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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"""Penn St in Spotlight Again with Sorority Photos Mocking Latinos"""
I was unaware that Latinos, or anyone else in this nation, were granted special rights which elevated them to the privileged status of The Ones Who Can Never Be Mocked.
You know, I wonder if this would have caused an uproar if these young ladies were dressed up as leprechauns and had signs saying they'd trade their pot of gold for beer. After all, the Irish have a history in the U.S. of being discriminated against (although not for a very long time). Also, this is not racism as Mexican is not a race, it's an ethnicity.
Prejudice and bigotry is disgusting. I see a whole lot more of that in these comments than I did in that picture. But I forget, only certain groups get to be offended in this counry.
ethnicitism? Seriously? So there was never racism against the Irish either. Or are Leprechauns a separate race from the Irish?
Values aren't taught from a president, they are taught from your parents. Perhaps they were taught from their parents these racist stereotypes. How can you even relate this picture to President Obama and his administration. With the help of Obama and his administration, college is more affordable to some of these girls. Think before you state ignorant comments.
That has to be the reason it's so obvious.
How pathetic an existence it must be to believe that your only advantage in the world is something that you had absolutely nothing to do with...being of a particular race. By sheer luck, you didn't end up in napkin out as a brown stain on a mattress, and for that you think you're better than anyone else? Hilarious!
I'ts funny how the headline says"mocking Latinos" the only Latinos being mocked are from Mexico.....Sombreros and ponchos?? I don't see them mocking Colombians,Peruvians,ecuadorians,salvadoreans,Guatemalans,Venezuelans,Argentinians,costa ricans..... Latinos are not only Mexicans.......and this picture they are making fun of people that are from Mexico..... It's sad that those girls don't realize that there are 19 countries that are Latinos....... Headline should say "mocking Mexicans"
...or more sad that CNN doesn't know the difference...remember they are programmed to play the race card from a starter deck.
BTW...do better proofreading, there is too much white space in your second sentence. What are you?...black?
Wow really.
...that might have come across as a little intolerant.
...correction Rubio/Ryan 2016....my bad.
I am a proud Hispanic and this does not bother me one bit, what the hell are we becoming the land of wussies grow some cajones don't be so thin skinned. My Mexican brothers and sisters are some of the biggest racist on earth.
Here here
I agree with you. Folks of all ethnicities need to not be so thin skinned, unless something is truly being done maliciously. I am of Irish decendency, yet I am not the least bit offended by the Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" depiction.
Look at all this support of idiocy!!!! You must all go to Penn state.....like I said " Must Be In The Water". I feel sorry for your mother
Wait, how do we know they weren't just getting ready for spring break in Cabo?
Wow. They sure are racist. NAWT. Goddamm everyone just can't wait to accuse people as racists. Seriously, they are having a party. You know – a good time? This is a bad story – a testament to how restrictive and abhorrent our culture has become. Kids can't even have a little fun without being labeled a racist. WOW.
When all of you white people have truly experienced the sheer degradation, humiliation, and econoimic depravation caused by racism, then you have the moral ground upon which you can stand and proclaim ethnic minorities to "lighten up" and "not be so p.c." Of course, I know that most of you are gutless and would never say that to our face but resort to anonymous postings on sites such as this. Our society is changing, in ways that you clearly don't like. You can't accept a black man as president – get over it! You will be an ethnic minority in about three decades. Get used to it!!
Wow just shut up. You don't know a damm thing about racism. This IS NOT racism. IT'S A PARTY. GOD. Get over it. jeez
Wow way to prove his point, trebec
So...um...you're like 14, right? Lol.
You are wrong. In less than 20 years white will be the minority.
I'd like to see them all dressed as a black President of the of the United States with a sign that said "Will GIVE handouts for for votes."...is that racist?
Rubio/Ryan 2016
You LOST, get over it.
I live in CA and are now considered the minority. When I have to press 1 for English in the United States there is a problem!! Obama and his free healthcare will invite everyone over the borders hooray!!!
Oh! I can't WAIT for Ryan/Rubio to get STOMPED by whoever runs against them!
Because people love to vote for a guy that ran for vice president before and lost.
They are not offending all Latinos, just Mexicans. Not condoning the action, but the headline implies all Latinos are Mexican which is extremely offensive to the Latinos in the US who are NOT Mexican aka the other 40%.
Bunch of snotty rich girls who have no clue and will be that way forever.
Well said... Besides, half of them will flunk out of school anyway. Since I gave up my lawn-mowing days for a college degree, I'm sure to have the advantage, should I ever have to compete with any of these girls for a job.
