Racist Winter Carnival Blackface @Wilfrid Laurier University

[vexacon]

Looks more like they wiped the shit from their asses onto their faces!

[msangelic11]

its laurier... they're all white!

[ChicaCita]

Wow it isn't the fact that they painted their faces black that is the major concern here. The fact that out of ignorance, they automatically assumed that that is the way jamaicans look is the problem. Not all jamaicans wear tie dye or have their hair dreadlocked like rastas. There is more to the jamaican culture than smoking ganja and saying yeah mon.

[neeson16]

I'm pretty sure the tie-dye shirts were the uniform for the week.

[JadedGrey]

Fucking wiggers..

[Hombre37]

minstrels

[dtrain4444]

i think if black people would jus forget the past an stop bring it up this video would have an entertaining purpose! seriously though an if anybody was actually payin attention u can see that one of the girls in the group already has an african american background! point is all you here is african americans complain about slavery etc.. yes they were treated like animals an that is def not right but 2008! if anythings native americans have it the worst

[maybrook1]

so they painted there faces black, big deal.

[DeltaImmortal]

I cant say we haven't had our own problems with such racism, but historically speaking. We were a safe haven during the civil war and many many years before that. If you find this hard to believe i recommend you look into "The Underground Railroad."

[2a0n0d6y]

Depending on what you define as a safe haven within the US...generally speaking no we were not.

[bigEsmitts]

...he is not talking about the US, he is talkinga about Canada, hence the underground railroad reference

[DeltaImmortal]

However, I would like to make one point against abeappel's comments on North American history. Because many people do not realize that Canada was one of the first nations to abolish slavery, in fact many proud Canadian families escaped the United states for that very reason.

[DeltaImmortal]

Alright. Just so everyone here understands, this incident was not sponsored by Wilfrid Laurier University. In fact the students in the video were nearly expelled, and probably should have been. They are part of a group outside of the university, which until recently had been more of a pesky nuisance rather than a racist campaign. Just remember, the University had nothing to do with their involvement and punished them for their outrageous insensitivity.

[abeappel]

No it is not just North American history. It is the history of Africans from west Africa who through enslavement founbd the begining of the African-American or Black history. Blackface has effected the entitire history of the united states, austrailia, england and so on. By it was the most popular form of entertainment from 1840-1920 and then got translated into radio, tv and now Hip Hop and film

[2a0n0d6y]

While you make a seemingly valid point, you ignore that fact that African Americans had a rich history before they came to the US which they were forced to forget. Moreover, blackface is the physical manifestation of racsim and to say imply that it is all around us only further affirms the argument of STRUCTURAL RACISM.

[KristinaRox]

I think this is really racist. I dont think students in a University should be doing this. Its not funny. It really makes them look bad.

[theseaandj]

Hold up Andrea, please stop embarrassing yourself. Blackface is not black history, it is North American history, and consequently with popularity a global history. Sure, plead ignorance, but please don't do it so proudly. Last I checked, the Association of Black students were very accepting of white students.

[AndreaBat]

wastes of life?

That's a very bold and mean statement.

and I can honestly say I'd never heard of blackface before, I wouldn't doubt that nobody else had....Black history isn't something that is taught often in schools.

and last I checked, the Association of Black students wasn't accepting applications from white students....

[theseaandj]

Hold up Andrea, please stop embarrassing yourself. Blackface is not black history, it is North American history, and consequently with popularity a global history. Sure, plead ignorance, but please don't do it so proudly. Last I checked, the Association of Black students were very accepting of white students.

[emump7]

Out of all these college students, do you think one perhaps had an idea that what they were doing had any insult in it? Is it possible that none had ever heard of Minstrelsy or what blackface meant to blacks historically? And KFC buckets? come on, these douchebags are wastes of life.

[AndreaBat]

the KFC buckets are silly....but certainly just face paint doesn't automatically equal representing someone as a bafoon!?

What needs to be understood is that there was absolutely NO MALICIOUS INTENT....that's why it should not be classified as racist.

Stupid? maybe...

[LilSplish]

It's okay because they have the power. You can't kick people while they're down, but you can cut them down to size when they think they're up.

