Duke & ASA

This past week's discussion was very eye-opening. Having heard both sides of this issue, I've come to understand that both parties have committed faults. With ASA obviously supporting the Asian community and looking to hold those who may offend their culture responsible and Kappa Sigma defending their rights to a party and whether or not they were ultimately at fault. In the end, I still have to side with the fact that Kappa Sigma was at fault for this party, mainly due to the fact that they did host this party. If you give an organization to accuse you of a possible fault, then you have done enough to step over the line. If you don't want to offend anyone, then you should never be close to stepping over that line. However, that is not to say that ASA did not make poor decisions in condemning the party. Their choice of putting Kappa Sigma on blast was unprofessional and childish, as it doesn't result in both parties reaching any peaceful negotiations, but rather, further fueled the flames of conflict.

Personally, I believe that parties that have people with cosplay and dressup is ok. However, the line was crossed with the invitation when they made stereotypes of Asians and their English. To dress up is one thing, but to mock one's inability to speak English is just rude and ignorant.

In the end, I wish that both sides could have just gone about this in a better way. With Kappa Sigma just admitting their faults quickly and apologizing to further avoid problems, and with ASA acting like a real organization (professional and business-like).