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TechnographCampus racism not a matter of ignorance
By Jack McMillin
Posted: 11/1/06 Section: Opinions
On Tuesday, the organization Students Transforming Oppression and Privilege (STOP) demonstrated on the Quad, responding to a culture that causes things like the "Tacos and tequilas" exchange to happen. Present at the rally were photos pulled from Facebook, one depicting a white student in blackface, presumably at a "pimps and ho's" party.
But what the University will do about this and other examples of racism on campus will live on in institutional memory.
We live in a culture where blackface is amusing to some people. If you don't immediately see how disgusting blackface is, go watch the movie "Bamboozled."
This past Monday, after weeks of stonewalling, Zeta Beta Tau fraternity issued a very sincere apology. They ensured us that "diversity training" is now going to be part of their initiation program. Yes, an entire group will now receive training in how not to upset the "diverse" students on campus.
Similarly, when students marched on Swanlund Administration Building yesterday morning, Vice Chancellor Renee Romano read by a statement by Chancellor Herman. It stated that "the controversy has added impetus to our plans to heighten diversity education on campus."
So some make the claim that the racism so prevalent on this campus is a result of ignorance. This is a fundamental and convenient misunderstanding of how racism is perpetuated. On a meeting at La Casa on Monday, Oct. 15, it was suggested that the Tri-delts and ZBTs responsible for this party had not come in contact with any Latinos or Latinas, and maybe non-whites should make an attempt to show that these stereotypes don't characterize them.
But the "Tacos and tequilas" exchange did not occur simply because members of these houses didn't know better. The Tri-delts and ZBTs aren't stupid, at least not enough that they wouldn't know that what they did was wrong. The Tri-delta house, coincidentally, is right next to the office of the Latino/Latina Studies Program.
But what the University will do about this and other examples of racism on campus will live on in institutional memory.
We live in a culture where blackface is amusing to some people. If you don't immediately see how disgusting blackface is, go watch the movie "Bamboozled."
This past Monday, after weeks of stonewalling, Zeta Beta Tau fraternity issued a very sincere apology. They ensured us that "diversity training" is now going to be part of their initiation program. Yes, an entire group will now receive training in how not to upset the "diverse" students on campus.
Similarly, when students marched on Swanlund Administration Building yesterday morning, Vice Chancellor Renee Romano read by a statement by Chancellor Herman. It stated that "the controversy has added impetus to our plans to heighten diversity education on campus."
So some make the claim that the racism so prevalent on this campus is a result of ignorance. This is a fundamental and convenient misunderstanding of how racism is perpetuated. On a meeting at La Casa on Monday, Oct. 15, it was suggested that the Tri-delts and ZBTs responsible for this party had not come in contact with any Latinos or Latinas, and maybe non-whites should make an attempt to show that these stereotypes don't characterize them.
But the "Tacos and tequilas" exchange did not occur simply because members of these houses didn't know better. The Tri-delts and ZBTs aren't stupid, at least not enough that they wouldn't know that what they did was wrong. The Tri-delta house, coincidentally, is right next to the office of the Latino/Latina Studies Program.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 27
Adam
posted 11/01/06 @ 8:50 AM CST
Lets look at segregation at the U of I.
Black Homecoming, Black graduation ceremony, Black student union in the residence halls... these are all sanctioned or created by the University. (Continued…)
Kevin
posted 11/01/06 @ 9:10 AM CST
This school has a racist mascot! The letter from the chancelor made me laugh. Could this school be any more hypocritcal? You need to get rid of the chief if you want to tell other to stop stereotyping and being racist on this campus. (Continued…)
Mangale
posted 11/01/06 @ 1:16 PM CST
As what you'd call a "non-white person" (I very seldom have time to think about it), I am somewhat amused at the great scandal created around this rather petty issue. (Continued…)
Colleen
posted 11/01/06 @ 2:17 PM CST
I understand the upset.
HOWEVER, how many people upset about blackface also had a good laugh watching "White Chicks?"
John Bambenek
posted 11/01/06 @ 2:31 PM CST
The Department of Defense does an annual census, that among other things, studies the racial diversity of the US Armed Services. Please read this report because you'll find the following:
There is no disproportionate representation of minorities. (Continued…)
John Bambenek
posted 11/01/06 @ 3:23 PM CST
Brian-
Read this. (Continued…)
Mangale
posted 11/01/06 @ 4:59 PM CST
My apologies, John B., for having taken you for a Republican. You've done an absolutely wonderful job at hiding the secret of not being one.
Have a great day. (Continued…)
John Bambenek
posted 11/01/06 @ 7:14 PM CST
Let's be fair... I'm a conservative... and conservative isn't the same as Republican.
That, and interestingly enough, I've had more than one person who's looked at some of my recent columns and thought I was a Democrat/Liberal. (Continued…)
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