App State dorm bulletin board shames 'privileged' students

[HeffnerIV]

No one thinks that life is fair or equal. We've all envied someone else and we've all been envied for an array of reasons. Hell, we're not even equal within races and sexes. This campaign is about division.

It's the same people who argue we're all the same that always rope us off by our differences.

[appchicago]

Not acknowledging that differences exist is not the same as eliminating them.

And if you're ever curious about digging deeper into the concept of privilege than this (fairly dumb) bulletin board, I do recommend the articles I posted earlier. I can understand the idea of privilege without taking personally the fact that I, in many ways, have a lot of advantages. Heck, no matter what race, gender, etc., the kids seeing that bulletin board have, the fact that they're (a) in America and (b) in college means that they already have significant privilege.

[Appftw]

I think [them] is quite a leap in that quote you used, Gonzo. The RA could just as easily have used [society] in it's place (and should have when referring to white privilege). Would that still make you feel so much "shame"(although I LOVE my new title of Pimp of Racial Shame you bestowed upon me).

You're still making this strangely personal as you manufacture legions of strawmen from one college student's bulletin board and whatever else youve misinterpreted as white privilege.

What's the worst case scenario for you if these "racists" get their way? I just don't understand what's so threatening about empathy. No one is going to take anything away from white people no matter what is on an RA's bulletin board.

[Apptiger]

IMO which is based on my knowledge of East Hall from way back, I'd consider the source and not give this matter a second thought. Who died and left that RA in charge of the sanitorium?

Funny and yes but times change. Heck I heard there were women living in Bowie!

That ain't nothing new.....1973-74 there were a few "living" there back then!

Oh yes, I forgot having to check the bathroom at 5am. Should have qualified it by saying "officially" a registered resident

[Boone Goon]

The issue isn't with a lack of empathy, its with a lack of personal responsibility!

[huskie3]

Oh yes, I forgot having to check the bathroom at 5am. Should have qualified it by saying "officially" a registered resident

1971 in Newland (with bathroom between rooms) there were 2 females "unofficially" living on 3rd floor. No hiding there.

[ASUMountaineer]

I find it mostly funny that so many that constantly gripe about being too PC and the "United States of the Offended" are clearly offended by a loser RA's bulletin board.

I always thought college was the time and place to challenge everything your believed. You're on your own for the first time (in most cases), and you've been insulated--rightfully so--for most of your life. Being able to learn new things, expand your experiences, and to consider others is the basis for becoming a well-rounded member of society.

I am a WASP, and a son a Southern Baptist deacon, raised in a conservative-Christian home, in the Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt. When I got to Appalachian and met people with different experiences and viewpoints, I was fascinated--not threatened or offended. The wonderful part about college is that there are not "cool kids" so-to-speak. Look at how much conversation this bulletin board has spurred--the RA has already won.

Do I agree with the underlying point of the board, in many respects yes. Do I agree with the manner in which the point was delivered? Absolutely not. However, I also recognize that a public university is a place to have discussions that challenge viewpoints, biases, beliefs, etc. I'm thankful that that was part of my education at Appalachian.

I also didn't realize that educational mission at Appalachian ceased when you entered the dormitory. The students offended in the piece crack me up. They are becoming the thing they are griping about--the offended.

Yeah. These griping loser white kids. Being uncomfortable in the place where they live? Pfft... Get over it, you spoiled, privileged protestants. Time to become enlightened and educated and realize just how lucky you are to be put in a position to be chastised and singled out for being lucky! Hmph... I bet their ancestors were slave owners too. Racist bigots.

Maybe some straight white males in East Hall should start wearing high heels and dresses around campus and at least lose some of that "hetro cisgendered" privileged status.

"United States of the Offended"

Thanks for proving my point.

I guess you missed the part where I said I disagreed with the way the RA delivered his point (can't let that get in the way of the narrative). I wonder if the students in the piece took the time to go see the RA to voice their concern with the board, or to "enlighten" the RA. I'd bet none. Instead, they gave an interview to a biased "reporter." Mountains out of molehills, my friend, mountains out of molehills.

The only thing I'm offended by is your excessive use of smilies.

How would you know one way or the other if they spoke to the RA? Maybe they did and the RA was a jerk about it. Maybe they didn't.

People can wallow in the mud of what's right, fair, CIS, straight, gay and privileged but the world isn't fair and never will be. All one can do is try to make good decisions, treat your fellow man (and woman!) with courtesy and respect and work hard. Everything else takes care of itself.

My bad!

You're right, I don't know. That is why I used the word "wonder," followed by my excessively clear assumption. I'm sorry that you missed the obvious.

I completely agree with your last point. Further, in no way have I defended the RA (I called him a "loser" and said I didn't agree with his using the board for this purpose). However, the amount of irony in this thread is amazingly hilarious.

[ASUMountaineer]

I wonder if the students in the piece took the time to go see the RA to voice their concern with the board

If the RA was at all like he was characterized in the article, I doubt it would have done much good.

Herbert said one flier on the bulletin board told students who didn’t understand “what was wrong with [them]” to come to the RA’s dorm room so that he could “enlighten” them.

