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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Not cool. Seriously. The 1% have no clue what life is like for those who actually have to work for a living mowing your lawns, cleaning your house and hotel rooms, raising your children, making your beds, cooking your food. And I can't get over the number of you on here thinking this is actually ok.
This may have taken the cake as the most ignorant comment in the entire thread. What an uneducated thing to say.
Just becasue their "White girls" in a sorority they are part of the 1%? How stereotypical is that? I'd wager 95% of them are democrats to the core becasue that is what kids are in college. Id' also wager that few (if any) of them are part of the 1%. Its a state school not Yale.
You're comment is the type that exists simply to fuel divisity which is the core tenant rotting our country from the inside.
Are you assuming that only the 1% goes to college?
They are, and forever will be, Ped State. These are probably the same girls who participated in the pro-JoePa riot last November.
What happens when May 5, 2013, rolls around – we certainly have fun on Cinco de Mayo
This wouldn't be a story if it weren't for Sandusky. Themed parties happen at all universities, and I've seen some pretty bad ones (not at Penn State - like Cowboys and Indians, for example). The signs are distasteful, but I'd submit they aren't being malicious, they're just being dumb. A huge issue is these girls are now receiving death threats as a direct result of the sensationalizing of this "story." Was it really worth it?
I don't think the purpose of reporting it is really to sensationalize it but rather it would be a good teaching opportunity for parents to talk to their kids (even college aged ones) about thinking of others and avoiding actions which would offend people. There are plenty of themes for a party that don't need to play of stereotypes that offend people – choose one of those. The sooner kids learn that they don't need to rely on humor or parties that are offensive, the sooner they will be more accepting of diversity and ready to work in a professional environment with coworkers of all backgrounds (where we actively work to be welcoming).
If I were the head of the Latino club or whatever the one who demanded an apology to all Latinos, I would be the last one to claim what happened in this picture as my culture – that's what's truly offensive, attempting to appropriate a stereotype as an expression of one's culture.
As a Mexican American i'm not so much offended as i am concerned. I live in a college town where similar parties have been held by local sororities/fraternities. In addition to ethnic themed parties minorities have been singled out and attacked on campus. We live in a time when Mexicans are being targeted by law makers and right wing extremest. If one stops and thinks about the situation it's easy to see that these "parties" are meant to degrade Mexicans. The US pass NAFTA took away Mexican farmers source of income forcing them to illegally enter this country and then chastises them. There is a bigger social issue here that i think most people miss.
LadyM,
Not sure how NAFTA took anything away from farmers, care to elaborate please?
One school of thought is that NAFTA undermined the prices of agricultural goods in Mexico. Many small farmers were forced out of business when they couldn't compete with the ridiculously low prices of American (subsidized) corn and other foods.
Nafta allowed US farmers to sell their goods in Mexico. Mexican farmers could not compete with US farmers because of the huge subsides they receive from the government. Alot of Mexican farmers went out of business, couldn't find jobs in Mexico so they immigrated to the US.
Great post!
I am not offended by what they are wearing, but I am offended by the signs that they have. I wouldn't say I am sensitive and can't handle a joke. But I can say that those signs are a bit racist, the guys who spend hours mowing our lawns isn't getting paid very much for all that hard work that we won't do. And I am pretty sure that the majority of those girls smoke the weed that they are talking about. We need to get past this whole color thing, I can't believe there are still ignorant people like this out there. For a bunch of college girls, they are pretty stupid to not see what is wrong with this.
The sign would be pretty much universal if it weren't for the clothing they were wearing. I'm black and white and if I smoked weed, which I don't, I would certainly mow some lawns for some weed. Mexicans aren't the only people who mow lawns.
Yea? I work at a college. I've been in and out of greek systems. name call as you will, but they do no good that can't be done elsewhere, and they do a lot of harm that is part and parcel of their "tradition". And no... Not all white guys are bombers. That's a ridiculous comparison. Not all comments are equal either.
I stand by it. Greek organizations are not good for those in them nor those around them.
I'm with you David. Unless there is a letter expresing outrage, from Mexico's ambassador to the US, addressed to the President of PSU, just who is outraged?
The 2010 US Census asked "What race are you? (And for the purpose of this census, Hispanic is not a race)."
