What do you guys think about this one?

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » November 1, 2002, 8:06 pm

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/ ... 87,00.html

Long story short, 5 white guys go to a party dressed as the Jackson 5 for halloween.

They get their frat booted out of recognition, and the university they go to is "investigating" them.

Ok, its a bad idea for a white guy to dress up as a black guy in and effort to make fun of black people.

However in this case, they were dressing up as individuals, I mean they could of dressed up as the Beatles or heaven forbid the Backstreet Boys.

Just because they were white and dressed up like black folk, all of a sudden they committed a horrible offence worthy of them getting booted out of whatever their organization was?

Something doesn't sit right with all of this.

Any of you have a take on this?

Dups. · Post by **Dups.** » November 1, 2002, 8:21 pm

Depends on how they were acting. If they were saying shit like yo yo yo Im a Nword then yeah I could see how it would be taken wrong.

However , i mean STFU about racism sometimes! Hell my mom went dressed up as Aunt Jamima last year! OMFG! she is a racist!!

I dunno, I think they should be judged on how they acted when dressed up black. If they tried to do the moonwalk and such... who cares it's funny and cute. If they start doing racial jokes and such then yeah I guess punish them. Kinda hard to say though seeing we weren't there and I never beleive what I read in the newpapers

Arborealus · Post by **Arborealus** » November 1, 2002, 11:42 pm

Well based on the articles information they were suspended for dressing up as the Jackson Five...I don't see how that is inherently rascist...Anymore than say dressing up as a Samurai...Seems a bit of an overreaction given the information presented, then again the press is not notoriously unbiased...

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » November 2, 2002, 12:07 am

How ironic that most of the Jackson 5 have been posing as white folks for years now

Seriously, college campuses can be so damned politically correct it can make your head spin.

Millie · Post by **Millie** » November 2, 2002, 1:17 am

It wasn't their intended costume concept that got them suspended; it was the fact that they dressed up in blackface makeup. While not necessarily racist today (depends largely on intent), historically blackface was used by vaudeville performers and silent-film actors to portray fairly racist caricatures of black people. It's the historical connotation of the makeup that doesn't sit well with PC types.

While I agree that the university in question is overreacting, I don't doubt that these guys were more than a little stupid to dress the way they did. They should have known what situation they were potentially getting themselves into when they painted their faces pitch black.

Rivera Bladestrike · Post by **Rivera Bladestrike** » November 2, 2002, 1:21 am

The country is extremely uptight about this issue. People will never be truly equal if things like this happens. I mean if a black guy (at least where I live) dressed up as a white guy, he'd be cheered on and given a pat on the back. Personally I think people have to chill and let people be, if its in a comedic manner, which 100% of halloween costumes are in college, and as long as they are not meant to be hateful and offensive, then let them be. Somethng on a similar note is with comedians today, guys like Chris Rock, and everyone loves to here him make fun of the typical white guy. Yet, theres no way in hell you'd ever see a white comic get up there and say something making fun of a black guy. He'd be labled a racist. Politically correctness keeps everyone in the dark, afraid to speak their mind in fear of being ridiculed or judged wrongfully... and thats not how america should be.

Axien_Dellusions · Post by **Axien_Dellusions** » November 2, 2002, 1:59 am

I dressed up as a nun and I'm 8 and half months pregnant, that make me anti-Catholism? Nope my family is catholic. (I'm not personally but I have nothing against Catholics.) It's all about political incorrectness when choosing a costume as an adult.

Axien

Dregor Thule · Post by **Dregor Thule** » November 2, 2002, 6:39 am

4 black guys dressing up as the Beattles, white face paint and all, wouldn't have gotten them in trouble. Hell, they'd probably win best costume. Unless these guys were acting disparagingly towards blacks, and not just making fun of the Jackson 5 themselves for the characters they are, then they got a raw raw deal.

I'd go as Tito.

Tegellan · Post by **Tegellan** » November 2, 2002, 8:25 am

Unless the guys in question were making racist remarks or statements, we have an example of american political correctness at it's worst.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » November 2, 2002, 10:56 am

Blackface is generally considered to be tacky and racist.

