Penn State sorority sisters denigrate Mexicans in party photo
By Moni Basu, CNN
(CNN) - Penn State has had its share of controversy for a while, but this week it is getting some more unwanted attention.
The university's Chi Omega sorority chapter is under investigation after a photo with Mexican stereotypes surfaced on a social media site.
It shows a group of sorority members dressed in ponchos and sombreros and wearing fake mustaches. One woman holds a sign that says: "Will mow lawn for weed + beer." Another sign says: "I don't cut grass. I smoke it."
The photograph was taken at a Mexican-themed party around Halloween, according to the independent college blog, Onward State. It was posted last week on Tumblr.
The university's Panhellenic Council said it had received concerns about the photo and that the council does not condone derogatory behavior from members.
"The Penn State Panhellenic Council recognizes the offensive nature of the photo and is therefore taking the matter very seriously," the executive board said in a statement.
"We are addressing the situation immediately with the members of the chapter in conjunction with their national headquarters," it said. "Our council and all its members strive to hold ourselves to a high standard and are disappointed by any failure to meet these expectations."
Jessica Riccardi, president of the Chi Omega chapter at Penn State, released an apology to The Daily Collegian newspaper.
“Our chapter of Chi Omega sincerely apologizes for portraying inappropriate and untrue stereotypes," she said. "The picture in question does not support any of Chi Omega’s values or reflect what the organization aspires to be."
The connections to the sorority were discovered through members' names tagged on Facebook, Onward State said. The posts have since been taken down.
Penn State public relations director Lisa Powers said that university officials have had conversations with Chi Omega members and that the women have expressed "deep remorse."
"The students in the photo are within their First Amendment rights to express themselves in this way, although we are certainly appalled that they would display this level of insensitivity and lack of judgment," Powers said.
"Because the right of free expression is guaranteed under the Constitution - for both behaviors we disagree with or for those that we support - we are approaching this as a teachable moment to engage this group of young women in discussions about their actions and to further educate them about diversity issues," she said.
Powers said the national leadership of Chi Omega will have to decide if disciplinary action is warranted.
A statement from Chi Omega headquarters said, "Personal degradation has no place in our organization, even if such behavior is meant facetiously or in jest. The Chi Omega national organization is taking this situation very seriously and is being thoughtful and deliberate regarding any sanctions or educational directives for the chapter."
At least one student at Penn State demanded a direct apology from Chi Omega to all Latinos.
"This is not a joke. This is our culture," said Ariel Coronel, president of the Penn State Latino Caucus.
She was shocked when she first saw the photo and said the signs the women were holding were especially offensive.
"There's a huge drug war going on in Mexico and you have a sign that says, 'We will mow lawns for weed and beer,' " Coronel said. "It's wrong on so many levels. How can you think this is OK?"
The reactions to the incident varied on Twitter. Here are two:
[tweet https://twitter.com/KidMacabre/status/275776535712104448%5D
[tweet https://twitter.com/gaw150/status/275984200925052929%5D
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OMG – this picture is HILARIOUS. Political Correctness now means we can't dress up for Halloween? I think this picture not only PROMOTES the Latino culture, but looks like fun. Ok maybe the signs could be done without, but come on peeps – pull your head out and take a shot of tequila – chill !!!!
How does this promote the Latino culture? It equates it with something that one can be dressed up as- that the culture can be represented in a costume?
Besides, you never see whole party themes surrounding any ethnicity that would fall under the 'Caucasian' category. If this really was harmless, then how about these girls spread the love and 'promote' other cultures as well. Its too singled out- plus when you add the signs, its clear that at the least there is a lot of ignorance, and at worst there is clear mal-intent on the part of these girls.
Have you not been to a college party for a while? I have heard of a few various parties that made fun of caucasian stereotypes (i.e. redneck parties)... I am not saying I agree with the picture, I am just saying that all races have themed parties that could be taken in a negative way.
I'm a current Penn State student and while I think these girls have unlocked a new level of stupid, I don't truly think that they are racist people. The signs are offensive and insensitive, no question, but these are just a bunch of dumb, 18 year old girls who had a Halloween party and took their costumes too far. I don't think that the national attention they are getting from this is necessary. The simple fact that there is an article on CNN is more than enough of a shock to these girls to make sure that they never do something like this again. There's no need to lump all Penn State students or alumni together with these girls, most of us aren't this carelessly offensive. I sincerely hope nothing like this happens again, anywhere not just at state, but I think more attention should be put on more important issues.
The signs were in bad taste...I agree with you there. How were the costumes "taking it too far"?
This event at Penn State is another disgrace to America.
Yeah! Its like you know, they're sorority girls, it like you know ... I mean, like whatever!
I guess the offended parties have never seen a Cheech and Chong movie?
I guess the people who took away the Chief from Illinois have never seen Blazing Saddles.
Excellent remark.
When I was in college every year we had a party like this for Cinco de Mayo. Everyone dressed like that and no one cared....our Hispanic friends loved it. Is it offensive to ancient Romans or Greeks to have a toga party too?