It always asks if you are hispanic; white hispanic, non-hispanic white, hispanic asian, non-hispanic asian,...
Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. According to the Pew Hispanic survey, 36% of Latinos identify their race as white.
I am all for raciall jokes when in the right setting. In the right crowd it shows people are willing to move past stereotypes, and actually not feel pressured about what to say to each other because of their color. The costumes are 100% okay in my book. Now the cardboard cutouts. Well if it were me, I would of probably not let that hit the air bc although your intentions might be sincere, there is tons of room for critcism :-/.
Furthermore as a penn stater, it sucks to be put in the spotlight again for something so menial.
was a sorority girl and never once did drugs and neither did my friends. And I have worked since I was 14. Way to reinforce a different stereotype. What a hypocrite you are. What these girls did was stupid and I hope they learn from it, but it's a theme party stereotyping Mexican's as gardeners. Sure, it may not be true in many instances and it may be insenstive, but they aren't screaming something as derogatory as the statement you just made about sorority girls.
The only way to beat racism is to make fun of it. If we could banter each other, and stop being offended OVER EVERYTHING, racism would not exist. We must realize stereotypes are funny and nothing more. They do not define any population. Grow up people and grow some tough skin, this is 'Merica. By becoming offended you acknowledge the gesture. As a person who looks Mexican, I can empathize with the act, however I know it's not true about my culture, therefore I pay it no mind.
My sorority has the Greek work "Phi" in the name. We pronounce it "fee", which I won't go into here. We always had a big party we called the "fee-esta". No one was offended. Of course, that was 50 years ago. These kids are just having fun. Leave them alone.
Oh PLEASE! I've been to Mexico 6 times, and people who actually live there, true Mexicans, cannot WAIT to peddle these strereotypical get-ups to the tourists practically the minute you step foot off the plane. Vendors will put outfits like these on you and make you hold stupid little message signs to pose for photos. The president of the Latino Caucus was outraged by the outfits? I guess she would just hate to ACTUALLY go to Mexico, then. And the signs? I have cousins who go to Penn State – all those signs show are the typical idiot duck-face-making party girls who go to that school to do 3 things – drink, smoke and bang. It's Penn State, people – it used to be a party football school, now it's just a party school.
Gee...kids in college soing stupid stuff. Who knew that would happen!
Get a grip, people, and stop taking everying so damn serious.
Outrage over what, that this article is ever news is ridiculous. Young women having a party, so what; are Americans’ skins that thin?
IT WAS HARMLESS!!! A BUNCH OF GIRLS HAVING A GOOD TIME. THERE ARE A FEW ASIAN GIRLS IN THIS PICTURE ALSO. IS THE CARTOON CHARACTER SPEEDY GONZALES RACIEST? WHAT ABOUT WHEN FOLKS DRESS UP LIKE A BUNCH OF MOONSHINE HILLBILLIES AND TAKE A PICTURE? IS THAT RACIEST? LETS STOP OVER SENSITIZING EVERYTHING AMERICA.
Bunch of sensitive Susan's need to get over it. I'ts a bunch of young girls, leave them alone.
I am of a hispanic background and I'm not offended by a picture that was all in jest taken on Halloween. This political correctness philosophy is just plain and simple idiocy. Oh my, that tongue in cheek moment or slip of the tongue offends me so, they should be expelled, or fired, or locked up. Yes that is sarcasm for those who fail to recognize it. Oh wait, that comment wasn't PC.
I took the picture for what it was. it gave me quite a giggle. it could of been quite worse. They could of took a picture of themselves climbing a fence with all that clothing on. People need to grow thicker skin.
As a Mexican-American, i don't feel offended. Because we work for things-true! we don't beg with homeless signs. Happy be American!
Oh, come on. Can we stop with the PC police? And can everyone just grow up and learn to take a joke? Every single ethnicity and religion has something they're known for, and if we can't poke fun at it once in a while, I have a feeling the world is going to become a very boring place. Sometimes I think all the "moral outrage" that occurs is drummed up by PR execs that know this is the only way they'll stay in business. Everyone, everywhere needs to get a sense of humor and learn to enjoy life.
