Does UMass take cultural appropriation too far?

[philosslayer]

Across the country, students at colleges and universities are asking themselves an important question: Is there a place in society any longer for even semi-provocative Halloween costumes?

The overwhelming response to this question nationwide has been a resounding “no.” Colleges have promoted programs time and time again that set clear parameters as to what types of costumes are acceptable on campus. The University of Massachusetts is no stranger to these programs. In fact, all across campus on Sunday night there were mandatory floor meetings in many UMass dorm buildings to cover what constitutes an offensive costume and to review the concept of “cultural appropriation.”

Recently, a residential assistant at UMass created the “Simple Costume Racism Evaluation and Assessment Meter” (or “S.C.R.E.A.M.”) so that students can evaluate how offensive their costume may be using this scale. It asks a variety of questions that can be used to gauge the “threat level”—everything from “Are you trying to be funny?” to “Is/are the person/people you’re mocking generally less powerful or more socially marginalized than you?”

To be clear, the university did not actually approve this diagram, and it is not an official element of their policy. But, similar visual meters have been posted throughout residence halls across campus, and these practices are in accordance with the University’s stance on political correctness.

http://dailycollegian.com/2016/10/26/does-umass-take-cultural-appropriation-too-far/

[snooper2]

1. leave the clowns alone!

[Lancero]

9. Halloweens going to be very interesting this year, with all the recent clown fear.

[LanternWaste]

2. It's a tough old world when we're asked to be respectful and tolerant of others.

It's a tough old world when we're asked to be respectful and tolerant of others.

[Bonx]

8. Asking or demanding ?

Asking or demanding ?

[Marr]

3. This marginilization contest is laughably stupid.

"Is/are the person/people you’re mocking generally less powerful or more socially marginalized than you?"

Good luck outside of your safe space, kids.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

4. My girlfriend and a few of her friends are going as student activists for Halloween

The costume is basically just garish makeup and a scowl, but I was ready to jump out the window when I saw it.

I unfortunately will be traveling on Monday.

[Peaches999]

5. Can section 1983 lawsuits be brought against residence hall staff?

[romanic]

6. More academic indoctrinating and busybody nonsense.

"Mandatory floor meetings"? Really?

Look, if someone wants to wear Dia de los Muertos makeup or dress up like Mulan then let them. If you're that offended by a simple costume, stay inside your room on Halloween and eat a bag of Malt-o-meals you big crybaby.

[Quantess]

7. Every haloween costume is ptentially offensive.

Even clowns are offensive these days, because of the recent clown crime wave.
Witches? They are offfensive to women in the middle ages.
A hobo? How insensitive to homeless people!
A panda costume is insulting to Chinese people.
French maid costumes are belittling to French people.
Lederhosen / St. Pauli girl outfits ridicule Germans and Swiss people.
Fairies? What, are you trying to mock LGBT? How dare you!