This must be the 10% that voted for Romney...
Look around you, it's already starting...
While you're at it, get over yourself
The good news is that most of these girls will not be successful in life. Probably they will get pregnant, use drugs (probably they already have) and end up living on welfare.
Ok...whatever helps you sleep at night.
Here's what will really happen. Everyone will forget about this, and we will all go back to living our pc lives. The good looking girls here will get a decent job and within 3/4 years be managing a guy like you.
Haha I have a masters degree too. The Internet is great isn't it?
funny im 20 year old, latino, in college, already making 80k, and my company pays for it. these girls are depressing to look at. who wants to hire racists. they will be my entry receptionist by the time they get out of college.
Thanks again CNN for censuring a legitimate and lucid comment. You suppress anything that doesn't meet with your liberal agenda. Try growing a pair!
Yes they most definitely manipulate this comment board enorder to sway arguments.certain ways. Shame on you cnn.
Very true. Look at the new you never see any new about somebody being racist towards a white person when it happens all the time
They should just have made fun of white people. We're not all sensitive and weak like everyone else. We couldn't care less.
Thanks for proving my point. I refer you back to my original statement.
It's just too easy to be derisive about persons who are pigment-challenged - and people who are from France. Where's the fun in that?
Yes, this is a picture of women dressed up like Mexicans and having a party. But honestly, this is what our society has come too. We have a day in October where people dress like obscene characters or dress up to make fun of something or someone. We live in a world where this has become acceptable. We now have so many social media outlets to turn a innocent picture into a hate crime. I am more worried about military safety, child abuse, kidnapping and drunk driving, then I am about a group of women playing dress up and having a good time. This is not to make fun of the latino culture, this is to have a party with a theme and dress up. We know that some people will have those end of the world parties, are we going to hate on them and say, you don't know what you're talking about. Are we going to hate on other groups of people who have themed parties out there. This group was unfortunate enough to have their picture posted online. Think of the thousands of pictures that are just like this but have not been discovered yet. It sucks for this sorority because they probably have a list of values that do not coordinate with this picture; but honestly, who cares.
As an American with Mexican heritage I think it's funny. I don't see the problem with it, we in society have gotten to Politically Correct in the smallest of things.
People dress up in a sombrero and poncho for Cinco De Mayo what is the difference with this. Funny thing is 70% of them will have an affair with a hispanic man in their lifetime.
Penn State still sucks but let them have their fun and leave them alone.
Stereotypes are funny and mostly true.
False.
If Cheech and Chong were in the photo with them, no one would care.
I see nothing wrong with this. They are just showing how they really are and how they were raised, that's all.
How do you know they are privileged? You assume they are because they look white so therefore they must be privileged?
like it, they should stand there and take it.welcome to america
FIne. We'll just leave it at "privileged". Same dif. Same point.
either way freedom of expression and speech. and please take it. I would like the know the percentage of them riding our coatails. They are destroying the infustruction of the american worker. Our rate for skilled labor is going down because of illegals and yet the standard of living goes up. They work for peanuts and will get whatever job because of money. So i ask what happened to the american dream. I will not give them slack, any illegals or people coming from other countries are destroying our way of life. I blame them. Thats why work goes to china and india or any other third world country because of the cheapness. So what do we compermise, what do we give up for them to compenstate what is happening in the trades industry. We are all slaves to money then we die. I worked hard to earn it and i want to keep it.
The industrious American worker? Do you know why American companies prefer illegal immigrants over American workers? because they are better workers. The typical American worker needs his or her bathroom break, lunch break, and smoking breaks (usually five per shift). Also they tend to miss work and expect to be paid $20.00 an hour.
You're putting the blame on the wrong people. Try blaming the un-patriotic CEOs who will sell you out in the name of their god Profit. Read some history about labor in American. CEOs have been pitting groups against each other since the Industrial revolution began and continue to search for groups that they can treat like low paid slaves. They did this with the Irish in the Northeast, the Chinese who built the railroads in the West, and the blacks who moved north after the civil war. The newest fear they want to instill in you is for the Hispanics. Corporate American for all of it's pandering toward diversity and equal opportunity is really happy about finding a new group to exploit.
I really think that most of us can find humor in things that are true about our culture. Yeah, so what some people silly girls wore Sombreros? Honestly this is Mexican apparel that at one point was popular in the culture. However,so many Mexicans wear what you and I would wear in the U.S now a days. The Asian culture has Kimonos and not all Asians in the U.S wear them. Do you see where I am going with this? What I do find offensive is the signs they are holding. That is derogatory. There are many educated Mexicans and Mexican Americans and those that do mow the lawn, they are trying to survive; not buy drugs.. Even if they were smoke marijuana, who are you trying to kid? How many people of all colors get busted for using dope in the Inited States everyday? Think about it.
*United States*
If they were wearing toga's would be be up in arms about them mocking the Greeks?
Greeks are not a marginalized group in America.
Marginalized? Hispanic influence in this country increases every day & they lead the country in population growth. Hispanics have a more prominent role in this countries direction then they ever have in the past, and they are only going to become more influential.