Funny, I seem to have noticed the majority of people doing yard work and cleaning at homes and businesses look to be Hispanic. So basically, they are stating a known fact. Sorry the media and whiners don't like to hear the truth. Maybe these Mexicans, most of who are not here legally, should head back home so we can hire the unemployed to do the work that "American's won't do".
LOL....awesome....you go girls!
Next time just stick with a toga party ladies. That way you can avoid all the babies, hyper politically correct, and the ignorant.
Looks like they were having a costum party. We had one a couple of years ago and everyone came dressed up like a pirate. I hope no pirates took offense by it. Get over it already.
If Obama had a yard man, he would look like one of them. The O man needs to intervene and have another of his famous teachable moments.
if a sorority at Berkely made fun of rednecks, would that be top news of the day also?
LOL....OH WAIT!! Can I laugh at this?.... : )
Most don't realize the implications in that this does not set any kind of positive example for anyone on either side of the fence, young white females or Latinos needless to say all Americans. Both have fought for freedom in many wars in past to support this country and all people are due the respect of others regardless of race or culture. Yes those girls are having fun but maybe it's also time they understand there are consequences to they're action having the right to do so. In a nut shell it can and does promote racism and hatred maybe at a small level but it's the start. No excuse to degrade anyone.
What a surprise another racist group in the U.S.
The PC 'outrage' is really the sad thing about this. Good grief, leftists have become far too sanctimonious in the last 20 years. Let's not forget that these are 19/20 year olds who are in a sorority. They're having fun being goofs. The next thing you know, the far left whiners will be banning Speedy Gonzalez and Foghorn Leghorn. THAT is what is sickening.
Who cares?
Hey, I'm Mexican and my yard guy is white! As punishment, they should have to let all the hispanic yard guys that work their sorority house trim their bushes.
From MN to Texas Mexicans,,, congrats man... very funny... haha. People need to relax a little. Thanks for a great comment
LOL !!!! What get's me is did you see the clip of the 14 illeagal immagrants piling out of the SUV pulle dover in OK ??? why wasn't there outrage over them making fun of Clowns??? Atleast 3 of those girls look Mexican ( not Hispanic which could mean any country south of the border or in Europe)
These are sorority girls... Doubt they have any bushes:)
LMAO! Great Comment!
Get over your sensitivity. Really
Looks more like they nailed it rather than anything else.
Agreed 100%...I, too, am 'from the inside' but from a different house. The vows taken upon joining a sorority are serious and meaningful and hold you to high standards. This flows into your personal life as well if you are dedicated to a lifetime commitment. Even if your sorority activities lessen after college, the ideals still (should) hold true in your heart. It isn't a matter of free speech – just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. The signs alone were wrong, plain and simple. These women represent a larger more complex organization and it's members. While their mistake does not represent those of Chi Omega or any other sorority, there is a lesson to be learned by their poor judgement. Search within your hearts ladies and make amends. I could say something more heartfelt, but then I would be sharing my secret vows...Know you are loved regardless and rise above this ladies.
This was definitely in poor taste. There is no excusing that. Should it be some huge uproar though? No. Just roll your eyes at their stupidity and move on with our lives which are hopefully more respectable than these geniuses.
Shouldn't they have to learn a lesson?
Lots of people.
Absolutely correct. Soldiers venting, releasing anxiety and other emotional/psychological tension is just as understandable as these 'sorority girls' just doing dumb things. I do not intend that statement faceiously. One might argue that soldiers doing crazy things is more understandable given the high-stakes tension inherent in what they do. These girls are not in an environment where high-velocity projectiles and high impact explosives are a daily threat.
Relax People. Very distasteful, very insensitive, but this is NOT racist! Do I like it? NO! I think it is stupid and very ignorant. But the need to issue an apology? I think people need to relax don't be so quick to judge. By the way, do any of these young women realize that when they graduate they may go to job interviews where the hiring manager will be an American of Mexican heritage?
Hilarious girls. Everyone else, get over it. It looks like free speech to me. This PC is a cancer on our society.
Stupidity often looks like free speech to ones comrades.
Stupidity often looks like over ambitious righteousness to everybody
Right, totally in perspective.
Let's ignore 10-20 years of Ron Sandusky (after all, it was football), but go completely ballistic over some sorority girls.