No, a black guy painting himself white does not have the same connotation and isn't considered racist. Sorry. Life isn't fair. Grow a brain and don't paint yourself up like a black person and go out in public, and if you do, prepare yourself to deal with the consequences of everyone thinking you are a racist.

These are the harsh realities of the unfair existence of our persecuted white race. Everyone join hands now and sing a song a solidarity.

Atokal · Post by **Atokal** » November 2, 2002, 1:08 pm

Idiot above me.

laneela · Post by **laneela** » November 2, 2002, 1:30 pm

kyoukan type-R wrote:No, a black guy painting himself white does not have the same connotation and isn't considered racist

I think the point these guys are trying to make (and I have to say that I agree) is that neither should 5 white guys dressing up as the Jackson 5 and it certainly should have the same connotation. Had I seen them, I would've most likely than not thought their costumes to be creative and comical.

Racial tension has become ridiculous. I know more racist black people than I do whites or hispanics. We don't live in a society where black people are afraid to walk around in a predominantly white neighborhood anymore yet I wouldn't say that is entirely true vice versa. I also think that more than a handful of black people use their race as a scapegoat.

The mentality that blacks should be treated differently or specially is more racist than to say "if they can make jokes about us then we can make jokes about them". It's all about equality.

I agree. Life isn't fair... That doesn't discredit people's opinions on how they feel it should be.

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » November 2, 2002, 2:51 pm

I wonder how they were acting.

I'm not sure where to look for more details.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » November 2, 2002, 3:28 pm

The big diff comes down to intent, and I find it amazing that the automatic reaction from the idiots like Kyoukan is the negative, lets face it if a white guy cannot use blackface. Then I am getting sick of all the fuckers at redskins games with headdresses on. Amazing the hypocritical nature of society that allows one but not the other.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » November 2, 2002, 4:16 pm

Its shit like this that further reinstates the fact the white people are the most discriminated against. We cant even blow a fucking fart in the wind without someone crying racism. That makes me sick.

Dreadnaught · Post by **Dreadnaught** » November 2, 2002, 4:27 pm

personally im getting sick of people overuseing P.C crap. i mean, everyone's walking on egg shells now! now im not saying its a bad thing , to a degree its ok. but now you can barely walk down the street without offending someone!

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » November 2, 2002, 6:39 pm

laneela wrote:
I think the point these guys are trying to make (and I have to say that I agree) is that neither should 5 white guys dressing up as the Jackson 5 and it certainly should have the same connotation.

Yes I know what point they are trying to make. It is the same point that whiny white folks have been trying to make for awhile. The point I am making is that sometimes life is not fair and you aren't allowed to do things that other people may be priviledged to do. Get the hell over it and move on with your lives. Painting yourself to look like a black person is a no no. Your life is not drastically changed by this rule, so just don't fucking do it.

Believe me when I say that nobody on the entire fucking planet is sympathetic to your plight of not being able to paint yourself brown.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » November 2, 2002, 6:46 pm

Believe me when I say that nobody on the entire fucking planet is sympathetic to your plight of not being able to paint yourself brown

So would it be OK to wear the shiny jumpsuits w/ giant bellbottoms and the huge afro wigs? Where is the line in the PC shitpile?

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » November 2, 2002, 7:04 pm

There is no line. You use your common sense.

Rivera Bladestrike · Post by **Rivera Bladestrike** » November 2, 2002, 7:12 pm

Common sense is a new principal for Kyoukan...

masteen · Post by **masteen** » November 2, 2002, 7:23 pm

So, hypothetically, if one were to douse himself and his 4 friends in fake tanning agent and hit the fake bake hardcore, then dress as the Jackson 5, would that make it past the PC police?

Animalor · Post by **Animalor** » November 2, 2002, 7:59 pm

It's fucking halloween. What next? SonyPictures sueing people for wearing Spider-Man costumes??

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » November 2, 2002, 11:23 pm

Yeah, automatically saying "good for the University" is stupid. But automatically saying "stupid PC liberal college faggots" isn't any better.

