One of the reasons we live where we do is because of the diversity. Being in an interracial marriage with a mixed race child makes you always think about things that couples in same race marriages and families don't have to think about. One of those things is where we live. Not that we can't live anywhere we want, but we wouldn't purposely choose to live somewhere that in general had a negative feeling about mixed race marriages or wasn't a diverse area. We want our daughter to grow up being exposed to all races and cultural traditions. That being said when I heard about the "Compton themed party" http://www.cbs8.com/Global/story.asp?S=12009416 at UCSD at first I thought this must be a mistake and the media was portraying it wrong. No way can there be a party that purposely mocks another race during the month we are all celebrating that race, especially in southern Cali (my very own "backyard") which in general is melting pot central. However, as the story unfolded I realized that, oh my gosh stereotyping and racism is alive and well at UCSD. So in a nutshell here is the story.....there was an invite sent out to a party off campus at UCSD in La Jolla, CA. The invite was to a "Compton themed" party that blatantly mocked Black History Month. See below for full invite......
Read The Invitation To The "Compton Cook Out," As Posted On Facebook:
"February marks a very important month in American society. No, i'm not referring to Valentines day or Presidents day. I'm talking about Black History month. As a time to celebrate and in hopes of showing respect, the Regents community cordially invites you to its very first Compton Cookout.
For guys: I expect all males to be rockin Jersey's, stuntin' up in ya White T (XXXL smallest size acceptable), anything FUBU, Ecko, Rockawear, High/low top Jordans or Dunks, Chains, Jorts, stunner shades, 59 50 hats, Tats, etc.
For girls: For those of you who are unfamiliar with ghetto chicks-Ghetto chicks usually have gold teeth, start fights and drama, and wear cheap clothes - they consider Baby Phat to be high class and expensive couture. They also have short, nappy hair, and usually wear cheap weave, usually in bad colors, such as purple or bright red. They look and act similar to Shenaynay, and speak very loudly, while rolling their neck, and waving their finger in your face. Ghetto chicks have a very limited vocabulary, and attempt to make up for it, by forming new words, such as "constipulated", or simply cursing persistently, or using other types of vulgarities, and making noises, such as "hmmg!", or smacking their lips, and making other angry noises, grunts, and faces. The objective is for all you lovely ladies to look, act, and essentially take on these "respectable" qualities throughout the day.
Several of the regents condos will be teaming up to house this monstrosity, so travel house to house and experience the various elements of life in the ghetto. We will be serving 40's, Kegs of Natty, dat Purple Drank- which consists of sugar, water, and the color purple , chicken, coolade, and of course Watermelon. So come one and come all, make ya self before we break ya self, keep strapped, get yo shine on, and join us for a day party to be remembered- or not. "
How is it that a generation of young kids living in Southern California or anywhere for that matter, could possibly think this was okay? Not cool, not funny, not cute, not right. Whatever happened to thinking before acting or speaking!? When will everyone learn that stereotyping just keeps racism alive and well and stereotypes hurt!!!