You clearly are stereotyping all people who are a part of the Greek community. I for one was in a Greek house and had to pay for college on my own and did graduate. As a matter of fact Greeks are 10% more likely to graduate than none Greeks, all Apollo 11 astronauts were Greek and all but 2 presidents since 1825 were in a Fraternity, So clearly you are just being a hypocrite by saying they are doing something bad while you are doing it to the Greek community.
Penn State Chi-O's have always been the physically attractive girls with sufficient wealth to belong to a sorority. Snotty? Yeah, lots of those not in their social group would consider them so, but so what? They've always been the party girls. Although mostly pleasing to look at and very socially active ;), they're not for most men, and are just another normal societal group just as Mexicans are, and likewise the butt of silly humor from time to time.
Your choice: smile and laugh along, and counter with more humor, or decide to be miserable and make all around you miserable.
Sorority should lose their recognition, girls should be suspended for racism. These people are the "future of America" yet their too stupid to see that what they're doing is offensive and ignorant. If a bunch of Hispanic girls mocked them for being spoiled, stupid low-class white girls on birth control, they'd be pretty mad.
No they wouldn't. They would laugh it off.
james: "Sorority should lose their recognition, girls should be suspended for racism."
Yeah. They should be suspended from a state school because they said something you don't like.
What a champion of free speech you are.
"These people are the "future of America" yet their too stupid to see that what they're doing is offensive and ignorant."
Ironic, eh?
Oh my they made fun of someone its the end of the world. Get over it this is like the woman who was offended that a construction site had a "men at work" sign up on a collage that didn't include women. So the whole thing stopped. What's next it doesn't say gay and trans gender.
loser old dude.. get a sense of humor. dont be so serious, let kids be kids.. they didnt hurt anybody, least of all you.
and that would be racists.
"some of my best friends are......"
I'm Mexican-American. I'm not really offended by this, not all those girls are racist. Come on now, really? They were probably having a fiesta and then those 2 girls decided to include the cardboard poster. It's the greek life.
but, for the record, those Mexicans cutting lawns are hard working people. They weren't as lucky to overcome poverty like most of us in the United States have been able to.
Has anyone been to a sporting event where the team's mascot is Indian??? The mockery of Indians at even the most sedate game makes this sorority bit pale in comparison. "Redskins"?? really?? No public outrage there?? We're okay with THAT, but not a Mexican themed sorority party??
Exactly. It's only an issue because it happened at PSU.
I'm terribly offended by redskins. I think there should be more uproar over the name. I remember a few years ago espn was airing a scrabble tournament and one of the forbidden words (legal scrabble words not allowed because of tv) was redskins.
Would have been funnier if all those pasty-faced white girls had held signs saying "wil put out for weed + beer"
like they really need a sign
Actually, calling them "pasty faced white girls', is also a racist statement. Sorry libs, bashing EVEN when it's against the evil white people is wrong.
It is the signs that they are holding what makes the whole photo very offensive. I wish it had been some Amazonian themed party to see some flesh! LOL but seriously once again, these people used that so-called freedom of speech in a very stupid way.
they were having a good time. they are adults, relax. you didnt get hurt.
The media hatred towards PSU is pathetic. If this was any other school in the country this would not be news. This stuff happens at other schools across the country all the time especially in Greek Life. Obviously the photo was inappropriate but it is clearly just harmless fun and in no way shape or form front page news.
Cheap shot Moni Basu, Cheap shot!!
Some of these posts are just another example of our Hyper sensitive politically correct society. Pretty ridicules to get offended at what these girls did. It was all in fun. You can turn on the comedy channel and see some of the Black & Hispanic comedians making jokes about whites all the time or making jokes about their own races all for a good laugh. Ease up and stop being so uptight.
Wow! People have gotten way too bloody sensitive! Nobody bats an eye to a comical party with Greek stereotype (toga) theme, but everyone's panties get in a bunch over a comical Mexican theme???? Boo hoo... What, are we wanting everyone to act Amish? Going to get pretty boring. Oh no! Now I've offended the Amish...... If they could get on a computer.
Yeah right! And all of us are goning to naively beileve that you're actually latina!
GTFO!!!
From your post, you're half way there. Now you just need to make fun of whites. Listen to Jeff Foxworthy for ideas.
This is SO not news, it was a "contoversy" back in the 80's and before, whether you could show a guy with a sombrero sleeping against a wall and not be racist.
