The SSB’s theme has come under fire from a group of students who claim it is racist.
The legendary charity ball, which aims to promote a greater awareness of safer sex, will have a ‘tribal’ theme this year.
But new campaign group Exeter Students for Social Justice hit out at the dress code, demanding an apology and mandatory ‘Privilege Awareness Training’ for the organizing committee.
The group, which has just 40 likes on Facebook, argues the theme is “racist and needs to go”. They define tribal as “a colonialist and racist term used by the white West in the past and present to oppress People of Colour throughout the world.”
Haley McNally sent a message of support, writing: “This is actually so blatantly racist it both makes [me] angry because an educational institution is holding an event like this and not following international human rights (particularly UNDRIP, among many others), and it makes me laugh because it is so outrageously stupid that people would even think this isn’t offensive.”
The Guild and RAG declined to comment but in February the Guild released a statement entitled “A Response to Banter – the appearance of prejudice”, in which it addresses potential issues of “blacking up” and “cross dressing”.
The message says the Guild: “Do express disapproval of unthinking and insulting appearances against minority student groups. Please think before you act and be considerate of others around you.”
The facebook group accusing the SSB committee of racism
Exeter Students for Social Justice has so far declined to comment.
Last year’s SSB – whose theme was Fantasia – raised £40,000 for HIV and AIDS charities.
Read Tab editor Matt McDonald’s views on the debate here.
The Tab can reveal that, at the time of writing this article, no official complaints have been registered with The Guild.
the issue isn't about 'blacking up' – it's about the appropriation of cultures that have been oppressed and eliminated throughout history by white people. it's about the largely white and heavily privileged student mass that take these symbols and images of huge cultural importance and trivialise them into barely-concealing costumes for a glorified fancy-dress party. it's about having the sensitivity to realise that this is an offensive stealing of cultures that we have slaved and slaughtered throughout history, regardless of intent.
See this is the problem with people that want to be culture crusaders. While you claim white people are racist against tribes, you are actually being racist one. By grouping all light colored peoples into one group you are essentially saying that ALL of them are responsible for what a few individuals may have done years ago. That would be like saying that because black people on average commit more anti-white hate crimes than white people inflict on themselves, therefore no black person should be allowed to dress up dress up as a cowboy, or royal because those are elements of "white culture." This is upsurd! You are discriminating against an indefinable group, white people while you claim that you fight against discrimination. Additionally you are being pompous and arrogant claiming to represent the wishes of tribal people? Who are these tribal people anyway, the only tribes I can think of off the top of my head are the Nordic tribes. What you are also doing to denying Exeter students the rights to self-determination and the freedom of expression. If a student feels they want to dress up in a manner that reflects who they desire to look who are you to deny them that right? That would be like a homophobe, denying a transsexual the right to dress in a manner that they wish. Such views expressed by this anti SSB group are veiled attempts at totalitarianism and fascism.
Could not agree more.
"You are discriminating against an indefinable group [ie: whites]" + "Who are these tribal people anyway[?]"
– I think you can see your problem here…
"the rights to self-determination and the freedom of expression" – which are totally more important than freedom from racism and apropriation.
poor grammar
This group is ridiculous. It's only racism if you're using it in a derogatory way which it is not. It's a theme for a uni event, they should get over themselves.
How do you connect the word 'Tribal' to ONLY people of colour? That seems a bit racist in itself. Are you not counting the numerous (mainly white skinned) tribes that used to exist throughout England, Wales, Scotland, not to mention the rest of Europe?
But wait! Look at the imagery that is developed by the safer sex ball: do you see anything that is not associated with racialised cultures?
Of course, tribal in the "proper" or "dictionary" sense of the word doesn't apply only to folks of colour. On the other hand, the dominant imagery linked with the idea of "tribal" is that of "other", racialised cultures.
Celtic tribes. Your argument is invalid.
Well, that escalated quickly!
I can completely understand this cause, I saw a Chinese person wearing a barbour and felt deeply offended
This comment thread: a bunch of white people explaining what they think is and isn't racist.
I just had a DNA test and am 3% Neanderthal. I suspect that another human species is just about as tribal as it can get.
Still, on behalf of my fellow Neanderthals and I, I give you permission to use our underpants in your tribal-themed celebrations.
Have a great time!
Pingback: ‘Tribal’ theme for Exeter’s Safer Sex Ball is racist, scream right-on killjoys. But ‘racism awareness’ has run out of steam at universities – Telegraph Blogs « Innerstanding Isness