I have recently began to notice that rather than become seemingly obsessed with exploitive popular culture reality shows on channels like Fox Reality and MTV, I can actually get the same EXACT stuff on the San Diego 7 News! Who woulda thought?
Case in point:
I recently overheard that UCSD's Greek Life recently showcased a themed party in honor of Black History Month--titled "Compton Cookout" Now, I understand that as an on-campus organization member, here at UCSD the first and foremost effective way to publicize events is on Facebook. The event on FB had quite a few racially stereotypical demands of its attendees. Guest were expected to play the part and dress up as the "ghetto-chick" and/or the "thug".
Perhaps this seems almost expected of college students, but what was completely unexpected was the fact that administrators AND the local SD news got involved. Who have recently deemed this event to be poposterious, crude and de-meaning. Who woulda thought wearing an afro and gold chain would REALLY offend people?
Another case in point:
So was it the descripition of the party on FB or was it the actually party itself that administrators were furious about?
Hmm, I am pretty sure it was the Facebook page, considering the events FB description was all over the internet. Now, I believe this to be a collision of what we know as the vitual and real worlds. Obviously FB is a place where vitual worlds collaborate, people log into the vitual world while creating events for the real world. Facebook represents a medium, a media that is not solely a vehicle for transmitting information (because CLEARLY this event would have NOT been described as rightfully/wrongfully so if it were done through an alternative medium--ie flyers or posters) The important element to notice here is that the MEDIUM (Facebook) IS part of the message itself.
Facebook: Privacy or Publicity?
Interestingly enough, Facebook has been able to create a medium that incorporates what members choose to keep private, as well as what members choose to publicize. Yet, this almost makes very little sense considering what UCSD students believed to be publicity for their 'event' turned into a controversial publicity battle. How could students be called out by administrators for what happens on FB? Is this an academic debate or an ethical one? Now that UCSD has opted for a more contemporary internet savvy university, does it allow for administrators to pursue events such as these when the medium is not academically affiliated with UC, San Diego?
to be continued...
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