[LilSplish]

1Gary199, it's not an issue because "white" people aren't a threatened group.

Also, Chron84, people wanting to be treated as equals doesn't mean that they want to just forget about the suffering of their ancestors. Nor does it mean that the rest of us should just "get over" the past. Should we all just forget about the holocaust? I mean, geez, get over it peoples!

[loveandwater]

wow 1Gary199, you sure are clueless... been to jamaica huh... i bet you even got a t-shirt to prove it. well if you went to jamaica, and werent' held up in an all inclusive, you would also know that my people aren't all drugged up, fried chicken eating baffoons, as they are being protrayed in this instance...

[1Gary199]

And if you have gone to Jamaica like I have, you'll know that marijuana is really that popular there... it's not just a stereotype.  So, get off your high horse and relax and quit wasting everyone's time over an issue that is taking attention away from real acts of racism.

[1Gary199]

And tell me this, is Dave Chapelle a racist because he paints his face white in his skits? Funny that we can all laugh at that, but we're "not allowed" to laugh at the exact same thing done from the other side. This would be a different story if the buffs had pointed fun at a serious issue like slavery, but what did they do... they illustrated the stereotype that people of African decent like fried chicken... who the hell doesn't like fried chicken?

[1Gary199]

Marcos, "rich white kids"? Way to set the black movement back a hundred years. You're not the only one who's glad you're done at Laurier, no one wants your racism here anyways.

[MarcosDanielM]

Leave it to a bunch of rich white kids to not understand why this is racist. Fuck I am so glad I'm all done at Laurier

[Chron84]

Hahah you don't like generalizations and stereotypes Marcos? Look at what you just wrote. This was an activity that was supposed to bring out the differences in societies. So they painted their faces black... That is the colour of who they were to be imitating! If people of different ethnicities want to be treated as equals they need to act as equals and stop dwelling on the past... I can guarantee you if a black person were to paint their face white you would not see a huge uproar. Get over it!

[AndreaBat]

i certainly do!

[startubman]

Do any of you actually go to Laurier?

[AndreaBat]

I would absolutely love to walk around campus with my face painted black/brown/yellow/red/white/b­lue/purple/any other colour I can find.

and what would happen if I did?

[oneuped]

Anyone who thinks blackface is okay, needs to check their racism. If anyone thinks this is not a race issue may I suggest that those blackface painted students take a walk into any predominately black, be it rich, middleclass, or impoverished, neighbourhood and sees what happens. I doubt any of them would have the balls to.

Don't let your idiotic actions write cheques your ass cant't cash.

[jaksa1983]

People are very quick to take offence these days.

[AndreaBat]

What's most shameful is that so many people are assuming this was an act of racism or malicious intent.

It was an act that was based on ignorance. Not knowing that "blackface" is a particular style that was used in the past is what made people ignorant.

Now that it is known, I think the people involved have a better understanding of why their actions were wrong.

[AndreaBat]

Furthermore...should it be considered offensive to wear black face paint to represent Jamaican culture in this day and age in Canada?

Why would one assume that painting a face black is malicious or automatically denotes a NEGATIVE stereotype.

to me, calling face paint that happens to be brown/ black racism....is racist in itself.

[AndreaBat]

I think this has gone too far.

People have suggested people be expelled for this?

Wow.

I thought people were more forgiving of unintentional accidental harm.

Especially since the apologies have been made and the students involved have learned from this.

Is it possible to expell someone for wearing make -up?

[DARKGREEN]

i always knew wilfred laurier was full of idiots

[ricklaws]

I don't want to take any wind out of your sails..since you are clearly in the middle of really getting your hate on..but when you are calling individuals stupid, you may want to make sure you can actually spell the name of their institution. But don't worry about it, just 'cause it's spelled correctly for you in the title of the video, and the name of one of the most influential icons in Canadian history doesn't mean much. That Laurier guy was a pretty inconspicuous fella

[EducatedBlkWmn]

The story made it to the Globe and Mail - now the entire GTA knows how shameful, and racist, the university looks!

[Tomas18]

What's shameful is that the misguided actions of a few are for some reason being transplanted onto the entire university.