I'm Eastern European, and apparently those "Peggy" customer service commercial aren't supposed to be racist, because no one cares how we feel. Everyone needs to chill out – you can't have an Italian pizza guy, or a Jewish banker, or a WASP lawyer?
Looks like they're mocking men too. Why is that not an issue as well?
Nothing is stopping you?
I would imagine that this is protected under your right to free speech. I don't care about your feelings nor would I care if you tried to offend my 'color'. Get over it.
I'm Latino and I'm not offended. Does that make me a racist too?
If there were no Mexicans in that picture, then it really shows that deep down these girls were raised to think of Mexicans, and perhaps other races, are inferior then theirs. For better or worst, they are Americans, and that's how most Americans thinks of Latinos. Is interesting that they didn't dare to dress in Orthodox Jews or with Black faces. Guess that would of been very politically incorrect, and/or will of guarantee them to be expelled from the school. But once again, they not being expelled, because they are merely reflecting the society that they were raised in.
All others are inferior.
I can't believe you think this way.This is a disgrace to us Latinos and to our culture.If you don't have anything productive to say,cállate!Being obsessive-compulsive I can tell that you can't tell the difference because you're that simple minded.
And I find it offensive that Eastern Europeans – Russians and Poles in particular – can be continually mocked and discriminated against and NOBODY CARES! How come I should care about the "lazy Mexican" stereotype when people feel that it is okay to laugh at heavy Russian accents?
Uhhh, your child wasn't holding up a sign with insensitive remarks about Indians – are you really that clueless?
Nobody seems to appreciate politically incorrect humor anymore.
This happens everywhere unfortunately. It's collegiate Greek life. You can't make your own friends and be an individual so you latch on to a group of friends, buy the t-shirts, party and do some occasional work that "benefits others". I'll put money down that this sorority has staff on site that prep all the meals for their house and most or all probably don't have the same skin color as they do. I get that it's a joke, but have some respect for yourself and others. Grow up, get your education and get a life.
Pretty pathetic generalization of the whole greek system dont you think?
For a TRULY racist rant by a college femme fatalle, go to you tube and look for Jimmy Wong – a library rant. Her vlog rampage and his musical response = priceless.
This is Penn State- cover up of Climategate, cover up of pedophiles, and racism.
uhhhhhhhhh yeahhhhh.... maybeeeee.. until the last part, then you got lost.. this isnt racist.. Its young girls having fun together and they are adults and its legal. If you got hurt, you need to lighten up.
I am Hispanic on my mothers side. I am Irish and Polish on my fathers side. I served my country for ten years. I have seen racism my whole life and I truly do have to say that in this day and age seeing this ticks me off. These young women have the opportunity for so much more and they chose to do this. I see some minority types participating in this picture. Flip the picture and chose any race/culture you like, it's still wrong. Some people think this is funny? There are men and women of all races and cultures in the military fighting and dying in the Middle East, and for the most part those men and women don't see but two colors – tan/digi green and red. Tan/digi green the color of their uniforms. Red the color they bleed. Sometimes I look at things like this and I wonder what in the world I spent ten years in uniform for.
uhhhh, you need to just lighten up.. youre not special because youre a euro/latino mutt.. lots of that going on.. youre not special because you served in the military, lots of that going on... you need to lighten up, dont take yourself so seriously. you didnt get hurt, they dont even know you, they dont care about you, i dont care about you, nobody but your mom and dad cares about you... GET OVER IT!!
Hey don't get testy. Yes I went to Penn. 1991. Lived in Quad at Wilson, was a BBB major, lived at 4110 Spruce as Sr. I have never heard of Pitt tech. Are they a bad school or something?
Crimsonino. I'm gals I don't know you because you sound like a truly horrible person.
This damn blog wont stop sending me notifications! Damn you wordpress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They're not racist! I'm sure they have lots of Mexican friends.
Hell yeah! I'm one of them!
Funny I've known a LOT of potheads, but very few Mexican smokers.
This is ridiculous, sorry. Those girls made a mistake and its PATHETIC the media has to keep going back to Penn State to pick on. WE ARE...PENN STATE. please go find something more important to report.
Yes you are pathetic Penn State and not the University of Pennsylvania. Thank you.
David, your annoying. Stop looking for posts to pick apart
Ok. Ren. Thanks. I ren, I ren so far away aaay. That was from a band called Flock of Seagulls. Did you know that Ren?
I'll give you that! Althought the picture is funny rather than offensive!!!
