A Step Too Far

Last month, the Zeta Tau Alpha chapter of the University of Arkansas won a national dance competition in Atlanta — the “Sprite Step Off” — and all hell broke loose. “Step dancing,” you see, is a traditional black art form and the Zetas from Arkansas were the only white contestants. The Arkansas sorority has been “stepping” for 16 years now. They were introduced to the tradition in a multiracial “Unity Night” in which black and white sororities swap traditions. In Barack Obama’s postracial America, where racism is said to be a relic of the past, you would think the Zeta’s victory would have been celebrated as the quintessential example of “celebrating diversity,” “interracial harmony,” and “encouraging mutual respect.” Obviously, the Zetas must think highly of African-American culture to find it worthy of emulation. Music and dance have traditionally played an important role in breaking down racial barriers. Not this time. In the aftermath of the Zeta’s victory, hundreds of furious African Americans took to YouTube, blogs, and internet messageboards to post thousands of hateful, racist comments about the Zetas. How dare a bunch of white girls from Arkansas waltz into the “Sprite Step Off” and beat black sororities at their own game! The videos of the competition on YouTube generated so much racist, anti-white vitriol from African Americans that the comment section had to be shut down. Angry black callers seething with hate flooded talk radio call-in shows with hostile comments. Rozonda Thomas of TLC, a judge at the competition, took such a beating on one black radio show in Atlanta that she called in to defend herself. In an act of racial solidarity, Thomas told her listeners that “the AKAs from Indiana, hands-down in my opinion, should have won.” Apparently, the old idea that we should judge others based on the color of their skin, not the content of their character, still resonates with many in the African American community. Initially, the Zetas performance in Atlanta was met with wild applause by the largely African American audience in attendance. However, when it became clear that the Zetas had actually won the competition, large sections of the audience booed them off the stage. Later, the Coca Cola company retroactively awarded a second first place prize of $100,000 to the runner up black sorority. The message sent was clear: even if they lose, the first place prize will always be awarded to a black sorority. Race is more important than merit. That’s what the multiculturalists would have us believe. They talk endlessly about “diversity” and “inclusion,” but it quickly becomes clear that one race in particular doesn’t match their profile. Telllingly, the professional anti-hate community hasn’t had much to say about this sordid episode in American race relations. Al Sharpton hasn’t marched. Jesse Jackson hasn’t held a candlelight protest. The NAACP isn’t launching a boycott. President Barack Obama hasn’t called this a “teachable moment.” Is anyone surprised?

Youth for Western Civilization, March 4, 2010