[AndreaBat]

I think this video should be taken down. It only perpetuates the problem by showing particular people who are now deemed "racist" because they unintentionally offended people.

I don't think it's fair that they are made examples of when they were not out to harm anybody, regardless of whether or not they in the right or wrong.

[AndreaBat]

I propose that the BSA and Waterbuffalos have a meeting together to discuss this issue, and anyone else that has any thoughts to contribute should be more than welcome to come as well.

I think that to discuss this in person would be much more beneficial to us all!

[theseaandj]

You write as if you haven't a clue about what is going on behind the scenes.

[theseaandj]

These people did remain relatively anonymous, that is until there was a complete inaction on behalf of WLUSU and the institution - these complaints grew organically, and unfortunately this bad publicity is the consequence of not owning up to their faults.

If the video were to be deleted, the pictures would be found elsewhere. Maybe some of the comments should be deleted, some people might deem those 'racist' too.

[heaslip41]

It amazes me how much focus certain posters are putting on the ABS while completely disregarding the fact that the initial complaint that started this all came from a white student.

[sooopafly1]

I agree with you. Unfortunately majority of people are siding up based on their skin colour. Whether your brown, pink, white, or black it should not inhibit you to see what is wrong or what is right. Morality is a universal concept.

[heaslip41]

Agreed. I was pointing it out because parts of the discussion seemed to be moving away from the point / problem and making it seem that only Black people could be or were offended by this.

[AndreaBat]

Racism exists wherever you may choose to find it.

Some stereotypes are less "funny" than others. But in the end, that is all that they are stereotypes.

To make a big deal out of one particular stereotype seriously undermines any others that have been portrayed and not recieved such attention.

stereotypes in general are meant to be outrageous and exaggerated and often offensive....this does not negate the fact that they exist and are often used in an intentionaly humorous manner.

[ricklaws]

anyone who does not believe the source or sincerity of our apology please message me on youTube and i will meet with you personally and you can look into my eyes to see how seriously the individuals involved are taking the issue and how genuine we are in our statements of regret As well, for anyone who is questioning what "good" the Buffaloes do in the community a list of the charities they donate to is in the Waterloo Record this week or ask any Buff exec.

[ricklaws]

But people can draw parallels or try and justify our behaviour all they want (but this is not the issue at hand) The long and short truth of that matter is that you can not deny that we offended people or that this is not an issue of serious concern. Again, i appologize to anyone whom we offended and although i am no longer an administrating member of the organization

[ricklaws]

But no one is in a position to state that the event was not an issue and that people shouldn't be upset. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and it is in no way justifiable to comment that anyone - inside or outside of the school - is unreasonable in voicing concern or not wanting anything like this to happen again.

[ricklaws]

Hey, Im the former Vice-President of the Buffs and i took part in the Winter Carnival - team Jamaica display. I wanted to post on here to tell everyone who is making the statements that the events of Winter Carnival were "light-hearted", need to be forgotten or moved on from are WRONG. It is true that we were not malicious in our intent and that the Buffaloes sincerely appologize to anyone who was offended.

[Lava1964]

We in Canada have become ridiculously hypersensitive about racism. Did anyone else find it ironic that the biggest complaints about this came from representatives of WLU's black students' organization. Think about it: a black students' organization! If you are going to create a student group based solely on race, you are in no position to cry racism.

[sooopafly1]

ha... not gud nuf. try again.

[Lava1964]

I can tell you're not majoring in English at WLU.

[sooopafly1]

oh my. here we go again, another person diverting from the argument at hand and bringing in unrelated, unnecessary comments. you make no consistent connection between racism and a 'black student' group. For your information, such 'black group' is not open to one 'race'. Read their constitution before trying to make arguments.

[Lava1964]

So the "black student group" is open to all races? Interesting. Perhaps they should change their name to indicate how cosmopolitan they truly are. My point is that there is no way an organization openly calling itself a "white students' group" would even be allowed to exist on any university campus on this continent--even if their constitution said they were open to all ethnicities. This racial double standard is utterly indefensible.