Pick on? I'm sorry who posted what on where doing what, and they're being "picked on"? Excuse me while I go chew some glass just to get that statement out of my head.
yawn.... looks like some rich white girls havin fun.
Why are they rich? They go to Penn State not the University of Pennsylvania!
Big Ten sorority girls, they got some money... get over yourself DAVE!!
I hope they do a muslim theme next time.
Hahaha
I see a bunch of attractive women with a good sense of humor.
And I sees the Lord's name aint in yo hart. Please child, dont yu get yo snot filled face on tha grown folks chats.
Good sense of humor?! This is racist! I would know, I'm Mexican and obsessive-compulsive.
Mexican is now a race???? When did that happen?
also its way better than what your football coach did 2 little boys. How soon you forget.
I like the phrase...if i offended you, you needed it....that goes for all races,creed,or orientations.
I like it..... I apologize in advance for over-using it and not giving you credit....
Lisa Power's justification comments are an absolute joke just like she is.
find some real news, quit bothering penn state. we are a prominent school and the fact we are being judged as a whole for this stupid picture is awful. dont anyone dare bring up the sandusky incident, that has nothing to do with this picture what so ever.
Go live in your fantasy world, that's what a lot of so called "Americans" do to avoid the real issues we face in this country!
dont classify penn state as a whole for this picture, thats all im saying
Penn State is a prominent school? What a joke! No, the University of Pennsylvania is a prominent school not Penn State!
how would you know if you never went to penn state?
Spoken like a truly ignorant person who knows absolutely nothing about our school other than what the media has told you. You're ignorance disgusts me.
David, I went to OU, and yes Penn State is a strong school, so you can get over yourself now. You didnt go to either, im confident of that.. maybe youre a Pitt Tech drop out.
I didn't classify Penn State based on this picture!
I'm latino and honestly I'm not offended by this hillarious picture!
Good luck anyways!
Oh Emily! You don't need to go to a school to know if it's prominent. Look at SAT scores, admit rates, entry HS rank, ect. If you can only judge the school you went to then all of us could judge only one school, expect maybe these dumb sorority sisters that went to two schools- a community college and then Penn State.
No answer back Emily! Do u go to Penn State?
yeah i do, and its an amazing school despite what anyone thinks or says
David, youre no daisy... youre just a DOUSSSSSHHHHHHH!!
Ok. Sorry. I respect your opinion. I did not know you were a student there or went there. I am a doctor and went to the University of Pennsylvania and was acting like a snob. I need to slap myself every time I do that. Do you accept my apology? If you graduated, what is your profession?
Im actually studying to be a journalism major
youre a liar, not a doctor..
Ok. Good luck Emily. Do you think journalistic standards as they apply to confidentiality need to be promulgated before they are accepted by the print media?
David.. i think you need to shut up now and stop thinking youre special. youre not.. the second you die, and someone is still alive, they become more special than you.. regardless of what you have done, where you studied, how many people successfully sued you for malpractice on multiple occasions. you dont matter that much.. really, get over yourself.
Crimsinomi, if your family is ever under a knife, hope it's with someone like me- confident, dedicated, honest, and driven to do the best. I work 36 hrs straight at times devoting myself to the service of others. In no way did i infer I was do great. I know the fragility of life and the meed to be humble.
People have to get a sense of humor....stereotypes are just that....its like a caricature. We all do it settle down
Stereotypes will always be around. There are stereotypes for people of European heritage, too. All Irishmen are drunks. All Germans are angry and domineering. All British people are pompous. All French people smell and are snobs. All Americans are loud, arrogant cowboys. It's human nature to simplify things with generalizations. Get over it.
another highly educated group of world leaders coming out of Pitt!
people have the right to offend and the right to be offended, but i'm finding most of the outrage coming from non-Hispanics who are so PC that they feel they need to overreact to a bunch of college girls having a party. if you look at the picture you see a very multicultural cross-section of society
I know how they got those mustaches. Dirty girls.
I'm annoyed by the number of people who are so quick to dismiss blatant racism and write it off as misunderstood humor. Racism has adapted and isn't as overt as it used to be. This sorority just happened to cross the line and got called for it. Just because racial segregation isn't officially sanctioned by the government doesn't mean that we've completely eradicated racial prejudice. Just look at the kind of vile that people spew on these comment boards when they can post anonymously and are unaccountable for what they really think. I'm not outraged but lets at least be honest and call it what it is - racist.
Your comment is more offensive than the picture in this article.
People who are offended need to get a life. I hope they do a muslim theme at the next one.
