by Craig Thompson
“The imitator is the most pitiful phenomenon, since he is like a man who eats garbage” LeRoi Jones, c. 1966
For those of you who thought that the events of September 11 compelled this nation to express more tolerance and acceptance, consider the Halloween parties at Auburn University on October 25 and 27.
To readers unfamiliar with what transpired on this campus, here is a brief recap: the Auburn University chapter of two majority white fraternities, Delta Sigma Phi and Beta Theta Pi, held costume parties to celebrate Halloween. Several members of both fraternities decided to “imitate” what they assumed were the styles and characteristics of African Americans, and dressed in various outfits, including the paraphernalia worn by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Some members dressed as representatives of the Ku Klux Klan, and others donned clothes bearing the letters FUBU and flipped their caps to the side or backward. Some dressed as hunters, and place a noose around the neck of the student with the FUBU shirt. Many of the members wore blackface, and held up “W’s” with their fingers like those seen in the “hood” movies of the ‘90's. In the comfort of their frat houses, they shucked, jived and pranced around with others who were dressed in many recognizable but non-offensive costumes. The piece de resistance: they took pictures!!
These students attending one of the country’s finest institutions decided it would be a good idea to snap photographs of themselves and submit them to a popular party website. The photos have been published on the website http://www.tolerance.org/news/feature/auburn/page2.html.
After the pranksters were discovered online, the University temporarily suspended both Chapters. Some time later, the national chapter of Beta Theta Pi suspended and disbanded its AU Chapter for two years. Kweisi Mfume, President and CEO of the NAACP, said “the national offices of Beta Theta Pi fraternity took a necessary step toward letting young people across the country know that racism is unacceptable and should not be tolerated under any circumstance.”
Although I agree in part with the esteemed president of the NAACP, I must add that although the step was necessary, it was not sufficient! Unfortunately, these antics occurred around the time that the FBI announced that the number of hate crimes reported to local law enforcers rose during the year 2000 (“Hate Crimes Reported to FBI Rise,” Jennifer Loven - http://www.salon.com/news/wire/2001/11/19/hate_crime/index.html ).
It can be safely argued that the rise in hate crimes and the resurgence (or continuation) of racist images is related, in large part, to an inadequate check and balance system which punishes its perpetrators with a slap and a wink. These “image terrorists” have sparked an awakening of consciousness among many people in this country, but the response to this act of terrorism was neither swift nor severe. To degrade, dehumanize, mock and lampoon a whole race for the sake of a few laughs and party photos reeks of the worst type of rancid thinking. What is worse - dozens, if not hundreds - of presumably intelligent, mature college students allowed these fools to parade around in their “costumes” without saying so much as “why are you wearing that?” In fact, many of these students can be seen posing with the imitators, smiling proudly as if standing next to celebrities.
These are supposedly the cream of the crop of our future! Sadly, it is from groups such as these that our future leaders will emerge! I am torn as to who disturbs me most, the imitators and their obvious, open and unapologetic racism or the bystanders and their less obvious, but more devious support of such ignorance.
Conscious and well-meaning people throughout this country must add their voices to the discussions generated by these acts. As one such voice, I propose a few suggestions for administrators at AU and other colleges, community activists and national leaders:
- Establish Clear Objectives Regarding Tolerance and Acceptance
Create mandatory discussion forums on campus, and make racial tolerance a primary component of such discussions.
Develop Responsible Behavior Guidelines and Methods of Enforcement
In this case, it is not sufficient to suspend the fraternity for two years. The individuals who caused the damage must be identified and pay personally, either through suspension, community service in an African American neighborhood or mandatory enrollment in at least one Black Studies course. The same holds true for those who participated with them in the photographs.
Utilize Every Opportunity to Discuss Next Steps
Auburn University must use the attention caused by these events as an opportunity to set the national example for strategies to scale down ignorance. Although ignorance and intolerance will never be eliminated, a constant push toward honest dialogue and action will assist their reduction.
Memories of the events on October 25 and 27 should not rest without a very serious and sincere
attempt to create an environment which fosters understanding and respect. An ancient eastern proverb teaches us that “to know and not act is to not know.” The time is now for us to force the hand of ignorance into submission, and in the words of our youth, “act like we know.”
Craig Thompson is an attorney, lecturer, writer and host of weekly radio and television shows. At age 32, Craig is a highly sought after public speaker, addressing topics such as leadership, goal setting and self-esteem. He has spoken across the country at churches, schools, colleges and to civic organizations. He can be reached at cathompson42001@yahoo.com
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