Phi Delta Theta's Christmas photo, which includes a dark skinned sex doll (upper left), sparked concerns over the fraternity's cultural sensitivity.
Over the past week, the story of Phi Delta Theta's questionable holiday card has been all over the news. The card featured a dark-skinned blow-up doll that the fraternity says was a Beyonce blow-up doll.
Now Philadelphia Magazine senior reporter Victor Fiorillo has written a column about the card, saying that while the card was racially insensitive, it was not in fact racist.
"Stupid? Yes. Tasteless? Yes. But racist? I dunno, folks," Fiorillo wrote. "I'd be more offended by the Cowboys shirts. (Or by the fact that the frat is apparently lacking in African-American membership, at least based on the photo.)"
Fiorillo goes on to say that people overuse the word racist, saying that the word is "conversation stopper."
After the card was released, Phi Delta Theta was placed under investigation by its international organization.
Read the column from Fiorillo here.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.