White people...smh
Dude that party would be da BOMB
more evidence that sororities serve no purpose
Well...I'd mow a lawn for weed and beer lol
You are so dumb. Go back to kindergarten.
If they truly are remorseful they should head south of the border and perform some charity work.
This is another disgusting display of spoiled american ignorance. And it's even more insulting to be given a canned apology stating the "high standards and ethics" of the sorority.
At minimum these brats should have to mow some lawns for a year and clean up after other disrespectful fools like themselves.
Wow. Better not tell a racist joke around you!
White people....must be from the South.
Stop complaining you babies. Why can't people have fun anymore?
Go back to grade school please or is that a step up for you?
It's funny, people are too sensitive. And I'm glad the media is putting this picture out for everyone to see or else I never would have known about it.
I accept your apollgy. No harm done. Who cares. They are kids having fun. Because they are white they got slammed for it. When we were voting last monrh blacks were being rascist and the media down played.im hispanic. I dont take offense to it. I was a paratrooper in the army and i saw all kinds mostly my own kind making funof us. We were all green and we stuck together. We will all be together when it counts the most. Dont sweat the small stuff we have no contol of.
Cole: You silly goose, are you for real! The U. S. doesn't need a month for white's achievements cuz everyday is dedicated to whites. It is a white man's world. We can't get rid of affirmative action until we get rid of "the good ole boys club" in America. Most of these misinformed, racist girls will get jobs because of who they know and not what they know. Affirmative action balances this sad fact.
This is not news. This is just another poor attempt for cnn to downgrade penn state. You could find a thousand worse photos then this on internet.
No need to attempt to downgrade Penn State. You are already downgraded.
Are they mocking Latinos or Mexicans as the article states. Looks more like Mexican attire to me. Not American or just any Latino heritage. Looks like there is some Latino mix in the group also. I see George Lopez make fun of White Americans, Dave Chappell every ethnic group. I laugh my butt off. Looks like a little fun. Why so sensitive if there is not some truth to it. Look at the Cheech and Chong movies. Mexicans and Latino's are portrayed as drug dealers and criminals on TV and in the Movies, and as gardeners and pool cleaners. They are well know for selling drugs. They are synonymous for taking these jobs. It is a well know fact. So why all the big fuss? It is just in fun. If you are a Mexican American the emphasis should be put on first on American. This does not resemble any Latino Americans I know or are they suggesting it. If they said will work cheap on a sign that would also be true. So why do things that are true offend people? The mantra I always here from Mexicans (not Americans of any ethnicity) is they take the jobs that Americans will not do. Well these are some of the jobs that talk about. Is it not true? Lighten up.
Your comment is as confusing as you are!
let me summarize for you.."Mind your business, get over it, you didnt get hurt by it" Its not your business what they do.. your opinion, my opinion, latino, latina, mexican anybody at ALL.. YOUR OPINION DOESNT MATTER, they didnt break the law. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESSS!!
Mexican gangs launderd 375 billion in 3 years, Most wanted man Mexican,Most richest Mexican, most powerfull prison gang mexican law enforcement most wanted mexicans lol dumb broads the us should let them pay china
So youre saying these girls were emulating thug MEXICAN drug dealing trash? I wonder if they knew that..
Who is more stupid. These girls or the people who are mad about it. i could careless what a group of sorority girls think about anything
Your spelling and degrading use of words that objectify women really prove your point. Kudos!
girls will be girls and lemmings will be lemmings. my guess is that one girl's bright idea created this fiasco. hardly something to mark the end of the world with all the media attention this story's getting, but nonetheless, not too clever.
Just trashy girls acting like idiots, and making me question the quality of Penn State's admissions criteria and the abilities of their collective parents. Someone at my company recently sent a similar photo in an email. We were glad he got fired within the hour.
Mommies and Daddy's are just bursting with pride over this. Way to go girls . Not.
Funny thing is I would mow lawns for weed and beer.
I bet if they dressed up as white males and made signs that were racist about whites nobody would care. In this country only whites can be racist and I sick of it. You know whats racist affirmative action. If blacks and all these other race want equal rights then don't make these special scholarships for them. Also why is there not a month dedicated to the white's achievements and I know what your thinking whites would almost need three years for all of there achievements.
