<p>State</a> College, PA - State Patty's Day Approaching Amid Months of Turmoil</p>
<p>[Say</a> no to State Patty’s Day - The Daily Collegian Online](<a href=“http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2012/02/10/say_no_to_state_pattys_day.aspx]Say”>http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2012/02/10/say_no_to_state_pattys_day.aspx)</p>
<p>It’s a big party.
Those inclined to participate in anything related to a party, will do so.
Those inclined to pass on such events, will do so.
Those able to take things in moderation, will also do so.</p>
<p>In the end - it all depends on the person.</p>
<p>Well said Grcxx3. This is an interesting situation for Penn State. </p>
<p>There are 2 sides to the story here. On one hand, there’s the thought that with the recent hit that PSU has taken from a PR standpoint, State Patty’s Day should be abolished in order to prevent more negative attention from the media. Then there’s the thought that State Patty’s Day should continue as usual. Why should PSU students treat this holiday any different? It’s become a tradition at this point. </p>
<p>I understand both sides of the argument, and it has definitely put the Penn State community in a difficult situation.</p>
<p>I grew up in New Orleans, with Mardi Gras, when the legal drinking age was 18 (and the unofficial age was much lower). Like State Patty’s Day -Mardi Gras is a big party and those who choose to make the most of it - always will. As a teen, I had a blast during Mardi Gras. And I definitely drank, but never remember getting drunk, and certainly never ended up in jail.</p>
<p>After Hurricane Katrina, there were those who said Mardi Gras (2006) should be cancelled. Then there were those who said it should - with no question - go on…to showto the world that the spirit, drive, determination, and strength of the city will prevail. I am happy to say it went on. </p>
<p>I hope that the State Patty’s Day celebration will continue, but in more positive sense. I like the idea of it becoming more of an arts/food/music/family festival - rather than just an excuse to party. This is what has made the NO Jazz & Heritage Festival so successful. </p>
<p>Lots of lessons to be learned from the past few months. The trick is that the moves that are in the most positive direction, aren’t always the easiest to make. It’s a challenge.</p>
<p>Penn Stat’s reputation can improve or bottom out depending on what happens on State Patty’s Day.</p>
<p>If the Penn State students drink responsibly or even incorporate a fundraiser for child abuse victims into the festivities, I think Penn State’s image can be improved.</p>
<p>If all we see are drunken animals vandalizing property, then that will pretty much confirm what the rest of the country already thinks.</p>
<p>I’m sure the students realize this is an atypical year with everything that has happened. Joe Sandusky’s trial is ongoing and media attention will be fierce. The students really have a great opportunity to improve the image of their school (especially given what happened after Paterno’s firing) or they can get drunk, destroy stuff, get arrested. Let’s see which path they choose.</p>
<p>norcalguy - no matter what, there will always be SOME students who choose to “get drunk, destroy stuff, get arrested.” Are you going to condemn the entire student body if there are some kids who just can’t help but be stupid? And if all you see are “drunken animals vandalizing property” then that is what the media has chosen to show. That’s so much more interesting/provocative to show than face painting and Irish dancing!</p>
<p>Going back to the Mardi Gras analogy, there is a LOT of good, family fun that goes on in New Orleans during the Carnival season and on Mardi Gras Day. But if you only base your knowledge/opinion about Mardi Gras by what is shown on TV, you’d think the whole thing takes place on Bourbon St with everyone getting drunk and acting like idiots. Does that happen? Of course, but it’s only one SMALL part of the celebration, most of which is fun for all.</p>
<p>For me the Mardi Gras analogy has limited use; it is a ages-old occasion with many facets and activities. SPD is a faux holiday created for the express purpose of getting drunk. Let’s call a spade a spade. Not all the revelers will be falling down, most will not be vandals, many will go home sober. A majority of students will be working, studying, or doing something completely unrelated. But IFC is already preparing to overturn their decision to not have parties on SPD because membership complained. </p>
<p>Yes, the whole student body gets the reputation it pulls onto itself. That’s why “everyone” at MIT is a genius, “everyone” at MICA is a creative force, and “everyone” at NYU Film is going to be The Next Big Thing. A reputation isn’t truth, it’s a generalization. If “everyone” at PSU hated SPD, it wouldn’t happen, and eventually the out of towners would go away too. I would have posted the world’s most moronic Daily Collegian column, but it didn’t seem fair. (The usual argument of “we deserve it” and “everybody does it” combined with “you need our money, so shut up”) If it makes the kiddos feel like they are sticking it to the man by throwing up in the street, hooking up with strangers, getting into fistfights or just having a terrible hangover, so be it. The attitude of entitlement is annoying, coming from people who aren’t going to pick up the tab.</p>
<p>[State</a> College, PA - State College to Increase Parking Enforcement, Prices for State Patty’s Day Weekend](<a href=“http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/state-college-to-increase-parking-enforcement-prices-for-state-pattys-day-weekend-1008859/]State”>http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/state-college-to-increase-parking-enforcement-prices-for-state-pattys-day-weekend-1008859/)
[State</a> College, PA - King Encouraging State College Bars to Close or Adjust Hours for State Patty’s Day](<a href=“http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/king-encouraging-state-college-bars-to-close-or-adjust-hours-for-state-pattys-day-1006931/]State”>http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/king-encouraging-state-college-bars-to-close-or-adjust-hours-for-state-pattys-day-1006931/)</p>
<p>[State</a> College, PA - Dante’s Downtown Establishments to Shutter Bar Service for State Patty’s Day 2012](<a href=“http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/dantes-downtown-establishments-to-shutter-bar-service-for-state-pattys-day-2012-1009357/]State”>http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/dantes-downtown-establishments-to-shutter-bar-service-for-state-pattys-day-2012-1009357/)</p>
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