It comes down to two issues: Costume Quality and Behaviour. It's very possible, especially considering the behaviour of _some_ frat guys, that this easily could have been a racial stunt. That is to say, the fact that they were the Jackson 5 could easily be a cover for the fact that they were dressing up as black people- "let's dress up as black and say we're the Jackson 5, so we can't get in trouble." If they were dressed in ecko gear claiming to be the Jackson 5, that's bullshit. If they had the whole costume going on, then I'd be inclined to believe them. Additionally, as has been previously noted, if their behaviour was designed to be insulting to blacks, that is again unacceptable. These are standards of behaviour accepted everywhere, not just colleges.

It's impossible to make a determination on the incident without more details.

Joramile · Post by **Joramile** » November 3, 2002, 3:21 am

Racism is retarded. Paint the entire world 1 color so that shit don't matter anymore.

I am SO tired of the finger pointing and all the other bullshit this world gets into. Stereotyping also sucks. I've met so many great people, and many fucked up people of all races and shit.

My point is: Get to know a person before you judge them, because the on the inside is where our feelings, thoughts, and attitudes are derived, not on the outside...

~Fin

Jice Virago · Post by **Jice Virago** » November 3, 2002, 3:34 am

Hating people on the basis of race is so stupid.
Especially when there are so many perfectly good reasons to hate people.

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » November 3, 2002, 4:42 am

Ok. This just in, I am a black guy, and this article is dumb. This is what you get when 90% of American institutions of higher learning are liberal. Here in Tennesee I see black Elvis' all the time, but I have yet to see anyone call them racist. Deep down, I feel situations like this are hyped for some white people to feel like they are *giving back* or making *amends* for past transgretions of their grandparents. The way to make amends is to get rid of garbage like this, give us a fair shake right down the middle, we earn what we earn, we piss away what we were too lazy to work for. Simple. White people, your concious should be clear now, lets both move right along now, shall we?

Today's new catch phrase...over-compensation.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » November 3, 2002, 5:11 am

Krimson Klaw wrote:Here in Tennesee I see black Elvis' all the time, but I have yet to see anyone call them racist.

Yeah but there in Tennessee you see a white Jackson 5 and people shout racism.

Krimson Klaw wrote:Deep down, I feel situations like this are hyped for some white people to feel like they are *giving back* or making *amends* for past transgretions of their grandparents.

Not true at all. Imagine if this had been 5 black people painting their faces white and acted like the Backstreet Boys. 48 hours would have a fucking full length feature on the topic that very week. Is that racist? Maybe, but that is what really happens.

Ebumar · Post by **Ebumar** » November 3, 2002, 5:19 am

One year, me and 3 other friends (ranzak included), wen't out as black gangsters. We had the boom box, the rolled up pant leg, the beenies. We had plastic toy ray-guns in our pants to signify the "9 that im gona bust a cap in yo ass with." This black lady came up to us and thought it was the single funniest thing she has ever seen. She even joked with us. She said, "no no no, not like that, you gota say, 'yo yo YO.'" It was a damn fun time, and as long as these guys weren't being dicks about it, I dont see why there's something wrong with it.

Arborealus · Post by **Arborealus** » November 3, 2002, 8:27 am

[quote="kyoukan type-R]whiny white folks[/quote]

Who said I was white?

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » November 3, 2002, 1:43 pm

Zamtuk wrote:
Krimson Klaw wrote:Here in Tennesee I see black Elvis' all the time, but I have yet to see anyone call them racist.
Yeah but there in Tennessee you see a white Jackson 5 and people shout racism.

Krimson Klaw wrote:Deep down, I feel situations like this are hyped for some white people to feel like they are *giving back* or making *amends* for past transgretions of their grandparents.
Not true at all. Imagine if this had been 5 black people painting their faces white and acted like the Backstreet Boys. 48 hours would have a fucking full length feature on the topic that very week. Is that racist? Maybe, but that is what really happens.

Zam, in case my post was not clear, I think calling those 5 kids racist was stupid and unfair...maybe you thought I was defending it?? You seem to be arguing against my points, using the same points. You're doing circles.