*months dedicated to minorities but now whites
I doubt if you have made any significant contributions to the white race anytime huh?
white achievement!? yall stole and made everything you have on the backs of BLACK people and Native Americans. The traffic light was created by a black man, the first open heart surgery to be successful, black man, college was created in AFRICA, first civilization AFRICA, math AFRICA, the closest to architural perfection (the pyramids) AFRICANS
Then, so why is that many parts of Africa is till very poor, many Africans treat their own people like animals? Not to ask about why are there too many African in America don't have education and don't go to work. Do you know how many African-American are in prisons and on welfare?
Clearly you are unware that the "whites" don't need a special month allocated to their culture and heritage since they really don't know what their culture and heritage is. They have cornered the market on taking what does not belong to them over and over again (like taking the land we call the USA from the Native American)– calling it Manifest Destiny.
clearly youre a racist as its clear you HATE white people because you dont want us to have a heritage month.. you need to apologize publicly every day the rest of your life for being the trash that you are.. we need reparations from you for the damage youre doing to my race and culture.
White Achievements:
Democracy, Republic, Aqueducts, Colosseum, Human rights, Computer, Calculus, trigonometry, Discovered Earth is round, discovered earth revolved around Sun, Germ Theory, Nuclear Power, Infrared, light bulb, electricity, x-ray, MRI, Hydrostatics, Sea going ships, planes, automobiles, trains, rockets, lunar landings, Penicillin, vaccines, antibiotics, theory of relativity, theory of evolution, printing press, satellites... do we really need to continue. And for those saying pyramids.... Ancient Egyptians were not black
Use your brain...why do you think white people get blamed a lot for racism?...Think about what they did to Africans (Mass Murder, Rapes, Slavery,Denial of Civil Rights), Asians (Chinese Exclusion Act, Concentration/Internment Camps), Latinos . In this country the only race that has spilled the most blood are Whites. Sorry to say it but its true. Your reputation precedes you, just saying.
so if you judge me for the history of my race, then i can blame you for the history of yours, right? just saying... well really what i am saying is that you are not only STUP1D, youre also 1GNORANT.. congratulations on the duality.
Mexicans guys will be happy to be in the picture with those girls. They were just having fun.and will learn from this experience. by the way, your welcome to visti Mexico, there are great places.
My problem is with all those ignorant people for their comments. For those persons here are some facts:
Who is #1 drug consumer of the world? It's not Mexico, need a clue? it has borders with Mexico.
Who hire the mexicans to mow the lawns? people that want to be richer and don't care about the laws on their own country. Believe me, for the right price I will mow your lawn and then invite some mexicans friends to a Carne Asada.
Bumpified.
"Colored people" and offensive. Darn auto correct.
Yup. The construction paper indian costume was offensive too. Glad you're getting it.
You had me until "a backpack leaf blower would've been the perfect touch". THAT is racist and stereotypical, and is NOT a depiction of Mexican/Hispanic culture. It's a depiction of your ignorance.
What else do you expect these students could learn from that school – the one who supports rapists, child molester for decades?
These girls are just stupid, mindless. What a waste for their college education!
stop
hammer time!?
Sick
Ya this doesn't really seem to be news. As a Latino i could really care less plus if they didn't have signs no one would care.
I feel news should be about things that actually matter.
Bump.
i honestly feel sorry for your child being raised with someone who is as narrow minded as you. First off hispanics take pride in the work they do because people like you are too lazy to do those jobs. It's people like you that refuse to take a job like that and then turn around acomplain that they are taking all the jobs. I am hispanic and I am here legally...you on the other hand live in land that was taken from someone as well. These girls probably would not got to LA with this outfit...why? because they live in world that allows grown men to abuse young men.
Haha. Maybe the immigrants are, but after a couple generations, that changes pretty fast.
Hi. Yes. I'm so glad you live in this country, however, you might first want to read the declaration of independence, then the bill of rights. as much as it ticks you off, which is in your right to express reasonably, they broke no laws. I've been to themed parties, they are really just for fun. So relax. To kick them out of school, that is, firstly, against the law, and not going to happen, and to even think that could happen, wow, read some books, learn some things about US law.
@Izy Do you have an ax to grind or what? Lawfairy may have been racist and insensitive in their comments but to ask that these girls get kicked out of school because of a misguided theme party seems just a bit on the harsh side. "I've got an idea they had a theme party, lets go ahead and ruin their lives." You need to relax a bit. White males, of which I am one, are made fun of all the time, all day long. Do I lose sleep or try to ruin somebodies life? No. I do what any rational person does, ignore it and get on with my life.
And good on these girls for having a fun time. No harm done. This isn't news.
