What were those white Texas college kids thinking?

Question

I'm talking about the ones who dressed up as black stereotypes for MLK Jr. day (like carrying handguns and dressing as Aunt Jemima)? Were they trying to make fun of the stereotypes? Were they just racist? How can they not know how offensive it was?

Answer 1

I've noticed that many people are just ignorant--they don't realize the extent that their actions or inactions can help perpetuate these negative stereotypes about other people (not even just against African-Americans, but all minorities as well).

I can't say what was going on in the minds of these students, but I can say that we need better education in these areas. Not just learning that 2 + 2 = 4, but better education on abstract concepts, like discrimination against gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.

But honestly, these were COLLEGE students--what is the world coming to?

Answer 2

What I find ridiculous about this is not what those students did (which was rather inane to say the least)..but that this country would actually name a day after a man who misrepresented himself in numerous ways...he was not a legitimate reverend, he was not a bona fide PhD (over half of his Thesis was found to have been plagarised..but it was not revoked because he had already died when they found out and it would have been pointless to do so then), and his name wasn't really "Martin Luther King, Jr (His father the preacher decided to call him that in the middle of a sermon, but it was never legally changed). He was an America-hating Communist who was FBI surveyed for more than a couple of years because of his suspected affiliations and ties with the party. Furthermore, the majority of the speeches and academic works written by Martin King were partially plagarised..even his infamous 'I have a dream speech' has been called into question. Should I continue? there is more...

Some role model you have there...i suppose you're probably lucky those 'white' kids weren't using HIM as a stereotype...Aunt Jemima is much better..after all she's a valid american icon..yes, she was african american..but unfortunately you DON'T own her...

Tell you what..if you want to go ahead and dress up as Abraham Lincoln or George Washington on presidents day..I promise not to be offended (you can even hold a Coors Lite and a cap-gun in your hands if you want)...

Answer 3

They were probably trying to show that these stereotypes are alive and well in society and that these stereotypes should go away. However, since I am not these university students I cannot comment on their exact intent. Maybe you should email and or interview these students or their university?

Answer 4

Why don't we ask some black people what those white kids were thinking? In my experience black people are experts on the ways of white people, just ask Jesse Jackson.

If you need further assistence on what men think..ask the expert, she goes by the name Oprah.