Pshaw; marginalized.
How is this offensive? Learn to handle the banter kids. This is coming from a Latino as well. The photo doesn't bother me at all and Penn State seems to be handing down hard punishments on the students if they do anything that could offend anyone. Keep crying at nothing
You say that because you're probably a Puerto Rican or Cuban?
I have but one question: Would the comments and criticism be the same if these young ladies had done the skit in "Black Face"?
Or what if it was all dudes in the picture?
As a European-American, I am not offended.
Come on people. Its not the Latinos being put down, its all Americans being put down. Im sick of all other culters putting down our youth and country. We are Americans. Lets stand up for OUR rights as Americans!
What?
im half mexican, half white. i consider myself American because i follow american beliefs and traditions. i am born and raised red white and blue. I do not stand for this racism. this shows even idiots can get into penn state. shame on these idiots
"im half mexican, half white. i consider myself American because i follow american beliefs and traditions."
This is one of those trick illogical statements that Captain Kirk uses against uppity computers to cause them to melt down, isnt' it?
The reason they were able to be insensitive to other cultures is that they had easy access to products associated with Latinos. If we lived in culture were we would ban all products and things associated with non European cultures then this sorority would not have had the ability to post a picture that some people may find offensive.
Another option is people can get a sense of humor and thicker skin.....crickets.....crickets.....crickets
... if this actually happened, there would be no one left in the U.S. except American Indians.
Not even them. They just came here before we did.
What sickens me most about this story is the implicit endorsement the Penn State media relations spokesperson makes when she portrays this incident as a First Amendment issue. Doesn't Penn State have a Student Code of Conduct that imposes expectations of civility on students? Are students really allowed to say whatever they want? I doubt it. So Penn State has decided this incident does not represent racial bigotry or hate speech. I think they lost themselves a teachable moment.
As for the dozens of comments here suggesting latinos should just grow a thicker skin, I can only imagine how easy it is for members of the racial majority to dismiss this incident. You don't "get it" because you've never been there. So may I gently suggest that you could work on your level of empathy? Perhaps if you sat down with a member of a racial minority, you might learn something.
Or... you can just wait 20 more years until the inevitable moment when latinos represent the racial and demographic majority in this nation. It should be an interesting experience for some of you....
Latinos can be of any shade. Watch a telenovela on the Spanish language Tv channels and notice the skin color of the majority of the actors. The darker skin actors portray stereotypical roles in Mexican society and those telenovelas are made in Mexico.
Penn State's Chi Omega chapter, I enjoyed the photo, I found it to be funny. As Americans we have become way too sensitive of other cultures, as a Hispanic I took no offense to the picture. I'm just disappointed that the picture is being used to spark ratings and in hopes of upsetting a culture into believing there's racial problems at the school. Shame on Corporation America for evening using it, if we cannot laugh at ourselves and our mixing pot of cultures, then we are heading in the wrong direction. As Americans we are very strong people and smarter than a fun photo. Whom every felt this picture was News worthy apparently did not look at the picture closely and see the culture diversity within the group itself. The party appeared fun with many laughs. Enjoy the fun times, before you graduate, these memories will always be with you.
Unbelievable. Blatantly, openly supporting racism.
So what?
Beware the thought police.
If I hate you because your black or gay or Mexican or white, that's my right. And as far as I'm concerned its also my right to express that too. As far as I know racism is not a crime and not is it to be prejudist.
NOR
I bet you're not Canadian. Canadians are smarter than Americans.
John, my man, by your own logic, if valid and true, you cannot be a Canadian, since any Canadian would know that "America" is a continent - or two continents, depending on the continental system to which one subscribes - and not a country. The "United States of America," on the other hand, is a country and not a continent. If you are a Canadian, then your statement is false, which subsequently doesn't put Canada in a very good light, does it?
Or were you just testing us?
#Vin mexicans are hard working people who cut yur lawn, pick yur apple, clean alot of people house, do babysitting, a lot of baby, pick orange, work in werehouse, wash car, i can go on n on, and them don't get the pay them suppose to get think about n a lot of work you not going to do who is doing it.......
At least the Mexican yard workers have jobs at which they work hard every day. They should be respected for working. These soroity girls will find out soon enough about how hard it is to find work and earn a living. Or they will probably live a home, sponging off mom and dad. Most Latinos know about working hard which is something these spoiled brats will probably only learn in the future when party time is over. Exactly how many new college grads under 25 remain unemployed? You may soon find that mowing yards is the only work that a degree from Penn State will get you.
LMAO.........u really cannot be serious
Amen!!
You have got to be kidding?!?!?!?! you just stated a huge stereotype about sorority girls... your ignorance is shown in your comment, next time think before.
Wow!
God, people need to grow a thicker skin. These girls did nothing wrong playing dress up! I personally would never want to pretend to be a Mexican, but that's just me....
...I tried really, really hard.. but I just couldn't bring myself to care.
Not news. Not even unique.