People, a little balance please.
Well done.
Likely will go the way of casting pearls before swine.
But it is an awfully good try.
I think the way these things are taken depends on who says it. Comedians on SNL, Key and Peele and shows on Comedy Central and all kinds of cartoons such as Family Guy and Boondocks make racial jokes all the time. It is funny then, but when so call normal people do it, it is offensive. As a African American, I don't really get angry with anything anymore. There are going to be ignorant people everywhere and there is nothing I can do about it so I don't waste my time on getting angry. More people should follow suit.
To some extent I agree with you, and as a civil society we should be able to move beyond this. Or rather, we shouldn't be making light of these stereotypes anymore. But being apathetic just gives a dangerous license to those who don't merely mean certain actions as a joke. In other words, if no one speak out about it, it can only get worse.
I understand the "don't feed the trolls" mantra, but sometimes (such as with these girls), there needs to be a public shaming.
So who's upset here? Mexicans, or some white leftist urbanites with their little feelings and sensitivities and little – well, I'll stop there.
According to the story, at least one campus Latino group's leader was upset. Everything does not have to be left or right. You are obviously out in wingnut land.
I have two words for this article.....memin pinguin. This is a cartoon character that holds a striking resemblence to little black sambo. Mexico was called on the carpet about this and their response was, it is a part of their heratige and they will continue to print this cartoon character. So, tell me why they can offend and expect to receive respect. So quick to get upset over what others are doing to them yet they have no sympathy about what they are doing to others. Sounds like they are saying "do what I say not what I do".
nothing but quality white people at Penn State.
People need to get a grip. Almost all humor is based on sterotypes, including when a black comedian does a nasal twang of a white guy....and everybody laughs. Cheech Marin made a living out of sterotyping his Mexican background. This outrage is just silly and only teaches (one would hope) people to not post pictures to public websites.
Is this a Republican sorority?
Are "Mexicans" a race? The Jews? "Indians?
People are too sensitive these days. They mean no harm.
AS you can see, it is obvious why over 50% of all college graduates are unemployable. Not because they smoke weed. Because they are stupid enough to post of themselves bragging about it. The average college student is totally stupid and most companies know that.
These young women are within their right to free speech and expression. Many may or may not have an opinion on this as in the same way it may bother some and not others. Living in this Country we ALL enjoy these same rights and freedoms. Its about time folks concern themselves with more important issues than this. I fought and continue to serve this Country for their benefit, for mine and for those of you reading this. Lets laugh more, work harder to get along, strive to educate our youth (at a more reasonable cost) and push our elected officials to fix our economy.
You're right. We should work to get along with each other. When are these young ladies going to start? Yes, they have the right to be racist, but I also have a right to call them out on it. They should be ashamed, if they were just drunk and stupid. If they are racist, then there is nothing I can do about it, but I sure will point it out often and loudly.
What Outrage? Who? Give me a break! I just wish I could be invited. Sorority Girls Drinking! YES!! College would just not be the same without it.
I found the photo rather amusing. but then again I have a sense of humor and see things as they are and not as I would wish them to be..it's just a bunch of girls having fun. not much different than if they were to have an "Irish" night or an "Asian" themed party..did anyone but me notice there seems to be a "Latina" sitting to the left of the sign that states they will mow for beer or weed? how about the Asian girl to the far left? would I be offended as an American of Irish ancestry if they were all dressed like Leprechauns? with signs stating they would like to discover a "Pot" of "Gold"...no..no I wouldn't Because it's a stereotype..thats all..doesn't mean it true. if it did bother me I would have many more fights to fight because stereotypes are everywhere. there's even a car dealership in my town that uses the Leprechauns image for their Mascot.. How about Norte Dame? whats their mascot again.??. get over it. your too PC and take yourselves way too seriously..
Let's face it, this age group is not renown for it's great decision-making ability. Additionally, am I the only one to notice at least 3 Asian-looking students in the picture? The photo is not of the best quality. There may be other races/ethnicities represented in the photo that I simply cannot discern.
I merely point this out to those who call out regarding diversity and racism and such.
The difference between them and real mexicans is that the real ones work on their feet rather than their backs (don't complain about being all pc n'that, they did it, they want us to have thick skin, they can take it).
