention) but until then take a breath and live your life and let the rest of us live ours.
In fact, these students may have learned some empathy for those growing up in poor neighborhoods after putting themselves in the scene, but not with all your controversy- telling them how to live just separates us all even more.
I am appalled by this behavior by students who will eventually enter the labor market with their engrained racist attitudes. They know “rien” about the history of Black people in the United States. Black history IS American history and it is indeed unfortunate that their minds are closed to the scholars and inventors created right here on American soil. The “ungrateful niggers” slur smacks of pure ignorance…in their diminuitive minds they truly believe that the Civil War was fought to free the slaves and don’t know that Black people paid taxes on schools that they were unable to attend. Next thing you know they will be flying the Confederate flag over the campus. To meet their deficient learning I recommend their reading list include John Hope Franklin’s comprehensive book, “From Slavery to Freedom.” I am a Black alumna of UCLA and UC Berkeley.
I am appalled by this behavior by students who will eventually enter the labor market with their engrained racist attitudes. They know “rien” about the history of Black people in the United States. Black history IS American history and it is indeed unfortunate that their minds are closed to the scholars and inventors created right here on American soil. The “ungrateful niggers” slur smacks of pure ignorance…in their diminuitive minds they truly believe that the Civil War was fought to free the slaves and don’t know that Black people paid taxes on schools that they were unable to attend. Next thing you know they will be flying the Confederate flag over the campus. To meet their deficient learning I recommend their reading list include John Hope Franklin’s comprehensive book, “From Slavery to Freedom.” I am a Black alumna of UCLA and UC Berkeley.
Someone should go down to Compton an give out flyers stating free cook out at the frat’s house!
Someone should go down to Compton an give out flyers stating free cook out at the frat’s house!
I am simultaneously pleased and troubled with many of the responses posted thus far. I am pleased because it seems that the overwhelming majority of the responses express outrage and intolerance for the racist, ignorant, and inhumane actions of the students at UCSD. I am troubled because many of the responses miss the mark (some more than others). The party is not the first of its kind and is a brazen mockery of the plight that many blacks (and whites) experience, namely the struggle with poverty. Perhaps the theme of the party would not be so offensive and insensitive if America did not have such a DEEP history of bloody, ugly, violent racism and oppression. It seems today that too many people have forgotten (or never learned) of America’s history that is not too distant. Our parents and grandparents lived during the Civil Rights Era and the time leading up to the Civil Rights Era. The short and long is that minorities (especially blacks) have NEVER enjoyed “equal status” with their white counterparts. Sure, there are probably more poor whites, but the ratio of black and white poverty, education, employment, housing and healthcare are astronomically disparaged.
Any fool can see that race relations have taken a step forward from the days of slavery, lynching, and bold racial violence. However, too many people who think that they have a solid understanding of race relations and racial equality are simply under informed and/or purely ignorant to the true state of things. Major judicial decisions such as Brown v. Board are heralded as government bastions of progressive action and strides for equality. The truth is that Brown provided an impotent remedy for SCHOOL desegregation (not all) and that subsequent Supreme Court decisions virtually rendered Brown meaningless. Today, if whites do not want their children to go to schools with black children, they simply move to the suburbs (which are usually comprised of white people). Racism is alive, but it is often more subtle than in the “old days” because now discrimination occurs behind closed doors, in political agreements, secret alliances and with money exchanging hands.
One of the comments mentioned that the party was “private.” My simple response to “privacy” is that I can shoot black-tar heroin in private, but it is still illegal. “Private” activity can still be reprehensible. The very essence of inequality today is private action. I do not like confrontation. If I had my choice, I wish everyone could simply “get along.” Unfortunately, that is not the case. The negative responses to the party have nothing to do with telling people how to live. The response has to do with how other people want to be treated and viewed. The party was a mockery. Nothing about that party would cause any participant to instantly and suddenly discover a new-found respect for the hood (no one calls it the ghetto by the way).
Furthermore, the “elements of the hood” are not what the party made it seem to be. Not everyone wears baggy clothes (some people choose to, others wear hand-me-downs). Not all women act loudly and flamboyant. Not all people wear chains or have tattoos. Many of the stereotypes that the party advertised stem from popular culture’s (namely rap and television) depiction of black people “in the hood.” The truth is that most rappers do not come from the hood or have ever done anything close to what they say in their music. Moreover, the ones that do have that background talk about it in a prideful way to exhibit the accomplishments they have made and the obstacles they overcame (and to make money of course). I grew up in poor areas (rough areas, hood whatever). I did not leave those areas until I went to college and even then I was economically destitute. I do not have one tattoo and I don’t own a chain. I am still black, I still love black people (and white people), but I have no love for ignorant, uninformed generalizations, especially from racist frat boys (who probably depend on mommy and daddy for everything, including political views, money, tuition etc). I used my MIND to get out of the hood. I am now in law school and on my way to establishing a honest living at a reputable law firm. I plan on using my intellect and general sense of goodwill to help the less fortunate. My story is rare, but the good that I can do is limitless. Racist stereotypes and fighting (on both sides) only hinders working towards peace and equality.