[sooopafly1]

To what extent do you know what you claim? Even if the word WHITE does not appear, there are still enough "Canadian" clubs and any reasonable person knows there is internal racial preference in that word. And also, relate it to the context. I personally will not care after having criticized my biasness, but relating it to a society where 98% of everything is "white,"

[sooopafly1]

(continuation) a "black" group is only a way to resist this anglo-saxonism, eurocentrism, and everything that says blacks are subordinate to whites. How about groups like YWCA, or "woman's club," or the "feminist club" does that bother you? Or are you selectively selecting race in order to pull the race card. And YES, they are open to everyone.

[FingeronthePulse]

Sooopafly1,

Though the actions may have been out of line and the Waterbuffalos apparently apologized, how will making more stereotypes about Canadian Culture help? Be a part of the solution, don't add to problems.

[sooopafly1]

My intention was not to make streotypes about Canadian Culture. If it came as so, my apologies. However, how was I making more stereotypes?

[heaslip41]

I don't know if it's happened in Canada yet but there are "white student groups" in the US. And yes, WHITE is in the groups name.

[Lava1964]

I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but at least it's equitable. Thanks for the information.

[shadrach82]

the BSA is a cultural club. like the jewish students assoc. or the southeast asian students club, etc - of which there are several at campuses all over the country. these are open groups that discuss, celebrate, and educate about a specific culture. they are not exclusionist. in fact, they are a huge BENEFIT to any school. and no theres no white student association because there couldnt possibly be less need for a club that discusses, celebrates, and educates about white western culture.

[Lava1964]

It's comforting to know that you're the sole arbiter as to what type of organizations are "needed." (If a stamp collectors' club or a poetry society wanted to open a chapter at WLU, would they have to seek your permission to see if they are needed?) Geez! Don't you realize that inflammatory comments like yours (and like those of my good friend sooopafly1) only serve to exacerbate racism? Thank you anyway, you have done a masterful job in proving my point about racial double standards.

[ckabango]

are you trying to say that there IS a need for a club that educates students about contemporary white western culture?! that statement couldnt be further from inflamatory and it certainly doesnt exacerbate racism! it simply states that such a club would be redundant to an absolutely absurd extent considering the cultural composition of the school and its surrounding community. i shouldnt have to point that out.

[Lava1964]

I'm just trying to point out "what's good for the goose is good for the gander." I believe ludicrous statements such as Canadian clubs are for whites only and that whites have no need to celebraste their culture truly do exacerbate racism. Why are blacks held to different standards than whites when it comes to racism?

[ckabango]

i find your discussion of "racial double standards" here very disturbing. i cant understand why you would want to turn this issue around and point blame at the very people that were/are hurt by what transpired as if they are the fundamental problem! its really disheartening... i hardly have a problem with a dozen kids who make a mistake. i do however have a problem with people who defend those wrong actions, and worst of all, see those hurt by them as oversensitive and 'problematic'

[Lava1964]

I'll defend my opinions. As a society we have become ridiculously oversensitive about these things. My heritage is Scottish. The stereotypical Scot is supposed to be a kilt-wearing cheapskate. I neither wear kilts nor am I cheap. I can laugh at stereotypes. Jews laugh at Borat. Why can't you be as open-minded?

[ckabango]

Its sad that acceptance of stereotypes is a measure of open-mindedness in your eyes. Stereotypes in any form can be dangerous, but when they serve as a means to discriminate or serve as a symbol of hatred (look up black face if you don't understand how that in and of itself is symbol of black hatred) there is no other way to describe them than as offensive.

[ckabango]

Trying to draw a parrallel with a kilt (which is not a stereotype but rather more of an architype, a cultural symbol) or as Scotts being cheap (which is news to me) just doesn't cut it. Blacks being killed, enslaved and their continued marginalization was justified because of the ste

[ckabango]

these stereotypes that were being mimicked. Making a mockery of those stereotypes in essence is making light of suffering that results from them.

[Lava1964]

It's difficult to think of any ethnic or racial group that hasn't been enslaved, exploited, maligned, or otherwise harassed in history. Germans and Japanese enslaved and killed millions of people in the Second World War. By your logic, everyone in the world should perpetually hate Germans and Japanese. I think the problem is that many blacks hate whites for being white. Whites, I'd say, generally are ambivalent about other racial groups.