Exactly!!!
I can understand where there's a problem, if the "soror's" did it to express hatred of other people. I think we're confusing hatred with humor. Lisa Lamponelli(comedianne) does entire stand-up routines based on ethnic/racial jokes. Ethnic jokes are funny; whether they're about blacks, whites, mexicans, etc. I think we're becoming too sensitive. People have far greater issues to address than that of who's making fun of their cultures. We're turning into a society of people, who walk on egg shells around each other. This, I think, weakens us.
Woody: I suppose if these girls had dressed up as wounded veterans and held up signs like: "We're sad people who won't do anything with the rest of our lives", you might have an angry reaction? Would that cross the PC line for you?
I'm not even remotely Mexican or Latino and I found that photo offensive. This kind of boorish behavior needs to be discouraged because what goes around comes around. You, Woody, might be ok with the slur here but one day you won't be. The answer? None of it is ok.
The apple does not fall far from the tree. For better or worse, they are the children of their parents.
I notice 2 asian college women in this photo. I guess they are also the "children of their parents", from whom they learned to be racist against mexicans? This is the proverbial molehill made into a mountain.
We have two parts in this story...those who think it was just a joke and party in which they were mocking the hispanics, but in particular those who are from mexico...It would have probably been ok and funny just for them to put on the sombreros and ponchos...but when it comes to the message they displayed it turns the whole story around...yes we live in a free country where we have freedom of speech and thats great, but we have to be aware how we affect others..we already live in world thats full of violence and hatre among others, why provoke more problems..Cutting the yards..working in the fields is a descent job..its better than stealing..those girls who particiapte in the picture might be eating tomatoes form a mexican who picked them out in the fields..we are no one to judge others...mexicans are great hardworking persons..yes there are bad ones...but bad persons are everywhere..the criminals are not just mexicans...just hope everything gets cleared up apologize if there intention was to offened and those offened forgive...if it was not there intention and there was a story behind it..just clear it up and explain what happened
Looks like they are just acting like typical college age girls. No harm no foul. Let's move on.
I find it offensive that you find this offensive......relax, it's all good, no need to apologize.
The people who are upset don't know who made them upset. It's a trick question that only a buddhist can answer.
They are drunk girls, give em a break, it's not like they beat each other to death in a bus, just for fun, or murdered everyone who opposes drugs as a viable business.
They have an Asian in the clan. What's the problem?
That's funny.
Racism is ugly and parents of all races continue to teach their children that it is OK to be racist. Just walk down a populated street or sit in a restaurant for a while and listen to what people say about each other. It is horrible. Some of the stuff they say, it is like listening to stereotype jokes, only they are totally serious and really believe the jokes. Ignorant....SMH....
Sigh, this is not racism.
It is Bigotry.
No one cares about this. This story will be forgotten in a day.
“Our chapter of Chi Omega sincerely apologizes for [being caught] portraying inappropriate and untrue stereotypes," [which we laughed hysterically about all night and every time we looked at this group photo we took
the fact that this is headline news is a complete joke
edit: "Beliefs"
People are acting like these girls drew a picture of Muhammad or something....
What kind? The bigot who voted for the "White" guy mostly because he's white and hides behind his BS conservative agenda instead of admitting that he's a racist to the core and that's part of what really drives his political believes. The same people who despise social programs not because it helps fellow American's but because it mostly helps poorer minorities that he considers less than himself and less of an American. Tell me Republican's; How many racists and members of hate groups out there are registered Democrats? Do you really believe a racist skinhead will vote for a liberal? What weed are you smoking?
when people in other countries dress up as "americans" with cowboy hats and cowboy boots is anybody offended? i dont think mexicans are offended by them wearing panchos and such. it is the signs that take it too far, for me.
I think most Americans would be offended if a group of Europeans dressed in cowboy hats and boots, and posed with signs saying."We don't work...we outsource our work to other countries!" and "Will invade your country in exchange for Oil and bags of Hot Cheetos" and "Don't torture us, we'll torture you!" Because these are potentially nasty stereotypes of Americans that would be insulting to Americans...as these very nasty signs insult the people that they think they are portraying. It's an ignorant photo.