If anyone is offended or taken back by a black power t-shirt maybe they should pick up a history book (written by a black person, not the BS they feed you in grade school) and figure out why a black person in America would want to wear a shirt like that. Maybe that person should also figure out the meaning behind black power. I guarantee you it is the polar opposite of the unrighteous and devilish phrase “white power.”
In closing, this dispute represents the quintessential tension that exists between blacks and whites today. Blacks (although not all) are still searching for that level playing field. Many whites (but not all) feel that “its all good” and that everyone should just have a Coke and move forward. The solution is not that simple. Many white people do not owe (literally) anything to anyone. There is one caveat, however. I think everyone, black and white, owes EACH OTHER a moral commitment to work towards that which is peaceful, harmonious and EQUAL!! Not all conflict creates a schism (e.g. pacifist / non-violent / Gandhism / MLK). Lastly, God’s love is for ALL who will accept Him. God does not see color. His salvation is indiscriminate.
I am simultaneously pleased and troubled with many of the responses posted thus far. I am pleased because it seems that the overwhelming majority of the responses express outrage and intolerance for the racist, ignorant, and inhumane actions of the students at UCSD. I am troubled because many of the responses miss the mark (some more than others). The party is not the first of its kind and is a brazen mockery of the plight that many blacks (and whites) experience, namely the struggle with poverty. Perhaps the theme of the party would not be so offensive and insensitive if America did not have such a DEEP history of bloody, ugly, violent racism and oppression. It seems today that too many people have forgotten (or never learned) of America’s history that is not too distant. Our parents and grandparents lived during the Civil Rights Era and the time leading up to the Civil Rights Era. The short and long is that minorities (especially blacks) have NEVER enjoyed “equal status” with their white counterparts. Sure, there are probably more poor whites, but the ratio of black and white poverty, education, employment, housing and healthcare are astronomically disparaged.
Any fool can see that race relations have taken a step forward from the days of slavery, lynching, and bold racial violence. However, too many people who think that they have a solid understanding of race relations and racial equality are simply under informed and/or purely ignorant to the true state of things. Major judicial decisions such as Brown v. Board are heralded as government bastions of progressive action and strides for equality. The truth is that Brown provided an impotent remedy for SCHOOL desegregation (not all) and that subsequent Supreme Court decisions virtually rendered Brown meaningless. Today, if whites do not want their children to go to schools with black children, they simply move to the suburbs (which are usually comprised of white people). Racism is alive, but it is often more subtle than in the “old days” because now discrimination occurs behind closed doors, in political agreements, secret alliances and with money exchanging hands.
One of the comments mentioned that the party was “private.” My simple response to “privacy” is that I can shoot black-tar heroin in private, but it is still illegal. “Private” activity can still be reprehensible. The very essence of inequality today is private action. I do not like confrontation. If I had my choice, I wish everyone could simply “get along.” Unfortunately, that is not the case. The negative responses to the party have nothing to do with telling people how to live. The response has to do with how other people want to be treated and viewed. The party was a mockery. Nothing about that party would cause any participant to instantly and suddenly discover a new-found respect for the hood (no one calls it the ghetto by the way).
Furthermore, the “elements of the hood” are not what the party made it seem to be. Not everyone wears baggy clothes (some people choose to, others wear hand-me-downs). Not all women act loudly and flamboyant. Not all people wear chains or have tattoos. Many of the stereotypes that the party advertised stem from popular culture’s (namely rap and television) depiction of black people “in the hood.” The truth is that most rappers do not come from the hood or have ever done anything close to what they say in their music. Moreover, the ones that do have that background talk about it in a prideful way to exhibit the accomplishments they have made and the obstacles they overcame (and to make money of course). I grew up in poor areas (rough areas, hood whatever). I did not leave those areas until I went to college and even then I was economically destitute. I do not have one tattoo and I don’t own a chain. I am still black, I still love black people (and white people), but I have no love for ignorant, uninformed generalizations, especially from racist frat boys (who probably depend on mommy and daddy for everything, including political views, money, tuition etc). I used my MIND to get out of the hood. I am now in law school and on my way to establishing a honest living at a reputable law firm. I plan on using my intellect and general sense of goodwill to help the less fortunate. My story is rare, but the good that I can do is limitless. Racist stereotypes and fighting (on both sides) only hinders working towards peace and equality.
