UCLA Fraternity Hosted ‘Yeezy’ Themed Frat Party
UCLA Fraternity’s, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority, hosted a “Kanye Western” themed party on Thursday night; students in attendance were dressed as Kardashians, wearing black face, rocking baggy clothing, braids, and gold chains, blatantly mocking the black culture with absolutely no regard for feelings of the black community. I mean, some students even stuffed their butts and balanced water bottles atop of them, reeeeally getting into character. Once photographs of the party surfaced on the internet, all hell pretty much broke loose on UCLA’s campus;
“Black Bruins matter,”– hundreds of UCLA students chanted aloud while marching and holding signs that read:
“Our culture is not a costume”
“UCLA students crammed into Chancellor Gene Block’s office Thursday, demanding a response after some students wore blackface to a Kanye West-themed fraternity party.”
The Vice chancellor for UCLA’s Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Jerry Kang, told the crowd he was heartbroken because “black Bruins’ lives matter. UCLA,” he said, “is trying to address concerns.”
“It’s one thing to suggest you are actually focusing on one celebrity who is African American, it’s another thing to take it as a license to perform every attribute, every stereotype, every grotesque minstrelsy that you see,” he said. –LATIMES reports.
“The issue isn’t simply about putting on blackface,” she said. “It is also about the entire mockery of black culture.” -UCLA Student Alicia Frison
“Students confronted fraternity members at the party. One apologized, but laughed when he was asked to write a letter to the group, said -Kelsee Thomas, UCLA Black Student Union Member
“Yes that’s right, a frat decided it would be okay to have their members repeat a part of history that demoralized, mocked and dehumanized African Americans/ And celebrate while doing it. They showed up with their chains and braids with stuffed butts for God knows what reason.” -student, Hanan Worku
The situation is just so heartbreaking; I can only imagine how heavy the hearts are of black students attending this university, students who are there to get an equal education as anyone else. And, to hear and read their responses is even more saddening. Honestly this, racism, is a growing issue in today’s society, becoming a larger ordeal everyday, as it greatly affects an entire community. When will America get the picture that it is NOT OKAY to mock the black community and make fun out of its culture? As a society we have to do better, how have we become so cruel, whether intentional or not.
As for now, the only action taken by the university, on this matter, have been temporarily suspending Alpha Phi’s social activities as well as Sigma Phi Epsilon activities. I highly doubt that this will send the correct message. A case this hurtful and intentional should seriously be handled with a real action of some sort, on behalf of the party throwers. THE STUDENTS should be taking physical actions to counteract this behavior. As a largely diverse university, I expect way more from UCLA.
UCLA spoke out,
“While we do not yet have all the facts, the alleged behavior is inconsistent with good judgment as well as our principles of community. We remind students that while they are free to celebrate in ways that draw on popular culture, their specific choices can cause harm and pain to fellow members of their community. Put simply: Just because you can do something, does not mean you should.”
Shut up, –Shabetti Bashazz
