Here is the issue that we have currently on college campuses when it comes to theme parties: we sometimes like creativity and ingenuity and fall into what I like to call the “Dane Cook Trap.”
Dane Cook, while rather comical, has an issue of copping out for intelligent comedy and instead uses immature comedy to get his laughs. It works, but it is hardly ever smart comedy.
WYTT 4
I am not saying what SAE did was right, and I also do not think what they did should be condoned. When planning themed parties, any student organization should remember that in a world of social media and a massive call for political correctness in society, the way you frame your theme is crucial to how it is perceived by the outside world.
People do not judge Gay Pride Parades because they are celebrations and accepting of the LGBT community. “Cripmas” is judged by onlookers because it makes a spectacle.
So if you are planning any themed parties in the future, keep the following in mind so that you do not end up like SAE at Clemson.
- Intelligent comedy is the funniest kind. The more creative of a theme it is, the better it will be. And you won’t go on social probo!
- Don’t make fun of serious issues. So to review, themes you should not have include (but are not limited to) ISIS, Gender Inequality and Poverty.
- Do not target one specific group of people with your them unless you are doing so ironically. For example, frat boys can have a “Frat Themed” party with Vineyard Vines and chubbies a plenty, because they know that they are not seriously defined by the aforementioned stereotypes.
Party hard and party responsibly, everybody.