[ckabango]

My logic doesn't call for hating anyone (I'm a bit confused how you came to that conclusion)... but rather being sensitive to the oppressions of others. And yes that sensitivity should extend to other groups. I think it would be offensive to make light of the hollacaust (and even more offensive to after making a mockery of it say that the problem was with those that were offended).

[Lava1964]

I think my earlier Borat analogy is appropriate. No group in history has been more oppressed or harried than the Jews. Yet, Sasha Baron Cohen (himself a Jew) creates a character that reinforces every ridiculous negative stereotype about Jews--and Jews laugh at it. A Jewish friend of mine saw the movie twice! Many blacks can't or won't laugh at themselves. My advice to you is to lighten up, have a good laugh, and enjoy life.

[ckabango]

cant you see that the borat example is not at all analagous precisely because sasha baren cohen is jewish? black comedians make jokes about black stereotypes all the time and naturally thats accepted warmly by audiences. again, i shouldnt have to point that out... your statement that many blacks cant or wont laugh at themselves is offensive as it has absolutely no basis.

[Lava1964]

Well, lets see. Borat would be just as funny and ridiculous regarldess of whether or not Mr. Cohen was Jewish or not. Funny is funny regardless of the source. The utter hostility I see on this site about a silly fraternity prank is proof that you can't laugh at yourselves. If somebody did a skit about Scots, I wouldn't be offended. Perhaps I'm just a littel bit more tolerant than you are.

[ckabango]

and to say "the problem is many blacks hate whites for being white" is a shockingly baseless and offensive blanket statement about black people (a subject you clearly know nothing about), and most importantly, its completely BESIDES THE POINT! im really disturbed and confused by the fact that you find the racism of blacks to be the greatest problem in all this!

[Lava1964]

The fact that blacks won't address their own racism is what sticks in my craw. Instead they attempt to justify it, as you have beeen doing.

[shadrach82]

again, my problem is hardly with the waterbuffalos at this point. they understand what theyve done, theyve apologized and i accept their sincere apology... my problem is with those that somehow view the racism of black people as the fundamental problem and insist on making uniformed blanket statements about blacks as some kind of defense... i find those things as well as your "advice" terribly upsetting and offensive.

[Lava1964]

Okay, don't take my advice. Be miserable. It's entirely up to you. Conversely, I'll continue to be happy and enjoy life.

[shadrach82]

(sigh) ok, well the bottom line is that its pretty obvious why people (of ALL races) were offended by what transpired. even the waterbufalloes themselves fully and freely admit that they were wrong and that those hurt by their actions are completely justified in taking offence.

[Lava1964]

Fair enough. Have a nice day. (I think we've beaten this topic to death.)

[shadrach82]

there is an important difference between a negative stereotype and a negative stereotype that has been otherwise used as a tool for racial subjugation, murder, rape, and oppression. this is an important distinction based on historical and social context. anyone with any measure of social grace understands that somethings form the basis for good humour and other do not. that is why the waterbuffalos themselves agree that their humour was not in good taste.

[shadrach82]

ok. you too.

[LilSplish]

It's NOT an appropriate analogy. He's Jewish so he's not offending anyone else. It's the difference between you calling yourself ugly and someone else calling you ugly. The first one is somewhat lighthearted, the second is an insult.

[Lava1964]

Borat also made fun of Kazakhstanis, Americans and gays. It was number one at the box-office for three weeks. I predict it will be among the most-rented DVDs for the next few weeks. Mark my words.

[LilSplish]

It probably will be, but he was making fun of Americans more than anything else. His character had a way of eliciting the prejudices that lie just below the surface in average looking people. Is it any wonder that the people who came out looking the best were a "black" prostitute and inner city youths?

(I use the scare quotes because racial classifications are arbitrary and I wish we had a better language to talk about these things)

[Lava1964]

You're right, but why is it perfectly okay to make fun of Americans but not other nationalities or ethnic groups. Comedians can make of of the Pope, rednecks, Newfoundlanders, Irishmen, politicians, lawyers, police officers...the list goes on. Why are some groups off-limits? Benny Hill and Dave Allen poked fun at my ethnic heritage for years. It didn't bother me in the slightest.