First Mexican is not a race so the story at the start that says shows racism towards mexiacans is wrong. Is it offensive to Puurto Rican's Columbians' people form Hondourus, from Guatamala, Dominican Republc.
These girls are gross. I hope they are ashamed and embarrassed.
And to people babbling about free speech, obviously free speech is protected and these dumb girls are perfectly free to make fools of themselves. However, saying and doing stupid things can still have consequences.
What are you talking about? Your reply is a non sequiter; the only relationship seems to be that you both said "Mexican" and "Christian".
To riff on your admonishment to get educated - learn to read.
The only thing offensive is the terrible name choice. "Chi Omega" LOL.
Is this any different from having a 1920's themed 'gangster' party, a Hawaiian themed party etc. Come on, how absurd. Lots of smoke but no fire here people, move along, there's other comment sections that are way more interesting and controversial. In case someone makes the FALSE assumption that this is racism, lets point out that 'Mexican' is not a race.
I like it. Why are Mexicans ashamed of their Heritage? Have you ever traveled to Mexico? Or East LA? Right on target. What a fun party.
Well, I think you should not use that name as it apparently does not fit! See, it is not the "theme" or the costumes that are offensive. But I won't bother going into trying to explain what is because it will be pointless. I'm sure (hope) that eventually you'll figure it out.
Maybe the over weight girls should be mad. There are no over weight girls in this photo.
Uh, what's so offensive about this? It's college kids being stupid. UNACCEPTABLE! Everyone should behave with tact and sensitivity at all times...regardless of whether or not you've got a blood-alcohol level pushing 3 times the legal limit. Get a grip. Anyone offended by this needs to identify themselves immediately so I can punch you in the face.
Bring it!
These girls are probably so intoxicated in that picture it's a miracle any of them were even alive to apologize for this non-issue.
'Mexicans' are not a race.
So now no one is free to poke fun at anyone. What happened to freedom of speech? Has anyone seen how people in other countries portray Americans? They don't poke fun at us, they want us dead. When will yall recognize we are being attacked from within. I challenge anyone to tell me I can't speak my mind.
Freedom of responsible speech lives on.
Bigots will still be pointed out.
Hope that helps.
"Responsible" speech? The first amendment makes no such qualifications. People are free to speak their mind, and other are free to disagree. But don't try to make it sound like only certains kinds of speech are allowed.
Nope. Sorry but responsible speech is defined and upheld by the highest court in the land.
Try again.
Jeff S:
What on Earth are you talking about?
Their free speech is protected. That doesn't mean there are never any consequences, which is the part you obviously don't understand.
Phineas:
What are you babbling about? Their speech is protected. But sometimes there are consequences to saying stupid things. It's not that hard to understand.
Anyone not understanding "Responsible Speech" is ignorant of laws of the land.
If you would like a lesson, I would suggest an easy extreme. Walk up to your nearest law enforcement offices and proclaim loudly that you intend to end his/her life in a violent manner. Please be as graphic as possible and do this in front of as many witnesses as possible.
Viola.
Shawn, please get new parts for your head. It might help you to learn how to read.
The only consequence of saying stupid (and funny) things is laughter.
Ummm, they're not going to be arrested.
They are perfectly free to make fools of themselves. HOWEVER free speech doesn't mean there are NO CONSEQUENCES to ignorant hate speech.
Also it's totally irrelevant what other countries do. These girls have embarrassed themselves and their school.
More like funny joke speech.
No one is going to jail Texan...but one has to face consequences when using our cvaluable right of free speech!!
Very nice and easy transition you made there. Completely the same. Sorority girls to clansman. Flawless
It looks like it was a fun party with a bunch of girls in party hats, no different than having Italian dinner night except that they don't run with big hats. The main issue, which I assume they thought was humerous, is the two girls with the signs in front, referring to use of an illegal drug and if they are under 21, illegal use of alcohol. I agree that they should explain themselves to their parents, because if the signs indicate their activities interest at colleg, the parents are wasting their money. So except for those two, it looks like a bunch of girls having a party, and taking a photo which ends up splashed all over the Internet, and in this article. There's an issue to discuss with these girls, how posting pictures will follow you forever.