Im a texan i had a small lawn service in texas about 30 or so lawns not much charged enough to cover my expenses i was under bid by mexicans to the point of having to shut down seems more and more that white people are gettin the dirty end of the stick when it comes to racial equality
If you were charging enough to cover your expenses, and yet were beat out my 'Mexicans' who charged less than you, then wouldn't they be getting the short end of the stick? I'd imagine they would have the same amount of expenses, and if they were charging less, then they were either working enough to break even or less. Bottom line, immigrants, namely Mexicans, are more willing to do dirty jobs for less than most Americans, you'll be fine.
Obviously he was willing to do the same dirty work since they both mow lawns!! The Mexicans he's referring to generally live in a very modest home with multiple families, or with multiple men who's wives haven't come to the states, YET. This is how they are able to save money. You will see 6 Mexicans pile out of a single cab pick up. This is how they are able to under bid. Their expenses are much lower than the average American because they choose to live a different lifestyle than most will.
Sorry to hear that buddy but you were beat by the laws of Capitalism and Business Darwinism not by racial equality.
Thank you John! Krislankay, all you did was prove my point, they move here to work, and as you said, they choose to live a more modest lifestyle than Americans. So, until you are willing to downgrade your lifestyle to the same as the immigrant workers, you really can't complain. They are doing what they have to do to provide for their families, even if that means living in less than desirable conditions.
I think that this is pretty funny. every race makes fun of other races, its the way it is. whether your white,spanish,black,chinese. i mean its not like the picture is saying "welcome to America border jumpers have fun raping all of the American benefits and popping out you 20+ children just to stay in the country."
what about 5 de mayo? doesn't everyone dress up like mexicans? its basically the same thing right?
I think its crazy CNN actually made this a story, culturally ignorant, please. A Greek/Roman toga party isn't ignorant either. Its a costume party, they knew they were being stereotypical, its fun. Irish people don't wear kilts, Greeks don't wear togas, come CNN and Latino league of Hate. Get over it and stop bashing white folks for going to college and having fun. Yeah mexicans smoke weed, I would say 90% of all mexicans I know smoke. So what, those girls were probably smoking too. Its funny, laugh and move on. Bob Marley, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan all smoked, oh yeah and so did Obama and Bill Clinton. Who cares. Its a joke. Have you seen Cheech and Chong. Its funny. Liberal activist always trying to control people, its sad. Glad you weren't in charge in 1776, we look like the great country of Mexico.
Does all them mexican gurls live in that one room? Bet they all work for Taco Bell and get payed forty-five cents and hour.
Payed? Seems you did not pay enough attention in school or you would know the word is paid.
Tasteless? Yes. Malicious? Not even.
Would they dress up like black people and hold signs that say "I love chicken wings" ? No. They are aware that's unacceptable. They are simply poking fun at one of the few stereotypes that society has recognized as "politically correct enough" to joke about.
It worries me that if we even acknowledge race in some cases we're considered racist but in others it's harmless humor. This hypocrisy is confusing and I'm not surprised that a group of college kids accidentally crossed the line. We need to learn as a society that the acknowledgment of race and even the stereotyping of them is part of human ignorance. Just like stereotyping in every other matter, it should be corrected. Subsequently, to do that, you have to be able to openly talk about those stereotypes. This refusal society seems to have taken to even acknowledge race isn't helping.
Thanks for the thoughful, intelligent post. If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend the movie CRASH which explores the stereotypical views that people of all races hold about each other. It shows that not just white people are racist, but that people of all backgrounds have distorted views about each others cultures. As Americans, we are ALL far from the day when we judge each other by the content of our character.
i totally agree. they are just college girls having fun. people make fun of jews, blacks and mostly chineese. its unbelivable how this is even a big story. its just because penn state has a bad reputation right now. i bet if the sandusky thing didnt happen, then this would have not have been anything
just another thing for minorities to cry about. As long as white people maintain the upper hand in this world people will hate.
Who do you think funded his campaign? Wealthy elite white people.
Obama is just a puppet in this white mans game.
Its funny how you claim to speak the truth as you lie about not trolling. The hypocrisy is strong in you. You are a very conflicted and confused individual.
You say people are all the same but in the same paragraph you claim that people from outside the cities and suburbs lack culture and diversity. When will the hypocrisy end with you. You are too cute.
Now back to the lies. You clearly said that middle america lacks culture and diversity. Well im officially bored with you. Nice try and thanks for playing.
Being Mexican-American myself I don't think this photo is such a big deal. They are just young and having fun. Granted, this photo would have not received such attention if it were Mexicans portraying themselves in a stereotypical way, which would ultimately lead to a paradox, but overall my contention regarding this photo is that stereotyping is ubiquitous and permeates throughout all cultures and people shouldn't make such a big deal out of it, especially the media.
1,400,000 –the number of illegal Mexican households drawing benefits-send them back
So let's ban Cheech and Chong movies..they're racist. Definitely ban the movie "White Chicks"..it's racist. The Sopranos...racist. Married with Children..racist. Let's ban St. Patrick's Day..it's racist against the Irish. I could wish for a white Christmas and someone would probably be there with a video camera screaming racist. I live in Texas..trust me..Mexicans cut alot of grass around here. They love to drink Bud Light..that's their favorite. They like to smoke a little? Oh well..so do whites and blacks. Not to paint everyone with a broad brush, but stereotypes were created for a reason..with EVERY race.