[EducatedBlkWmn]

Have you ever been told that you would never amount anything because you're black and generally, black people are the lowest grade of society? I have. Don't you see that it was the white race that enslaved the black race, and in this case, its been mainly the white race stating that the black race is "over sensitive"? Am I the only person that notices a blatant connection there?

[Lava1964]

Sorry, I was born in 1964 in Canada--not in 1834 in Alabama. I never enslaved anybody. As I mentioned earlier, virtually every race and ehtinc group has been oppressed at some time in history. Slavery ended in North America 140 years ago.

[EducatedBlkWmn]

I'm aware of the historical facts. I'm also aware that you didn't enslave anyone. As well, I'm certain that my comment never mentioned that. I was simply stating the facts. Understandably, this is not the US, but acts such as this are being condoned as if it was.

[EducatedBlkWmn]

...I'm not justifying anything whatsoever, I just don't understand why anyone, including you, feels that this behavior is ok. It's not. If black students dressed up and portrayed white stereotypes I personally would still be disgusted. If this were directed towards Asians, I would also be disgusted. Maybe you find that hard to believe, but not every black person is racist and shallow and the same goes for white people.

[Lava1964]

I never said their behavior was okay. Personally I think it's silly more than anything else. (What do expect from a bunch of frat guys dressed as Flintstone characters?)  I just don't get worked into a froth over steroetypes--including those that insult my heritage.

[EducatedBlkWmn]

Very true. Taken from that point of view (them as frat boys) I understand what you're saying.

[Lava1964]

Hey, we agree on something! Don't let anyone put you down because of youor race, gender, religion or whatever. The best way to combat racism is to prove people wrong by excelling in whatever you choose to do. You have a nice day, too.

[ricklaws]

I dont want to interupt that people are finally getting along on this website...but the Waterbuffaloes are not a fraternity...or a sorority... Its a co-ed executive council of individuals who host bar events and parties to raise funds for charity. But the flinstone costumes comment is true...they very much enjoy the prospect of stone cars and livestock as household appliances.

[Lava1964]

Thanks for the clarification. Oops! Gotta go!  Mr. Slate is calling and I think my brontosaurus steak is burning!

[LilSplish]

We'd sure as hell still hate Germans if they walked around wearing swastikas... or wore prosthetic noses and carried around bags of money.

[AndreaBat]

the only things relevant are A) why is no one else in trouble for portraying stereotypes B) why do people assume KFC buckets are racist? The entire team was baked, stoned, high on drugs. Who doesn't like KFC when they're high??

It wasn't a racial thing at all. It was a character thing. Jamaica is a beautiful country with beaches and pot. If anything, it was envy being portrayed. It's people who still see such things as racist and problematic that further the walls between us all.

[shadrach82]

why is no one else in trouble for portraying stereotypes? because not all stereotypes have a history murder, rape, oppression, genocide, and deep humiliation tied to them that continue to this day. thats why. thats what makes it offensive and not funny. defending the people involved and accusing the people hurt by their actions of being "problematic" is so completely and literally backwards. its shocking to read.

[uberskeptic]

Perhaps it can be difficult sometimes to recognize the line between imitation as flattery and imitation as insult...but I do not believe this situation is in the gray area. Whatever your take on some of the other details, the KFC buckets clearly illustrates the intentions and ignorance of all involved. Say whatever you want about all these great (but as yet unidentified) things this group does for the community, it is not relevant to the conversation.

[lucjoye]

I don't think they did anything wrong either. I'm so sick of hearing about this. The fact is, they wore and sported these stereotypical things on the basis that everyone already has these notions in their head. That's the whole joke. Just as people dressed up as communists and euro trash. As someone from a very european background, do I find it offensive? Not at all. Just cool down and stop making something out of nothing.

[vudukungfu]

Flintstone and Rubble are not amused.

[AndreaBat]

I am seriously confused by this. Every team portrayed racial/cultural stereotypes. Why is it only one team being singled out? To call this particular display and use of make up racist undermines all other forms of racism and discrimination that took place.

To see something as offensive means that you interpret it that way based on your beliefs and values, not anyone elses.