Doesn't seem like this person is the approachable type. At least not if you're a white person who disagrees with his dogmatic worldview. I'd love to have a chat with the guy about what's wrong with me, but I'm not a meek subordinate of his like his residents.

You too are clearly missing my point. The irony that people who gripe about political correctness and the "United States of the Offended," are the same ones that are up-in-arms over this. I very seriously doubt that the residents are "meek subordinates."

That is a new level of hyperbole. But, that type of hyperbole fits perfectly with your "shaming" rhetoric. I do empathize that you were offended by a bulletin board that you've never seen in person. That must be tough to bear.

[Gonzo]

He is the RA and they are the residents. They're subordinate as a matter of (dorm) law. I say meek because most people think twice before criticizing people who hold positions over them. That's not hyperbole. That's an accurate characterization of the relationship.

Google words before you use then if you're unclear of the meaning and read the article again, more specifically the quote I pulled. That's the RA equivalent of one of those joke "complaint department" buttons that's obviously a mouse trap. If you don't like it, come see me and I'll set you straight. Give me a break. Approachable?

[Gonzo]

And I believe you're missing the point if you're reducing this to "people who complain about people being offended, being offended."

The issues with this bulletin board are racial double standards, and moreover, an inappropriate medium for radical and unsolicited race baiting (ie their own homes).

Our opinions may vary as to the existence of white guilt, white privelege, and the demonization of certain groups nation wide, but the context of this message is indefensible. The kids who finally got fed up are lefties for crying out loud.

[asutrnr81]

I think the line gets drawn with the job description and that he was acting as an employee of the university.

It would seem very clear to me. He has every right to speak, and post, and try to influence others.....he just can't do that in the role of RA, representing the University. Given the job description posted.

[ASUMountaineer]

He is the RA and they are the residents. They're subordinate as a matter of (dorm) law. I say meek because most people think twice before criticizing people who hold positions over them. That's not hyperbole. That's an accurate characterization of the relationship.

Google words before you use then if you're u clear of meaning and read the article again, more specifically the quote I pulled. That's the RA equivalent of one of those joke "complaint department" buttons that's obviously a mouse trap.

Cute.

I have no idea what the students may have done in response to this because the "article" you posted is so biased and poorly written that there's not nearly enough information or follow through to make an informed decision. That's the author's fault.

I think this much ado about nothing.

[Gonzo]

Why do you two think I'm taking it personally?

Just because I'm winning doesn't mean I give a shit.

[ASUMountaineer]

And I believe you're missing the point if you're reducing this to "people who complain about people being offended, being offended."

The issues with this bulletin board are racial double standards, and moreover, an inappropriate medium for radical and unsolicited race baiting (ie their own homes).

Our opinions may vary as to the existence of white guilt, white privelege, and the demonization of certain groups nation wide, but the context of this message is indefensible. The kids who finally got fed up are lefties for crying out loud.

So, you are missing it. I'm not reducing it to that, just making one observation that I find funny/interesting. Apparently, that offended people too. If you had read my other posts, you would have clearly seen that.

I stated that the RA should not have posted the bulletin board, but I also said I don't think it's nearly as big of a deal as it's become. With that said, the RA should be reprimanded and the board taken down. Then, there should be a useful and inclusive discussion about the issues presented since they are out there now. College seems like a great place to have such a discussion.

I'm sorry to have virtually found amusement at your expense, Gonz.

[appdaze]

Why do you two think I'm taking it personally?

Just because I'm winning doesn't mean I give a shit.

That sounds more like the wounded red faced pride of a 14 year old teenager who is now just blurting things out. Gonzo you are taking this argument personally, not the issue the argument is about, but just the argument itself. You should probably step away from the keyboard for a day or so before you get back on here to clear a cluttered mind.

[ASUMountaineer]

Why do you two think I'm taking it personally?

Just because I'm winning doesn't mean I give a shit.

That sounds more like the wounded red faced pride of a 14 year old teenager who is now just blurting things out. Gonzo you are taking this argument personally, not the issue the argument is about, but just the argument itself. You should probably step away from the keyboard for a day or so before you get back on here to clear a cluttered mind.

I don't think so. Gonzo just has this thing where he has to win the interwebs. He's a decent dude, and I know he's not really offended by the bulletin board, it's just fun to get him going.

[Gonzo]

Why do you two think I'm taking it personally?

Just because I'm winning doesn't mean I give a shit.

That sounds more like the wounded red faced pride of a 14 year old teenager who is now just blurting things out. Gonzo you are taking this argument personally, not the issue the argument is about, but just the argument itself. You should probably step away from the keyboard for a day or so before you get back on here to clear a cluttered mind.

I write with pizzazz. Always have. Historically it has been confused with emotional investment.

[appchicago]

I write with pizzazz.

When I see the word "pizzazz," this is what my mind conjures. Every time. I might have a problem.

[Gonzo]

I write with pizzazz.

When I see the word "pizzazz," this is what my mind conjures. Every time. I might have a problem.

/thread

[wataugan03]

I might be wrong about this, but I thought there were bulletin boards in all the dorms, and that anyone can put anything they want up on them. At least that's what I remember from when I was in school.