For nearly a century, Minstrel shows took over the entertainment of thousands of Americans as white men would put on "black face", usually shoe polish, and paint their faces black. This perception of blacks as stupid, clumsy, uneducated, and childish was seen as an innocent form of entertainment during the Jim Crow era, (1870-1960). However, as our society evolved, and our morals began to rationalize themselves out, these Minstrel shows became more racist and less entertaining. Even though Minstrel shows are not common today, their foundations are still prevalent in our society today. "Ghetto parties" have been noted all throughout the country in this new millennium that we live in today. All across the United States, in college campuses and private functions, whites have been imitating the actions of the KKK, blacks, gangs, whores, and other stereotypical groups.
Through my reading of Jim Crow on Fraternity Row, I have come to justify even more my reasoning that racism within our society is still creeping around the corner for many. It is a sad thing to read about a college fraternity party that has conducted "pretend" lynchings, and to even ponder over the fact that these parties are just seen as "good fun" to those who attend them. I guess that the justification of those who participate in these parties can conclude that they are not actually being racist in a sense that they are beating up black college students, or threatening to lynch them. As long as the "racist fun" stays within the walls of their parties, than that is okay. However, the mere exposure to these racist acts are enough to allow it to seem "okay" to the party-goers.
I definitely feel that these behaviors should be banned or outlawed on campuses throughout the country. Fueling these "modern day minstrel shows", filled with racist entertainment, pushes our society's progress back years ago. We should be moving forward in acceptance and/or respect of our differences, not secretly mocking them. With the practice of accepting behaviors among the college campus, and punishing those that are destructive, the overall campus environment can become one that is safer and more accepting. A college campus is supposed to be one filled with the intention of learning, personal growth, and maturity. These behaviors mock all of those values, and do not bring any sort of progress or improvement to either the college or the students. There should be no tolerance for such destructive behavior on colleges' campuses. It originated from the past, and it should stay in the past.
At American University, located in Washington D.C., there is a restriction on computer use, the copyright policy, harassment, and sexual discrimination. In addition, there has been a case of restriction of videotaping during a public event. A journalist student from the school wanted to videotape a speech, but was punished for her act since it was claiming to have been "stealing from private property". In reality, the restrictions on speech do not affect my views on AU all that much. I still view the university as a well-respected, professional, institution. I do not mind the idea of restrictions within a private university setting, since there are many students at the university, all with different ideas, opinions, feelings, etc. I believe in the restrictions on speech in terms of harassment and sexual discrimination, since my morals agree with those restrictions. However, I believe that computer use-in terms of student access- should not be restricted as long as it is of public domain. In terms of videotaping during a public event, AU is a private institution. Therefore videotaping without consent during a presentation could be interpreted as "illegal". However, I believe that this all depends upon the situation. Videotaping a graduation speech is much different than videotaping a meeting between the dean and students. In addition, I would like to believe that AU would take action if parties such as "ghetto parties" and other discriminatory social events were being held on campus. The university could very well see that scenario as harassment and discrimination, which would require some sort of action/punishment toward the students.
Overall, I do not know how I feel about speech codes and the restriction of speech at a university and in an educational setting. One side of me is in favor of most of these speech codes, since they go hand-in-hand with my morals. I believe that discrimination, harassment, and other hurtful actions should not be tolerated in an educational environment. However, there is another part of me that does not want to implement these codes in order to strengthen, or toughen, the students. We cannot grow up in shelters and not experience the reality of discrimination and hate that exists outside of our campuses. It is important that students leave their universities and high school campuses, ready to take on the world, and ready to face any and all challenges. If speech codes restrict the possibility of personal disturbance in a university, than one may never grow to his or her potential. Overall, I believe that there is no right or wrong answer. Merely the debate over freedom of expression and speech codes pushes us to grow, and acknowledge our rights. We do not truly appreciate our rights until they are gone, and the restriction of expression really shows us what we can have. The day that we can draw a straight line in terms of what is allowed and what is not allowed to be expressed, is a day that I fear we will not see for a very long time. However, when that line appears, I hope that we are ready to draw a new line.
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