We have often discussed how universities have become battle grounds over so-called “microaggressions” and offensive terms or images involving race, religion, or culture. Some of these efforts raise serious questions of the erosion of free speech as well as double standards applied to faculty and students. The example of the sensitivity toward such objections was evident this week at Clemson University, which apologizes for racial or cultural insensitivity for holding “Maximum Mexican” night featuring Mexican cuisine. Two students were offended and the university has apologized.
Clemson Dining’s “Maximum Mexican” night is popular among students for Mexican themed food and festivities. However, two students, who took to Twitter to voice their displeasure with the school’s decision to host such a “#CUlturallyInsensitive” event. “Amanda A” was one of those students:
The university also has themed nights for St. Patrick’s day etc. Yet, one student objected to the wearing of sombreros: “Our culture isn’t a costume and we will not be mocked!” Yet, is it mocking to wear a hat associated with Mexico? If so, they might want to check out Cinco de Mayo celebrations?
Dr. Doug Hallenbeck, Clemson University’s Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, however, went public with an apology for the event’s “flattened cultural view of Mexican culture. . . It is the mission of University Housing & Dining to create supportive and challenging environments that enrich and nourish lives. We failed to live out our mission yesterday, and we sincerely apologize.”
Hallenbeck promised reforms.
At times, stereotypes are evident in celebrations. For example, when I take the kids to places likes Busch Gardens both my Irish and Italian heritage is representing by common imagery and stereotypes, but I am not offended. Indeed, I am glad that my two cultures are so widely enjoyed. Is it a “flattened” presentation? Yes, but all imagery and symbols are reductionist to some extent. My concern is that we are becoming a hyper-sensitive society where people are increasingly attuned to take offense, even when the other party is acting with no malice or disrespect intended by their actions.
What do you think?
Source:
If they celebrate Saint Patricks Day on that campus they are going to hear from offended Irishmen. You can offend the other people, But Not The Irish!
Paul – my taste buds are infantile as far as spices and adventure. My Nicaraguan brother in law would laugh at what I consider spicy. Depending on the area, you can find super specialized Latin food – Baja (most common), Cuban, Argentinian (my favorite Latin BBQ), etc. We are the smorgasbord of international cuisine. There was an excellent Korean BBQ place I used to frequent. Although, come to think of it, I literally cannot stomach authentic Chinese food. I adore Americanized Chinese food (I think they consider it tourist food), but I’ve eaten in authentic Chinese restaurants and gone with friends shopping at huge authentic Chinese markets. I remember the only thing I thought I could eat was chicken soup, which was promptly ruined when the waiter broke a raw egg in the warm (not boiling) soup and stirred it up to a kind of thin salmonella-rich custard. Sigh.
I forgot to mention: Canada and more than ten European nations criminalized certain thoughts such as disagreeing with the commonly accepted definition of “holocaust.” Some persons are in prison now for this crime.
Quebec has law requiring signage for privately owned restaurants to be in French only. English is outlawed. They issue citations for violations and punishment can include imprisonment.
Justa,
Yes, extremists of all stripes are dangerous and make things worse for everyone who just want to live in peace.
Milwaukee is the city of festivals, we have German Fest, Irish Fest, Polish Fest, Festa Italiana, Bastille Days, Mexican Fiesta, Indian Summer, all the amazing costumes and music, food and drink, a real celebration in a great city by the the Lake.
“…to ourselves and our posterity,…”
Annie, I agree with most of what you said… However, we MUST recognize that it is ULTRA Left Wing Liberals
who are causing this type of issue these days.
Just as the Right wing should recognize that their FAR Right Wing are nut cases… we should
recognize that our side has some that are batshite crazy.
Diversity is what our country strong and wonderful. Celebrating our various ethnic heritages is part of celebrating our diversity. Viva le difference!
I find ethnic celebrations wonderful, replete with the food, drink and traditional dress of the particular country being celebrated. Being a lefty has nothing to do with it. Being someone who is looking to be butt hurt daily may have more to do with it. Some people are just sour pusses.
Charles Aspinwall desde Nuevo Mexico
1, October 9, 2015 at 1:02 pm
!Increible! In New Mexico we have ‘maximum Mexican’ every night. How anyone would be offended by a celebration of some of the world’s best food escapes me, and why anyone would give a damn about them being “offended” is a greater mystery. !Viva la comida de los Mexicanos!
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Because WHITE Ultra Left Liberals most likely talked that person into being upset…
USUALLY, it is a white Left Wing liberal who stirs the pot.
Do these college students bring their blanky and their binky to school?
They sound like freaking BABIES…..
I am soooo sick of the FAR Left…. they have become as bad as the FAR Right…
!Increible! In New Mexico we have ‘maximum Mexican’ every night. How anyone would be offended by a celebration of some of the world’s best food escapes me, and why anyone would give a damn about them being “offended” is a greater mystery. !Viva la comida de los Mexicanos!
The Left has become a freaking CARTOON… I thought this was The Onion.
Maybe they need to have a decompression area, with bubbles and finger painting, like they do for offended students when they talk about Grownup topics like sexual assault on campus.
Paul – us, too. Whenever I travel outside of California, I am at a loss as to where to find good Mexican food. Or good Argentinian BBQ. Or Cuban. We specialize in Latin cuisine. And every type of cuisine has its own particular decorations. The taquerias always have those paintings of the Aztec warrior and his princess who died of grief after they were betrayed, just before they turned into 2 volcanoes. It’s tradition. Not decorating for Mexican night would be lame.
Karen – I have always had a problem with Mexican food in CA since it is Baja style. I find it a little bland. Sonora, where I come from is more to my taste. I do like New Mexico style. Never developed a taste for Tex-Mex.
How horrible, 2 students offended.
This is so absurd.
They could have just as easily had a Dia De Los Muertos celebration with Pan De Muertos and everyone dress up as skulls.
What’s wrong with having a theme? They could have Polish night, Italian night, or any other night devoted to cultures renowned for their cuisine.
PC is really insidious. Resist!
I think it’s so ridiculous. Can’t we tell some of these people to just get over it and move on. I fear what this nation will look like in years to come for many different reasons – this is one of them.
Good thing no one was packing heat. It may have ended in a shootout, like this morning at the Northern Arizona University. Wonder if it was a gun free zone?