If anyone is offended or taken back by a black power t-shirt maybe they should pick up a history book (written by a black person, not the BS they feed you in grade school) and figure out why a black person in America would want to wear a shirt like that. Maybe that person should also figure out the meaning behind black power. I guarantee you it is the polar opposite of the unrighteous and devilish phrase “white power.”
In closing, this dispute represents the quintessential tension that exists between blacks and whites today. Blacks (although not all) are still searching for that level playing field. Many whites (but not all) feel that “its all good” and that everyone should just have a Coke and move forward. The solution is not that simple. Many white people do not owe (literally) anything to anyone. There is one caveat, however. I think everyone, black and white, owes EACH OTHER a moral commitment to work towards that which is peaceful, harmonious and EQUAL!! Not all conflict creates a schism (e.g. pacifist / non-violent / Gandhism / MLK). Lastly, God’s love is for ALL who will accept Him. God does not see color. His salvation is indiscriminate.
SI, you really spoke the truth. I would like to nominate you for a really big medal
@ Carole Brown, your nerve is stunning. “Black History is American History” where did you get that? American History is American History. European History is closer to White History, just like African History is closer to Black History. This is America. different country, different times.
Black History month was the racism that started this party. and now, it’s still going strong. The party was intended to mock the racism that is openly accepted in February, but you just couldn’t take that, could you? so you go and demand punishment for something the campus has no control over,and no right to prevent? and even worse, you discriminate against the other 98% of UCSD by demanding special “black priveledges”?!?!?!?! what a load of hateful trash!
Everyone who made those demands is a racist. that much is obvious.
I am an employee at a national home improvement store, where last week a co-worker was fired for using the “N” word while on the job. (someone over-heard her conversation and turned her in to management). It shocked me that a seemingly kind and mature woman such as this person would be so insensitive, ignorant and flagrant as to use this language in a public environment! There were co-workers on both sides of the fence on this issue and I was very surprised at some of the reactions I heard! Yes, some were upset and horrified that a fellow employee would speak so thoughtlessly, while others defended her right to do so without being fired!
I am 55 years of age and proud to often be referred to as an “old hippie” by my friends of the younger generation. Growing up in the 60’s, when values of loving your fellow man and treating everyone with respect often meant going against the predominantly old, tired, male and white establishment in an attempt to make our country a better place in which to live, I still find myself fighting for the things that I believe are so important. It saddens me greatly to see that many of our youth are still living their lives in a divided society. We Americans should have grown and progressed much farther than this by now!! In a time when our country has elected it’s first person of color to hold it’s highest national office, we need to wake up and realize what it means to truly shed the hand-me-downs of the oppressors we used to be! We need to become the new society that we are destined to be.
It is the wave of the future to work together as one. Someday, and probably not to long from now, we will be a country of predominantly brown-skinned people. If we do not learn to embrace this fact and strive to glean all the positives that we can from our masala of strong, varied and beautiful cultures we are missing the opportunity to become an even greater nation! We have it all right here right now. The greatest mix of peoples all living under one roof. I challenge each of us to enjoy, appreciate and love the differences that make us great. Show our children we are finally learning to live as better people. Show our children that we have learned from our mistakes! We can NOT allow these kinds of incidents to slow down the progress we have already made. We must band together to show the ignorant loosers that still live among us that this behavior will not stand! It is up to each person to stand for what is right and just. It is up to each of us not to tolerate or accept hateful, narrow minded behavior in ANY public forum because it belongs to us all. Clean up our house so we can stand proudly in the world as the strong, great nation we are supposed to be!! If each of us does our part to show we will no longer allow the few to speak their hatred, to damage our brothers and sisters, to slow down our progress, we will all benefit from being able to live in a country that truly allows everyone to feel at home.
I am an employee at a national home improvement store, where last week a co-worker was fired for using the “N” word while on the job. (someone over-heard her conversation and turned her in to management). It shocked me that a seemingly kind and mature woman such as this person would be so insensitive, ignorant and flagrant as to use this language in a public environment! There were co-workers on both sides of the fence on this issue and I was very surprised at some of the reactions I heard! Yes, some were upset and horrified that a fellow employee would speak so thoughtlessly, while others defended her right to do so without being fired!