Shocked you live in Texas...
Jax, why is that so shocking..?
@Jesse.. I guess that's another stereotype. My husband is Hispanic. I will admit I don't live in a border town so I cannot speak for those who have to deal with that situation. Texans aren't racist, but we do have a problem with unlicensed,uninsured illegals having DWI's who are deported and are back in the country within weeks. I admit it saddens me to see a Mexican mother who has been in the country for years and years, rely on her elementary age child to translate for her because she doesn't bother to learn English. Americans and Mexicans have two different cultures and each are faced with frustrations for the other. Doesn't make us racist. Makes us human.
Do you even know what a stereotype is? I didn't think so, son.
wrong again, son. Now close your mouth and go earn your GED.
If the south would have won the war of 1861-1865–there would be no illegal Mexicans in America-they break the federal law–they get a free ride--I go to jail
"Stereotypes where created to oppress people and are used by racist ignorant fools."
No, they are a natural human tendency that is created by every society in an effort to understand complex issues, such as race and social status. How you use them is what determines if they are good or bad. I guarantee that you use them in your everyday life, and that you find them very useful, even if you are unaware of that fact.
Alexander-very well put.
I'm latino and I think it's funny...no biggie folks...it's also funny to think about how many of these blond haired "true" Americans will end up on Prozac and bitter relationships because of their "well rounded" nature and humor....kinda like me teaching my dog to sit....it's fun and easy to do for such a simple creature.....(FYI, Despite pro comedy acts, I don't remember any sorority or fraternity in college having laughs at the expense of a race or culture...classy girls)
I think I see one asian girl in the phone. I wonder if she'll be smiling when they tape the eyes slanted and hold up "we eat flied lice" signs. Is next week the black face paint / watermelon eating party at the sorority house? As a parent of college girls I would be saddened to see my kid with this shallow bunch.
THANK YOU!
Blondes? Most of the girls have long dark hair. Some of them are even American of Spanish or Portuguese ancestry.
Grow a Pair people... seriously, as a Hispanic I feel that some of the self-righteous buffoons we got running around should be purged from the society.
You might be Latino/Hispanic but you're probably NOT even Mexican which is why you don't care. The sombrebros and poncho insulting stereotype only applies to Mexicans. So your opinion doesn't count.
His ancestors were Mexican...so what's your point?
and then he was all like "Do you even Mexican!'
I'm all for a good joke and dressing up for Halloween is always good. Looking at the pic, it's nothing but a bunch of white girls posing as Latinas. Seems to the culture of this sorority is passive- aggressive racist. This wouldn't be an issue if the sorority was more racially diverse and inclusive, at which point a photo like this would be really funny because you'd a diverse group of open-minded girls having some fun. As it stands, it's just white girls in the pic, which sends a message very clearly. Listen, if you're racist just admit it
I wanted an Obama phone but i made too much money to qualify. So i got your mother instead. Tell her i said thanks for the minutes. And the i do not happen to own a moron. Or did you mean "you're a moron" instead of your? Lmao!!
Is that English?
maybe if I speak in your native tounge you will understand me better.......pero like eres un idiota, just remember pesos aren't worth as much as the American dollar
Penn state exemplifies the racist ignorance one finds in rural, conservative, 98%white, Republican PA. Look at the election map from 2012 or any election. Penn State is deep in the Red Zone. Actions like these show the racism which permeates the very air in the Republican zones. Heads up Latinos, this is exactly what they think of you no matter what false messaging they will try to feed you between now and the 2014 elections.
Thanks for the heads up. 🙂
Actually PA voted Obama. And remember, it's the Democratic Party with the racist history. NAACP or KKK ring a bell? How about a jackson, Sharpton or Byrd?
Write your own history much?
and the NAACP is as racist, if not more than the Klan, kid.
Comparing the NAACP to the KKK is apples and oranges. The KKK have a history of murder, where the NAACP is a civil rights organization without a history of killing and terrorizing whites. Please show me one court case lost by the NAACP where it was accused of planning the murder of whites. There are some for the KKK that you can easily look up.
Aaron, please look at the electoral map for PA which shows county by county. Obama won PA by carrying the Democratic urban areas like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, and Scranton. The rural counties in the state went for Romney & Republican ticket and traditionally vote Republican. Penn State is smack dab in the racist center of Republican territory.
It is good to see that Penn State has their priorities where they need to be.
Educate a bunch of idiotic, drunken women... CHECKED!
Protect children from a child molester... NOT CHECKED!
You said it!
LOL, how pathetic if you actually believe that. Talk about stereotyping...
I bet their parents voted for Romney.
I'm thinking they also voted for David Duke back in 88'.
Showing your ignorance again I see.