¡Viva la revolución!
this is RIDICULOUS. i know girls in this picture. it was for halloween and if you live in the 21st century you KNOW what halloween is like in college. they clearly dressed up without the intentions of "degrading" or "mocking" a culture. STUPID media trying to start unnecessary drama just so they can get attention and make money. makes me sick.
Tell your friends to hang in there, apologize to those who felt offended and move on. Enough punishment is what they are experiencing with all the media taking this to another level. They can go to Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos, Cancun, Puerto Escondido and have a great time.
No, THAT'S a lie. I was at the social and it was only these group of girls dressed in the attire – NOT a Mexican themed party at all. It was social on Halloween night. Get your facts straight. You clearly don't know what you're talking about so stop spreading lies.
Didn't Penn State people make the same claims about the media "stirring up trouble from nothing" about Sandusky? You people just have NO standards of behavior at all, do you?
Some of the sorority members pictured are American of Spanish and/or Portuguese heritage and culture, aka Hispanic/Latinas. I don't know the back story as to why these young women dressed up like that, but I don't believe they meant to denigrate Mexicans.
Sorry, but that’s about as laughable as “I’m not racist! I have a black friend!”
I pointed out the same thing earlier, that some of the girls appeared to have Latin or Hispanic heritage – but the question is, does that make it any less racist? Dressing up in ponchos or sombreros isn’t so bad but the issue of the theme of the comments and signs is what is being focused upon here. There is no way you can take an ethnically stereotypical image and use it in a demeaning manner without being racist. It’s impossible.
Racism is one of those things that will never go away. We have to learn to be respectful to all cultures and backgrounds. However, we also have to blow off steam. We just need to know how to walk the line between ‘ethnic humor’ and racism is all.
My last response to your short-sighted opinion got taken down. I'd like to think that it was someone other than you, PDX Serric, that would be low; even for you. As I mentioned before, when asked on 60 minutes about how to put an end to racism, he replied,
"Stop talking about it. I’m going to stop calling you a white man. And I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man. I know you as Mike Wallace. You know me as Morgan Freeman. You're not going to say, “I know this white guy named Mike Wallace.” Hear what I’m saying?"
I'm posting this again because I would really hate it if the people reading these comments actually took someone who uses the word "noob" in an otherwise thought provoking debate seriously. I would just ask everyone else to analyze the bigger picture when trying to tackle such a controversial topic. Your actual opinion doesn't matter if you plan on just sitting there and having one in the same way that passing judgement on something you disagree with doesn't make anyone better off. PDX Serric, put it out of your head that your opinion about these girls counts for anything in the long run.
People need to get over themselves. There are larger issues at hand in this country that need to be addressed instead of worrying about a picture that a bunch of college kids took to be stupid. And we want to talk about racism? I'm of Greek decent and these same sororities and fraternities around the country have been mocking my culture and heritage for decades with using the Greek language and ancient Greek dress as a symbol for drunkenness and debauchery. It is a complete and total insult to the ancient civilization that gave the world so much and we, out of all cultures, have every right to be offended. However, I have yet to hear of a news story or a protest over the racism of a toga party. Do I think it's right what they did? Of course not. But if we're truly going to attack cultural stereotypes portrayed by a sorority, then let's be fair to everyone and address all cultures that are mocked by these organizations.
They are dressed as Mexicans, Latin Americans have in common only a language, we are separated by culture, values, foods, music, etc, etc.
We do not dress like Mexicans. No matter how hard they want in the USA to create " a new race" we are not a monolitic group. We are very diferent from each other.
And you really think Mexicans dress like that?
Not today, no..
Aww man, can't believe I am going to tell you this, but google mexican tribal boots, yeah it 's not getting any better, but it's funny... : )
You may feel separated by what you believe from the rest of the latin american countries.
But it's a fact that latin american coutries share more than the language, such as family values, food, religion etc.
Do your research!
Criolla, nicely said !!
Beer is legal all over and weed is legal in some states. So what? Id they were making fun of rich white males no one would complain.
Go back to kindergarten or should I say preschool
The irony is that you just made the most useless, immature comment of the day. Nice...
Actually I'm pretty sure if this was a black sorority portraying rich white men as soulless and greedy, fox news would be making an uproar about it.
The Latinos are upset because most of what is pictured is true.. We have more than 25 million ILLEGAL aliens living here, most are hispanic... the FBI should be putting the leaders of the INS for taking a paycheck under false pretenses
The Immigration problem will never be solved, the Republicans want them here for cheap labor and the Dems for votes
Our leaders should be ashamed of themselves!