I am 55 years of age and proud to often be referred to as an “old hippie” by my friends of the younger generation. Growing up in the 60’s, when values of loving your fellow man and treating everyone with respect often meant going against the predominantly old, tired, male and white establishment in an attempt to make our country a better place in which to live, I still find myself fighting for the things that I believe are so important. It saddens me greatly to see that many of our youth are still living their lives in a divided society. We Americans should have grown and progressed much farther than this by now!! In a time when our country has elected it’s first person of color to hold it’s highest national office, we need to wake up and realize what it means to truly shed the hand-me-downs of the oppressors we used to be! We need to become the new society that we are destined to be.
It is the wave of the future to work together as one. Someday, and probably not to long from now, we will be a country of predominantly brown-skinned people. If we do not learn to embrace this fact and strive to glean all the positives that we can from our masala of strong, varied and beautiful cultures we are missing the opportunity to become an even greater nation! We have it all right here right now. The greatest mix of peoples all living under one roof. I challenge each of us to enjoy, appreciate and love the differences that make us great. Show our children we are finally learning to live as better people. Show our children that we have learned from our mistakes! We can NOT allow these kinds of incidents to slow down the progress we have already made. We must band together to show the ignorant loosers that still live among us that this behavior will not stand! It is up to each person to stand for what is right and just. It is up to each of us not to tolerate or accept hateful, narrow minded behavior in ANY public forum because it belongs to us all. Clean up our house so we can stand proudly in the world as the strong, great nation we are supposed to be!! If each of us does our part to show we will no longer allow the few to speak their hatred, to damage our brothers and sisters, to slow down our progress, we will all benefit from being able to live in a country that truly allows everyone to feel at home.
I am a person of color. I agree with SI that we all need to have a little fun sometimes and not be so focused on offending someone, but such a party in honor or recognition of Black history Month goes overboard! It’s like throwing a party where people pretend to have their legs blown off during Veteran’s day. it’s sad that Labor day and President’s day were the Holidays chosen in SI’s response to illustrate how a White Trailer Trash Party would not be offensive. People of color work…and guess what..there is a minority President – so lets forget that one. I’m pretty laid back…and had this party been part of a series of parties to make light of our sad stereotypes, I might have bought it. To have the holiday during a month that celebrates people making strides to become equal does not just make light of Compton, but of an entire group of people who have struggled for generations to rise above this kind of thinking. I say lets stop making fun everyone, Whit Trash, Ghetto Girls, etc. What is the need? I had a lot of fun in college – without putting down anyone else. i don’t think Black Power shirts are okay, I don’t think white sheets are either. Don’t we have other things to focus on in this world?
I am a person of color. I agree with SI that we all need to have a little fun sometimes and not be so focused on offending someone, but such a party in honor or recognition of Black history Month goes overboard! It’s like throwing a party where people pretend to have their legs blown off during Veteran’s day. it’s sad that Labor day and President’s day were the Holidays chosen in SI’s response to illustrate how a White Trailer Trash Party would not be offensive. People of color work…and guess what..there is a minority President – so lets forget that one. I’m pretty laid back…and had this party been part of a series of parties to make light of our sad stereotypes, I might have bought it. To have the holiday during a month that celebrates people making strides to become equal does not just make light of Compton, but of an entire group of people who have struggled for generations to rise above this kind of thinking. I say lets stop making fun everyone, Whit Trash, Ghetto Girls, etc. What is the need? I had a lot of fun in college – without putting down anyone else. i don’t think Black Power shirts are okay, I don’t think white sheets are either. Don’t we have other things to focus on in this world?
guest,,,nowhere on C.Brown’s post did I detect hatred or a request for “punishment.” Ugly-thinking people will always punish themselves. Reminder: don’t always rely on spell-check. It’s privilege, not priviledge.
JP, you know how to adress a whole issue at once.
The whole problem at UCSD is caused by racism on both sides of the fence. If people can learn not to go overboard when it comes to racism, then there won’t be these kinds of reactions or issues. If we as a nation can all learn tolerance of each other, as well as overcome short-fuse tempers about racism, we can actually move foreward and get something positive done, instead of wasting time on stuff like this, or undoing the struggles of the people that won equality for all races. honestly, there are problems in California that are way more important than fighting over another stereotype party.
JP, you know how to adress a whole issue at once.