LOL your a moron........ yeah latino's, keep doing what you do best make up the 48% of those who don't have to pay taxes in this country and rely on people like me who are hard working to continue to cover your butts so you can live in this country. Do me a favor and go get yourself an Obama phone playa
So let me get this straight, the sorority is in trouble for supposedly stereotyping Latinos...this was obviously nothing more than kids having fun. And they are having to explain themselves for this??? People...way to PC!!! I hear black and latino comedians make fun of white people ALL the time! Where is their explanation??? Get a life you PC pansies!!!
Now that's comedy.
Not unexpected behavior from a bunch of sorhors who are going to school to get their party on and their MRS. certificate.
I find you are very ignorant for your comment. You have just stated a huge stereotype which is what this article is stating is wrong. Sure, maybe some of the sorority girls in America do party, and then just get married, but you can not say that for all of them. Please think before you make ignorant comments again.
The NCAA took away the Chief from Illinois because they said it was racially demeaning, but it wasnt, and now we see worse things like this from Penn State, and we see it after the Sandusky disgrace. And they defend both disgraces. No class.
Other Themes: (guess what THEY are)
1. Have everyone in black-face, carry watermelons, and have a fried chicken buffet
2. Dye your hair red, wear bowler hats, get drunk and do dark eye shadow like you have a black eye
3. Dress with gold chains, button-down shirts, a pizza buffet, and have fake guns in holsters
4. Create a fake baby-bump, dress in ratty pj's, and a housecoat and fuzzy slippers
5. Bring your grand-pa (as a prop), dress like little boys, and call your grand-pa "coach" when you talk to him.....
While 'theme parties" might be fun, and overall "harmless" in your mind....... you have to BE AWARE of social media, and how WIDE the audience is.
I vote for Number 5 on the list for the next Penn State sorority theme party. Sad, but true....
Now lets ask the asian girl how to mock her culture. I see several Mexican girls in the picture...or are they Arabs....you can never tell em apart.
Looks like a few girls using spray tans or perhaps just a really bad pic. They need to up the megapixels on their cellphone camera.
One chinese girl but no Mexicans.
The Southern Poverty Law Center should classify Chi Omega as a hate group.
They should classify you as a hate group, too, for not respecting the views of the students.
1. Would anyone look twice if latinos had taken a picture depicting a negative white stereotype?
2. Is anyone actually offended by this?
Disband the sorority.
Grow a people. Just a bunch of college kids having some fun. You fools are way to sensitive.
What kind of seeds do I need to grow a people? Also, do I need to water it every day?
If you do not see the wrong in this, THEN YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!!
LMAO
if you get offended by this then you are part of the problem
Mexicans are the problem. I'm not one of them, so I can't be part of the problem.
Racists don't think they're racist. That's why it is soooo hard for them to get over their issues. There are clearly a lot of racists out there as we speak...umm the House Republicans anyone?
So, if I think I'm not racist then I am a racist?
They should just have worn their white sheets and gotten it over with.
Get a sense of humor. Where do hate groups and murderers with white sheets compare to that pic. Really get a life sweetie.
I think it's hilarious. People are too sensitive
You think its hilarious cause you're white.
I myself am of low melanin/ high reflectivity, and I do not find it funny. Not even a teensy bit.
I am currently sewing little pointy headedwhite outfits for all the fine upstanding citizens in that sorority.
I cannot express how much I do not want to have dinner with anyone who is offended by this. You have to be the most boring, whiniest person to complain about this picture. To anyone who is we know these things about you: You are white. You are a democrat. You have no intercultural experience.
ooops I just said something racist! Requiring this level of political correctness is ridiculous. Look, I'm latino and I think it's funny. I am not Mexican though. But look, surely you can see the hypocrisy of being offended by this picture.
Half of them will probably end up on a "Teens gone wild" po rn video, so why are we surprised by this?
Do you know this because it happened to you or your daughter?
Penn State... why would anyone want to go there.. your degree is worthless!!!! Shut down the sorority! They should see what kind of message that sends. All the hispanics that think its cool to laugh at themselves demonstrate true ignorance. All the whites that think Mexicans just came here... they were here long before you and theyll be here long after you assimilate into this country and breed till your skin tone evolves enough to handle the sun. Get used to it!!! If you hate learning Spanish just wait till you have to learn Chinese!!!
Yr grammar sucks. Did u get yr degree frm pin state???
Maybe we should just give the world back to the dinasours, make everyone happy. chit happens, get over it.
Chit happens get over it. You must be from penn state lol
yall gettin trolled
transfer now. save your time money and education. Penn State is a laughing stock.
Not anyone with any class.
Someone attending Penn State mocking anyone or anything.
Must be jealous, you either cannot afford it or are not smart enough to be accepted.
Nah, just smart enough not to waste their time and money applying. Imagine walkway ing into a job interview with a degree that says Penn State.
I'm having a black themed party. I told everyone it starts at 8:00, but it will actually start around 9:30 🙂 I even... axed some of my friends if they could help me plan it.
Amen!. Of course it was just a party... Every one needs to chill-out!
