http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2988984/Parker-Rice-ringleader-racist-Oklahoma-frat-chant-issues-apology-parents-Levi-Pettit-come-forward-brand-son-s-actions-disgusting.html
Parker Rice made headlines last weekend over a video that went viral for the wrong reasons. The 19 year old Dallas native was seen with his fellow University of Oklahoma Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers chanting a song to the cheerful tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It"; however, the song was not cheerful and nobody watching clapped their hands. The song included the "N" word, along with references to the lynchings that happened during slavery and the oppression of African Americans up until the late 60's. The song implied that the fraternity, which is known for being exclusive, African Americans were not allowed or welcome in the fraternity. Of course it sparked controversy, provoked thought and reactions, as well as made his previous high school, Jesuit College Prepratory, shake their heads in disapproval.
ANALYSIS: This relates to APUSH obviously because the song and cheers from Rice and others looked as if they were a modern day KKK. Yet, it's relevant to me. Parker Rice and I grew up only a few streets away and were closely involved in the same organizations at our middle school. I knew both him, his oldest brother, and his younger brother. He came from kind and giving parents who were also heavily involved with school fundraisers and events. In my time knowing Rice, I knew that he was keen on fitting in, yet I didn't know the measures he was willing to take until almost five years after he'd graduated from our school. In no way is it acceptable to use or allude to the "N" word no matter the skin color or upbringing you have. Rice now understands this, and has been taught this at a very high cost. I disagree heavily with the violent outbursts this video has provoked. Yes, Rice's decision was detrimental in numerous aspects, and yes it is 100% wrong and intolerable, but protesting outside of the family's home, calling him names, branding the fraternity with equally harmful labels, is no solution.
Racism is taught, yes, but it is also acquired through the friend group and environment you surround yourself with. The University of Oklahoma, while known in APUSH as a place from Native Americans, the first major minority of our nation, is not a home for racism. In addition I want to communicate as someone who has worked, lived, and spent time with the community of Jesuit that this school is also in no way the birthplace for Rice's racist streak which landed him in the hot seat of disapproval. I believe, like KKK members, thoughts of exclusivity were drilled into his head and thus Rice felt a need to fit into his new fraternity, as most freshmen do. The song was taught to him, just as it was to the previous members, and so he used this as a gateway to be "accepted" into the racist, exclusive fraternity. He clearly paid for the results at a high price. As followers of the amendments, we should acknowledge and understand that racism is an issue that runs thick through our American roots, and no one should follow in Rice's footsteps. Yet, we cannot forget to avoid walking in the footsteps of those who have used violence rather than logic to solve issues. Protesting in violent manners, looting, and killing those we believe cause us shame with their racist ideas will only fuel the fire so to speak.
Racism is unacceptable and cannot, should not, and will not ever be welcomed by the true Americans who practice our nation's message, "all men (and women) are created equal", yet Rice and those who are completely at fault for racism are people too, and we should remember that the only to prevent awful remarks, songs, and other racist events from occurring is to educate all, young or old, that this country is a home for any skin color, no questions or opinions. We are the nations for the free and a safe haven for those who seek freedom.
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