I see them as silly. I think it is poking fun at people that smoke pot, more so than people that are black.

[AndreaBat]

WC is for fun. The theme was around the world. Each team displayed stereotypes that were meant to be taken light heartedly. Each team used props and face paint to further their character development.

Nothing is offensive until it is interpreted as such.

Why is this a big deal?

[theseaandj]

They apologized because they got caught, not because they think they did anything wrong. I doubt that they had malicious intent, but their willful acts of communicated visual expressions of hatred are condemned by the Criminal Code of Canada as well as provisions made in WLU policy.

[sooopafly1]

well they got caught doin something wrong. they knew it was wrong, especially after they were told not to carry on and they still did.

[ricklaws]

What do you mean they got caught and carried on. Outside of wearing tie-died t-shirts the buffaloes painted their faces and displayed KFC buckets at one event. After that one event we were told not to and no face paint of fried chicken props/costumes were used. No one continued anything after the first event.

[sooopafly1]

That's what i read on an online article. Remind me to send it to you.

[ricklaws]

Well, im sorry you've been misinformed...but i can assure you - as can anyone in winter carnival - that the only "jamaican" costumes the buffaloes wore after the first event were tie-dye t-shirts

[sooopafly1]

my appologies...

[HotshotXV]

i think it can be simply said that the problem is bigger than this incident.

[theseaandj]

And I think that it can be said that the Laurier's Waterbuffaloes have been part of the problem and not the solution.

[HueyFreeman222]

Absolute and relative are 2 different thing. You can't say that because other teams did something similar that was "light hearted", that it makes it right or any better. If anything, it makes it wrong and even worse.

[cookielova21]

I would imagine the buffs apologized because they became aware that people were offended and they genuinely didn't act with any malicious intention. I think there is a big prejudice against them because everyone just thinks there a drinking team -- but they are good people who do good things for our community. They made a mistake - let's as a community put it behind us.

[sooopafly1]

why r u constantly using "they goo people who do good things for community" as if that will ballance their obvious discriminatory "so called fun, light-hearted" moments. r u being serious on ur comments, or r u just bending out of ur way to look for justifications.

[lainelainelaine15641]

OMG people are ridiculous. The buffs didn't do anything the other teams (including my own) did. Most of the teams blew up stereotypes and it was all very light hearted. The buffs have been doing charity work for the good of the student body and community for years... but somehow nobody cares what they do till they make a mistake. They've apoplogiesed. Why can't we just leave it at that?

[sooopafly1]

OK... first u have to realize that there is a long line of history behind WLU and racism. Relate it to its context. And 2nd, if, as you say, they did nothing wrong why would they appologize? To appologize is a recognition that you obvisouly did something wrong, is it not? Unless they lied about their appology, which would be much word and coward/unprofessional like of them!

[uberskeptic]

So if I dedicate my entire life to helping those in need I can somehow accumulate enough goodwill to get away with blatant racism??? Kramer couldn't be racist, he's so damn funny! This theory seems flawed to me.

[cookielova21]

These pictures are taken completely out of context.They were not meant to be offensive and they've already apologiesed to those who were offended in the cord. I was in winter carnival and saw them this night and though they have crossed a few lines...so did a lot of teams. The waterbuffaloes are not racist - and I think it's totally wrong for them to be made examples of like this.

[sooopafly1]

OK... first u have to realize that there is a long line of history behind WLU and racism. Relate it to its context. And 2nd, if, as you say, they did nothing wrong why would they appologize? To appologize is a recognition that you obvisouly did something wrong, is it not? Unless they lied about their appology, which would be much word and coward/unprofessional like of them!

[Questionmillennium]

The media needs to know about this. Something must be done about this.

[simbathon]

It was in the Kitchener Record today, in the local section.

[pgawhite]

The silence is actually deafening.

[kingdom2006ah]

OMG I am second year Biology Major at Wilfrid Laurier university and I had heard about these racist events that are going on at our school. As a Jamaican student I was ashamed that our WLUSU volunteer and fellow classmates mocked my culture this way. The worst thing about this mess was swept under the rug by the student newspaper, administration and the students union.