Its a joke people have to get over the fact that everyone does and says stuff like this.Instead of people criticizing the people who make the jokes why not get some common sense and realize that they are right. Why would there be so many jokes about illegal aliens if it wasnt a problem. people need to pay more attention to the illegal immigrants who arent paying taxes and doing drugs instead of harmless college kids having a good time. Society needs to grow up and look at the bigger problem.
Because the vast majority of Hispanics in this country were born here. When folks stop pointing at the majority of Hispanics and going, "Hey, that's all of you! You guys wear ponchos. Can't speak the language. Came here illegally. Mow lawns for a living. etc. etc." It's offensive to the rest of us who grew up and assimilated into the melting pot that makes this great nation. Heck, even my grandparents who came here (LEGALLY) do not resemble the image above. My grandfather was a small business owner. He raised his children here and once they were grown, he moved back.
Good, join him.
Come with me Pocahontas.
You're telling me that no one in Mexico wears ponchos? They don't sell them in souvenir shops? I can name you 10 landscaping companies off that top of my head that are owned by Hispanics...the other 50 in town all have Mexicans or Hispanics working for them. There is no reason to be ashamed of an honest days work. So what if they mow grass? Why does that offend you so much? I guess I need to tell the man that does the yard work for my company next time that he should be ashamed of mowing grass to support his family.
WRONG!
Its a joke people have to get over the fact that everyone does and says stuff like this.
Not everyone does this. Don't include me in your twisted world!
Really someone attending penn state, mocking anything.
Must be jealous, you either cannot afford it or are not smart enough to be accepted.
That reminds me, I need to call my landscaper...
Don't pick on the Mexican lawn service people, they are part of one of the last industries yet to be destroyed by Congress and the President. Won't be long and it may cost you $10,000 to have someone mow your little lot.
The day is coming when a Union Driver, delivering the Union "Lawn Maintenance Engineer" (he does the actual mowing...same Mexican as before), along with the "Workplace Safety Engineer" and his/her "Assistant WSE", the "Environmental Impact Analyst" and team, "Electrician", "Mechanic"and a Union Representative for each of the different responsible parties...did I say the Union Driver was driving a bus? Did I mention that all these people, will need pensions, vacations, health-care, and more holidays off work then you even know existed? Be happy with your "Free Market" lawn service...whether from south of the border or not.
You write too much.
If I go with the assumption that Latinos (or Mexicans in this case) are more or less the same as I, then I also have to assume that the only ones who are actually upset by this are the ones whose notoriety and/or career are based upon being upset. Seriously, who cares?
It is a bit over the top....still funny though and the one sign should have read "after cutting the grass I smoke it".
I wish that people as these would put their energy into things that really matter, like finding a cure for cancer, teaching others a trade, or donating their time to a worthy cause. This is only a suggestion.
They may have already cured cancer, back in the spring , in fact it was announced of course, let's not forget ventures such as THON raising millions for pediatric cancer and other charitable events students and PSU has.
I'm white, and I would love to see a picture! I'm not offended because that wouldn't represent me and I know it's a stereotype. Make sure you have a bunch of cans of Budweiser on the ground around your feet and a Nascar hat!
Party on girls! Next week have a party themed Politically Correct… everyone could show up dress as a bunch of stogy do gooders with their panties in a bunch. Or maybe you'd have better luck dressing up in a bunch of togas and running around half naked! That should silence the critics!
They should just wear Klansmen outfits and get it over with.
LMAO...........you are comparing this to klansman. How stupid can you get.
Yes these are kids being foolish, as kids are. What the dicscussion ought to be about is the destruction caused and propagated by such innacurate sterotypes.
Destruction? Where? Were buildings burned on campus? Mexicans assaulted? I think not!
A bunch a girl had fun dressing up and getting drunk. Hardly a crime. Don't over analyze. The girls dressed up appear to come from a variety of ethnic backrounds. I see all skin shades.
There's like one asian girl and the rest are white ( a few spray tanned Jersey shore wannabes ).
My wife is Mexican. She laughs at this kind of stuff all the time. She even points out to me when other Mexicans are living up to the stereotype. The other day we saw people pushing a car down the street in a nice neighborhood. She laughed and said that's a very Mexican thing to do when a car breaks down. White people would pull over and call somebody. We laughed when they got closer and we saw they were Mexican.
Self deprecating humor is one thing. Having someone else buy into the stereotypes and use it to make fun of others is an entirely different story.
How about we put your wife out on the street corner selling tacos and tamales wearing the panchos and chanclas with a sign that says "will work for tortillas and cleaning material." Tell me where too so I can go point and laugh at her. Because its all in good fun. And your comment about calling someone in a broken car situation? It shows how the depend on money to solve anything. They can't do anything on their own!
Go cry in a corner if you're offended so easily.
OMG! Photo is a riot! I live in San Antonio, TX and there are ALOT here that look like that-maybe not the pancho's but the mustaches & hats...YES...if you cannot laugh at yourself than I feel bad for you. Making light of a race is not a slap in the face...it is just a joke. People need to lighten up...especially these days. SNL has been doing it for years!Seriously I would think mexicans would rather have that image than drugs, kilings, druglords, corrupt govt and people not wanting to live in their own country!!!
