Calling it Out

Racist Party at Penn State…Chi Omega (courtesy of the Huffington Post)

I’m not really into dressing up in costumes. Not my thing. Halloween does nothing for me.
I’m just not one of those guys who will go out of his way to do it.

So then I really don’t get why these things are so popular on college campuses:

Racist theme parties.

Three years ago, a fraternity hosted the Compton Cookout to “celebrate” Black history month at the University of California, San Diego. That story made it to the New York Times. More recently, a Penn State sorority dressed up in sombreros and fake mustaches for a Mexican-themed Halloween party last year, holding up signs like, “I don’t cut grass. I smoke it.” And just a few weeks ago, a Duke fraternity threw an Asian-based rager, with “Herro Nice Duke Peopre” in the email invite. All made national news.

But I’m sure there are many, many more.

One website posted an entire list of recent Duke University parties with racist and sexist themes. I only kept what’s happened in the past three years (and took out the sexist ones as well) and this list is way too long to stomach.

Pilgrims and Indians, Pi Kappa Phi, requesting the attendance of “hot natives” and “pocahotness” November 2011
Hunters and Hunter, unnamed Duke sorority and fraternity, October 2010
South of the Border mixer, cohosted by SAE and Pi Phi, 1994
“Thinking we should make that fence down south a little taller? Pissed about a certain group of easterners f—ing up the curve in Econ 51?… Well it’s time to get over your fears and join the brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha for a truly unique tour of the world.” Pi Kappa Alpha, January 2010
Invitation sent to “BabyGurlz,” KA, March 2010
Rapper’s Delight Party, formerly known as Ghetto Fabulous Party, ATO

Why does this happen in mostly white fraternities and sororities? You don’t see the non-white Greek system doing these kinds of things. And more pointedly, why is this happening on elite educational institutions? The Ivies are not exempt. If you think about it, these students will become the future business barons, government officials, and cultural icons of America. Shouldn’t this cause us to worry? Why does this go on?

I’m not trying to vilify the Greek system. I’m a brother of Phi Kappa Theta, and spent four years living in our house. I’m just trying to show a need, and in that way, an opportunity.

But we need to think about why this is going on.

I’ll offer one of, what I’m sure is, many reasons:

Power.

Because they can. Because it’s fun. Because privilege allows them not to see the other groups as human beings, but merely as costume ideas and stereotypes. And mostly, because they don’t know them. They haven’t learned of their stories, their pains.

I only wish that there was one person — anyone — in a house thinking about throwing a racist party would’ve said something like, “Hey, I don’t think this is a good idea.” Maybe they would’ve chosen a different kind of theme, like movies from the ‘80s or something.

But no one was there. At least, there wasn’t anyone with the wherewithal or the strength to call something out as evil, and resist.

I’m thankful for the many who have resisted — past, present and future. Many alllies — white and others — stood side-by-side in the Civil Rights Movement. And today, perhaps a few fraternities and sororities have resisted a jacked-up theme party, because someone stood against the tide, worked against the grain. Sure, their stories didn’t make the front page of the Huffington Post. But, they were faithful. Prophetic.

I’m thankful for those who minister in the Greek systems. I was a frat boy in need of something more. And I remember when God moved in our house. And when I heard, after preaching at an InterVarsity Greek conference two weeks ago, that 315 students committed to starting ministries back to their own chapters, then my spirit lifts. It allows me to pray in hope, knowing that another generation of apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching-gifted folks will get out there and stand against the tide, work against the grain, and be faithful.

We need more people to use the power they have to serve — and not mock — those without it.