So if a girl in school is drinking alcohol you are wasting your money. Wow, so are most parents wasting money with sending them to college because many of the students drink. I don't think i am wasting my money when she comes out and has that college degree and gets her a nice job. I should have saved my money and had a girl that goes and works at Walmart after she sat around her entire life and never gets past a cashier. Forget about at the end of four years they have a college education the fact that they have a few drinks is wasting money. COME ON
I would comment, but I'm white and I'm not allowed to have an opinion on racial issues.
It is offending as a whole. Take out the signs and it is just another Mexican themed party, not a big deal to me. It is possible the signs where added for the photo more about the students use of alcohol and drugs not referring to Mexicans. But come on girls...think before you snap that shot, I mean there are 30 of you there. Also, why apologize to all Latinos? This is a Mexican look alike party.
Yea, they did, they just don't want some pervert republican dictating what they can and can't do with their bodies.
I am latino, and the only stereotype I see in the signs is about mexicans mowing the grass, which I don't see it as a big thing. The girls (seem to me) meant to say that they would do it for weed and beer. Like many university kids, they keep telling jokes about how much they like their beer and marijuana. I don't think they are referring to mexicans but to themselves.
No issue here. There must not be any news if this is what we have to read.
LOLOL, looks like fun!! All I got to say is, I hope they do it again, and I could care less if people are offended. It's funny, mexicans can use that humor, and they do all the time in their jokes, stereo type jokes, but oh my, a white person doing it, now that is racist. (rolls eyes)
Funny picture! It's making fun of a stereotype. People are just too weak nowadays and can't take a joke.
It seems like today one can only be a racist if they are white. It's really funny how white guilt has turned against us.
I don't feel guilty for being white at all. I'm proud to be white, for the simple reason that that is who I am, white, male, 5 foot.........you get the point. Blacks, mexicans, asians, they can say whaterver they want, I don't really care, I"m not racist, I didn't do those things, I didn't support those things, and their people did it to, so, yeah, what do I have to feel guilty about?
As a black man I doubt you really want me to hit home with the stereotypes about the multi-issues of whites throughout this nation.
Pride in skin color? What a quality human being...
Being white is completely incidental to your life. It only matters what a person does.
Is it really necessary to point out that you're not responsible for any of the problems white people caused historically? You must be a really insecure individuals.
But your priceless moment was "...they did it too!"
Classy.
"Deep remorse."
Public education is packed from top to bottom with "diversity"-felching Marxist robots whose only priorities are keeping their jobs and putting whites in their places.
Ray, you're ignorance knows no bounds. But keep commenting, please. I'm doing a dramatic reading of your remarks for my colleagues. It's good stuff.
This is a joke and it should be viewed as such. You do not see people freaking out when a comedian makes racist jokes that are typically much worse than this picture on comedy central or on youtube. People are always looking for a reason to freak out about something, often times this is done as a mechanism to make themselves forget about their own, real problems and faults. learn to take a joke. CNN....I cant believe you put this on your website or even posted it at all. People's inability to accept a harmless joke is going to lead to many girl's bright futures being destroyed. Where has our sense of humor and tolerance gone?
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Very funny :)!
Isn't this the same Democrat-controlled state that voted to re-elect Barack Obama in large numbers?
They are not Christians, believe in evolution, go to liberal arts college/university, and voted for Obama. They have to be the forerunner of the progressive society!! Hey, it is Mehico's fault for not being able to survive the "compliment". It is all fair and game for them blondies, YOLO!
Racism is alive and well here in America. Deal with it. Just like religion, everyone has their own views. Although organized religion is a complete joke. (: HA HA HA HA
He man woman hater me thinks.
I agree. If they had put on black-face to "celebrate" African Americans or Orthodox Jewish clothing to with fake wigs and beards to "celebrate" the Jews we'd be seeing some real punishments.
Whatever happed to one of the most meaningful axioms ever created? 'Sticks and Stones May Break My Bone But Names Will Never Hurt Me'. Grow a spine you sniveling twits! A bunch of drunken sorority punks dress up like your uncle Pedro, so what? Don't want to hear about impressions made either. Make fun of me or any group I may belong to all you want, it is just words. Do some physical harm to me or my family then you have a problem.