The whole problem at UCSD is caused by racism on both sides of the fence. If people can learn not to go overboard when it comes to racism, then there won’t be these kinds of reactions or issues. If we as a nation can all learn tolerance of each other, as well as overcome short-fuse tempers about racism, we can actually move foreward and get something positive done, instead of wasting time on stuff like this, or undoing the struggles of the people that won equality for all races. honestly, there are problems in California that are way more important than fighting over another stereotype party.
Frat boys and Sorority girls are encouraged to these racist, insensitive and delusional ways of viewing things because of HOW they were raised and the types of people that raised them.
Frat boys and Sorority girls are encouraged to these racist, insensitive and delusional ways of viewing things because of HOW they were raised and the types of people that raised them.
Wow. I am shocked that I even said wow. I guess I feel that if these prejudiced young people want to celebrate their predjudiced views then so be it. They did it on a campus with very few black people. They clearly aren’t as stupid as they look. I like to see my hater coming. At least now the students on campus know who to avoid. If people are disgusted by Black History Month existing, maybe they should do what my department here at work did. IGNORE IT. LOL wow.
Wow. I am shocked that I even said wow. I guess I feel that if these prejudiced young people want to celebrate their predjudiced views then so be it. They did it on a campus with very few black people. They clearly aren’t as stupid as they look. I like to see my hater coming. At least now the students on campus know who to avoid. If people are disgusted by Black History Month existing, maybe they should do what my department here at work did. IGNORE IT. LOL wow.
I take offense to your comment regarding “uneducated UCSD white trailer trash”. You best not handle ignorance with further ignorance. That makes you as guilty as the people you criticize.
I am a former UCSD student, am completely appalled by these acts. I am not white, I am not uneducated, and I am not trailer trash. Thank you but no thank you.
When people make these parallels like what if it was a “white trailer trash party” they seem to ignore a long history of the oppression and discrimination of black people that continues butnot at the same compacity as in the past . California’s lack of a diverse student body I believe has allowed people to feel comfortable spreading their racist views, and to think these will be the future people running our country. How should black people feel when they go to a job interview knowing that there interviewer may have been the man who wrote “Compton Lynchings” or “ungrateful niggers”. We must face the fact that we do not live in a color blind society. As for this being a private activity Fraternities and Sororities are associated with the school and must follow school policies. This act also did involve breaking into a building which is illegal. We can also see from their racist responses that this was racially charged and not simply just a joke.
When people make these parallels like what if it was a “white trailer trash party” they seem to ignore a long history of the oppression and discrimination of black people that continues butnot at the same compacity as in the past . California’s lack of a diverse student body I believe has allowed people to feel comfortable spreading their racist views, and to think these will be the future people running our country. How should black people feel when they go to a job interview knowing that there interviewer may have been the man who wrote “Compton Lynchings” or “ungrateful niggers”. We must face the fact that we do not live in a color blind society. As for this being a private activity Fraternities and Sororities are associated with the school and must follow school policies. This act also did involve breaking into a building which is illegal. We can also see from their racist responses that this was racially charged and not simply just a joke.
I’m not sure what’s more sad. That this happened in the first place or that there wasn’t a greater public outcry. Sad times.
YES EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO..BUT THOSE WHITE PEOPLE DID NOT HAVE TO ACT IGNORANT AND DO THAT….BUT I WOULD HAVE LAUGHED AT THEM BECAUSE THEY USUALLY DONT KNOW WHAT PEOPLE IN THE GHETTO GO THROUGH AND THEIR ARE WHITE GHETTO PEOPLE TO…
YES EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO..BUT THOSE WHITE PEOPLE DID NOT HAVE TO ACT IGNORANT AND DO THAT….BUT I WOULD HAVE LAUGHED AT THEM BECAUSE THEY USUALLY DONT KNOW WHAT PEOPLE IN THE GHETTO GO THROUGH AND THEIR ARE WHITE GHETTO PEOPLE TO…
I AM A SISTER OF A PREDOMINANTLY WHITE SORORITY MY SISTERS JOKE ABOUT BEING A GANGSTER HERE AND THERE BUT I LAUGH AT THEM BECAUSE THEY DONT REALLY KNOW THE LIFE OF A GANGSTER THAT IS WHY I AM EDUCATING THEM ON THE BLACK CULTURE…BLACK PEOPLE SHOULDNT CATER TO THE IGNORANCE THAT WHITE PEOPLE TRY TO PREVAIL ON US..BUT IT IS US WHO SHOULD TAKE THE CHARGE AND LET THEM KNOW WHY WHITE PEOPLE NEGLECTED US AFTERAWHILE….TAKE AN AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES COURSE!