Congratulations! I have nominated your comments as "Internet Noob of the Week!"
Good luck!
Is it wrong that when I read your comment the first thing that came to mind was the mexican hat dance song and confetti fly all overs...LOL cuz i thought it was funny
It's 12 million and it's going down because people have finally figured out that the diminishing benefits of living here illegally is not worth the aggravation. The INS is actually doing a pretty good job with limited resources. Real Latinos could not care less about this silly party. It's white people wallowing in affected indignation making all the noise. At current rates, the Mexicans will all be back home in a few years and all those cool strawberry-picking jobs will again be available for you Americans whining about the "illegals" stealing all the great opportunities, so chill out.
they are not only taking low paying "strawberry picking jobs" the high paying union trade jobs are being taken by illegals as well,they are taking all of the construction jobs by undercutting American companies' bids because they will work for less this is common sense.
they take much more than they give for example when they need medical attention they all go to the Emergency room at the local hospital and they never pay,costing tax payers,also they put their illegal children in our public schools without paying property taxes which pay for the public schools(most illegals live in apartments)also costing the tax payers i could go on and on but why waste my time like an idiot like yourself you should just pick up a newspaper,book or use Google and you would learn this for yourself.
You and your comments are lame.
I'm 24 and am a "Mexican – American". It's hard to describe what I think when I see people acting this way. I guess it's all in how it's done and the real way these girls feel outside of what the picture shows. Personally, I think that the best way to break racial tension is by using comedy and that when we condemn other people for doing something without "insensitive" having "bad intentions" we are simply crying wolf. This gives the true bigots reason to say things like "it's all about politically correct now days" and feel fully justified in their bigoted ways.
In truth I have myself joked with friends, playing stereotypes and mocking their respective nationalities (all in good fun). For example, I have 2 friends one of which is Polish and the other is Irish. My friend who is polish works at a bank and my friend who is Irish works landscaping, while I currently work in an accountant's office (assistant). We often joke about how we don't fit the stereotypes, that our jobs are flipped and my friends jokingly say "get in the back of the truck" (referring to my friend's pick-up truck). Of course I respond with an equal stereotype and it's all in good fun. The point is we get along and we are friends. That is ideally what I believe any person who opposes bigotry would aspire to see.
However, the context matters, you cannot expect to approach me with a stereotype, treat me according to that stereotype and expect me not to be insulted. Especially if I don't know you or if you know nothing about my culture. Stereotypes are funny when you know them not to be facts and when they aren't used as a measuring stick of a individual's humanity.
My personal opinion about this picture, I don't really find it offensive. I find the picture was taken in good fun and is simply being misinterpreted by someone attempting to appear sensitive to "Latinos". Probably in an attempt to get me to either read the article, respond in anger/outrage or simply get my "Latino" attention. Suddenly, as a Hispanic/Latino man I feel like the ugly duckling, the one that nobody wanted until they found something they wanted from me.
I would like to end this by saying that those girls are extremely attractive and If they are ever interested in meeting a real Mexican to call me. 🙂
CALMATE!!! : )
The sorority didn't mock Latinos; they mocked Mexicans. As much as it pains me to say as my grandfather was from Mexico, it is a hopelessly corrupt anti-intellectual country which oppresses women and minorities. Mexico is one of the most corrupt countries on the planet.
Mexico deserves to be mocked!
I think people are over exaggerating this. Just a bunch of girls who dressed up for halloween and had a party. Get over it.
Rotten little girls. Penn State continues to impress (not).
thankfully though, no one was molested.
By whom?
Hey, I'm Mexican. I'd smoke weed and drink beer with any one of these mamacitas! Come here baby!
Pendejas.
How stupid are these girls? Im an employer and the more i see of penn state students the more i think i will never hire them. Yes most are smart but how stupid are these girls really. The signs are what does it for me, they are clearly designed to insult. Come on girls are you that uneducated you cant make an informed judgement as to what signs you are writing. A disgrace....costumes are fine though but... i wouldnt like to be hispanic and have to see that...
So you're going to discriminate against all Penn State grads when hiring because you are offended by a small ground of their students making what you consider to be a discriminatory display? Isn't that kind of the pot calling the kettle black?
*Group not ground. Auto correct.
I'm guessing you're not in publishing. My money is on any one of those Penn Staters having better command of the English language than your post demonstrated. I'm a PSU alum and I wouldn't work for someone who obviously held a JUCO .edu at some point.
Good one Bro. But they don't see that!
Speeeks!! What up?