Atokal · Post by **Atokal** » November 3, 2002, 2:10 pm

Kyu wrote:

There is no line. You use your common sense.

Please let us know when you find yours.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » November 3, 2002, 7:09 pm

It's hiding under the vast mound of your fucking stupidity, you stupid asshole.

Anuin · Post by **Anuin** » November 3, 2002, 7:24 pm

I'm not redundant redundant.

EDIT: if you dont get it, I'm mocking you Kyou

Silvarel Mistmoon · Post by **Silvarel Mistmoon** » November 3, 2002, 9:10 pm

*The point I am making is that sometimes life is not fair and you aren't allowed to do things that other people may be priviledged to do. *

So Kyo do you have a white sheet and hood under your bed or something?
That kind of statement is right out of a racist mouth, that most like to believe only come from whites about blacks or ethnic groups.

Skunki · Post by **Skunki** » November 3, 2002, 10:15 pm

hmmm i thought this was an everquest board....not the veeshan civil rights hour. you people really go overboard sometimes.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » November 3, 2002, 10:17 pm

Silvarel Mistmoon wrote:So Kyo do you have a white sheet and hood under your bed or something?
That kind of statement is right out of a racist mouth, that most like to believe only come from whites about blacks or ethnic groups.

Wow you are really smart* to take what I said and twist it so out of context that it is the opposite of what I really said in a vain hope that I am as moronic as you and won't call you on it. Why don't you back to ignoring your fucking kids and leave the trolling to us professionals?

*STUPID

Rivera Bladestrike · November 3, 2002, 11:02 pm

Skunki, sometimes the subject must come up and the discussion breaks out since its such a controvercial subject, and its usually discussed intelligently, unless of course, Kyoukan is present. And remember, more than half the subjects on this board are not related to EQ at all.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » November 4, 2002, 2:27 am

i am curious at how their behavior was.

if they simply dressed up as the jackson 5, big deal.

perhaps the manner in which they did was in Poor taste, but i did a lot of shit in poor taste at age 20. not sure they all should have been met with a sledgehammer of punishment.

need more details to really know. seems like an overreaction at first blush.

Silvarel Mistmoon · Post by **Silvarel Mistmoon** » November 4, 2002, 11:53 am

Kyo my kids are not ignored dear, I am sorry that your mommy and daddy didn't pay more attention to you. That must be where all your misplaced anger comes from sweety.

Fallanthas · Post by **Fallanthas** » November 4, 2002, 12:13 pm

Making any decision based on color = racism.

It's a textbook definition. If a person is smart enough to read, there should be no problem figuring it out.

Oh, and the University over-reacted. That's nothing new within the halls of acedemia. Good god, someone could have been offended!

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » November 4, 2002, 12:19 pm

just to add to the context of the situation:

not too long ago at Auburn University (in neighboring Alabama) a kid dressed up in blackface with a noose around his neck.

now that of course is worthy of the KKK halloween ball costume award right there. This was a big PR stain for Auburn as well.

A contributing factor to the overreaction in Knoxville could have been an attempt to avoid similar scrutiny.

Hey perhaps even the coming national television audience coming to Knoxville for the Miami game in 5 days put a little heat on the administration to eliminate this as a source of potential bad press with the national media there.

Atokal · Post by **Atokal** » November 4, 2002, 12:35 pm

Kyu wrote

It's hiding under the vast mound of your fucking stupidity, you stupid asshole.

then it wrote

Why don't you back to ignoring your fucking kids and leave the trolling to us professionals?

Seems to me a true professional would not use the same word or a derivative of the same word in one sentence Stewpid.

I can see you now stuck to your vinyl chair perspiration dripping from your cromagnon brow, swastikas on the wall trying to think of another word besides stupid. Giving up and wiping the butter from your chin while reaching for another handful of popcorn you notice you really should clean up the place. But what the hell, you have no friends and your family doesn't visit. Hrmm on to your next victim.

Love ya Kyu.

VeeshanVault

What do you guys think about this one?

What do you guys think about this one?

I'm in trouble then...