It's all fun and jokes when they're making fun of other people isn't it? And by the way. Mexican is a nationality, Hispanic is an ethnicity, neither are a race. Mexicans, like Americans, are multiracial (aka there are White, Black, Asian, Amerindian and mixed race Mexicans/Hispanics).
We do not care about the hat or fake mustache but it is offensive what the wrote in those in those signs! seriously? that is unnecessary. People who work hard and they should not be making fun of. I have never seen a Latino asking for money on the street of LA, they are always selling flowers or fruits! at least they are doing something not like others they just stand there and ask for money!
This just proves that in many melanin deficient communities in this country there are certain traits that aren't too common. Common sense, common courtesy and common decency.
Oh come on, it's funny! Grow some huevos.
Go lay an egg. 😉
Shut down the sorority. 2012, ignorance is still alive.
The fact you think a group of people should be penalized for their views shows you're as bad as the Nazis.
Illlinois was penalized for their view of having the Chief as a symbol of their team. Were the Nazis behind that?
You are proof of that!
I don't think the ponchos and hats are too bad – you could call them "festive" in another context – but the signs are waaaaay over the line. How anyone could see that and not think of it as racist is beyond me.
Looks like the Greek system hasn't changed much since I was there in the early 80s. Too bad.
signs are a bit low but turning something this mild into drama is pc stupidity
They laugh now, let them wait a couple years.
They will laugh even harder.
True academic smarts but social ignorance.
I expected much better from drunken sororities... Oh wait, no I don't
It's just a joke, get over it. I learned all the best racist jokes in college.
Now all we have to do, is get the Hispanics to: assimilate by learning English; come to America legally; stop demonstrating in our streets waving their Mexican flags and demanding their "rights"; obtain valid driver licenses and valid insurance so they can stop fleeing to Mexico after every accident; stop killing our police officers; stop smuggling drugs; stop having anchor babies; stop ridiculing America at every turn. Nah, didn't think this sorority was out of line at all.....
I wish there was a "like button" for that.
The vast majority of Hispanics in this country were born here.
You are obviously not from Texas. Or California. Or Florida.. Or just the South.
want to know whats ridiculing america at every turn and unfortunately bringing the U S down in front of the whole world? ignorant and racist people like YOU.
No illegals
Wait, let me get this straight. So your brilliant theory is that all Mexicans are cop killing drug smuggling government dependent people? This research comes from Harvard? You troll. Whites are free of crime right? We don't use the welfare system at all? You need an award for this new research! Have you ever thought of who consumes the most drugs that do get supplied from the south? Go look under a bridge in a homeless camp, look for a panhandler.I'm sure they can take you to some imported goods. Look it up before mocking a single race. We aren't a perfect race either and I don't agree with you singling a race out like that. Disgusting. Racist.
Take a joke.
White people deal with being called racist 24/7.
No matter what.
Um – but this is racist and stupid! Really really stupid – if my daughter was in that group, I'd yank her from school (at her cost not mine). How ridiculous can these stupid girls be? This isn't 1950, this is 2012, are we really still "there"?
and to those who say, "white people always laugh at themselves..." that is not always true but let's assume it is. White people making fun of white people is COMPLETELY completely different than a bunch of spoiled sorority girls stereotyping and belittling hispanics based on a ridiculous and untrue stereotype.
Did you never do anything stupid as a kid? Get a grip. Far worse going on around you than this.
Absolutely hilarious!
It's one thing to have a Mexican-themed party, but the signs are low even for college kids. Mandatory sensitivity training for all of them! I think the sorority needs a few Hispanic girls, too.
from the looks of the picture they are all Mexican
Ooooohhhhh pleaaaseee! Cut it out! I'm “Latina” and I think people of the US exaggerate with this “sensitivity” BS. Why are we such fakes!!! By the way, the picture doesn’t depict “Latinos”… it depicts “Mexicans”... But regardless… let’s be honest! It is unfortunate but many “Latinos” have given the word a nasty meaning by coming to the US and abusing the system, committing crimes, etc…. so although not every “Latino” is bad, the bad ones are the ones that get noticed. What’s happened to us in the US that we have lost all sense of humor? Grow up people! Don’t be such crying babies!!!!
Oh man this picture is hilarious. A+
Honestly, this is hillarious, I would have totally attended this party! People in this country need to stop being so sensitive, have a little fun. Better yet have a taco tonight.....for me
Exactlyyyy. Just a theme party. People are toooooooo sensitive.
I agree, let it go...
It's kids being kids in college...
Penn State is just under the micIroscope.
To anyone wishing to make fun of a racial stereotype, ALWAYS, ALWAYS choose to make fun of white people. We don't get offended and no one ever complains.
*SEARCHING FRANTICALLY FOR "LIKE" BUTTON"* wish they'd let us rate comments in this format...
it's the signs that are offensive, not the party.
Like!!!! laughter is good for the soul, so laugh it up at the college kids having fun.
Whoever thought this was a good idea should not be listened too.