<p>"Dying is easy. Comedy is hard."</p>
<pre><code> ---someone or another
</code></pre>
<p>apropos:</p>
<p>"He who laughs has not yet heard the bad news."
—Bertolt Brecht</p>
<p>So what exactly is your point, mini? That Princeton's student body is made up of a majority of bigots? (Of course, versus your alma mater, versus other Ivies, versus one of the many Universities you clearly prefer to Princeton).</p>
<p>"(Of course, versus your alma mater, versus other Ivies, versus one of the many Universities you clearly prefer to Princeton).</p>
<p>On the contrary, I can EASILY imagine a similar incident at my alma mater, or worse (they've had 'em.) </p>
<p>The low opinion of the readership is not mine, but that of the editorial board of the Princetonian.</p>
<p>mini,
I must admit: I think your last sentence makes an excellent point. (LCD)</p>
<p>This sounds like something out of "The Onion." Have seen some things in it that are funny, but others that are often very offensive.</p>
<p>Also, though, some people seem to be patting themselves on the back now for not going (or sending their children) to Princeton... Am sure there are many students there who are just as outraged as the readers here -- probably more so since it's their school, and it's an embarassment. It's not their fault this was published, and it's stupid to pass judgement on the student body as a whole because of it.</p>
<p>lspf, I agree, but I think that's more characteristic of the Admissions Forum. (Much more judgmental posts there.)</p>
<p>Oops -- haven't looked there--</p>
<p>Hard to get more judgmental than the posts here. All we disagree about is just how far the stain extends.</p>
<p>Not very hard at all.<br>
That forum is much more opinionated. Not unlike college newspapers vs. high school or adult newspapers.</p>
<p>Actually, I just looked there and it seemed a lot LESS judgmental. Several people saying they thought it was funny, or that some of it was funny, or that Jian Li deserved it . . . . and of course lots of people saying the opposite (some of whom have posted here, too).</p>
<p>The earlier portions of the thread were not focused on the humor. Furthermore, in general the threads in that forum are far more emotional, more extreme. Occasionally more thoughtful discussions ensue.
JMO, having spent much time on both PF and AF, & noticing different tones.</p>
<p>You guys are sensitive prudes. I'm Asian and I found it LOLTASTIC. Of course I'd retort with something a million times more malicious, but that's another story. Stop being vadges.</p>
<p>I think its okay that people rant on this subject. These anonymous message boards are a gift to this generation. It is now possible to truly admit what you feel without tangible retribution. I think it is healthy for America, it educates, and it lets everyone know what the REAL issues are. IMHO</p>
<p>Just a few things (some venting actually):</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Just like the EIC said there are Asians on the senior editorial board, also I believe that the editor of the op/ed section is Asian.</p></li>
<li><p>Alumother is correct. The Prince is not controlled by the University because they don't receive any funding from the University. So what's with this:</p></li>
</ol>
<p>
<p>This comment, in particular, just propagates another Asian stereotype. So Asians are the only ones with a good study/work ethic? I wonder how the rest of the student body at [insert top university] got accepted?</p>
<p>Like I said on the Princeton board, why should the mistake of the Prince editorial staff (~8-15 undergrads) represent the entire University (~4700 undergrads)? Does that make me/the other ~4685 undergrads "racist" because some people (I probably don't even know) published a ridiculous article/issue?</p>
<ol> <li>Last note, </li> </ol>
<p> [quote=coureur] but it's pretty obvious that several real losers (the author and the editors) somehow got admitted to Princeton
</p>
<p>if racist person was applying to a university do you really believe that he would let his racist tendencies just shine through in his college application/essay? I don't. Hence, the adcoms can't detect who's "racist" and who isnt. Do you think a Harvard adcom has a knack for weeding out racists? I truly believe that there are people, like the writer of this article, at * every * institution. It's just that this person at Princeton found an outlet for their "beliefs/jokes." </p>
<p>Note: I'm not defending the person who the article.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I believe some the Asian alumni are joining forces with some of the Asian student groups on campus to take a stand and not let this sort of thing happen again. :)</p></li>
<li><p>I didn't like the article/issue.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Hmm...I guess I'm done. :)</p>
<p>My father is a Princeton alumnus and I applied to Princeton regular decision this year. I am also an Asian-American, and like most I found the article repulsive and racist. I emailed President Tilghman my thoughts, and asked if she or the University would like to comment. Here is her response:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Dear sheldon0789,</p>
<p>The Wednesday edition of the Prince was the so-called "joke" edition. All the articles in it were written with tongues in cheek. I am afraid that the students have a long way to go to becoming successful comedians or satirical writers, and that the column to which you refer was one that crossed the line between funny and inappropriate. I am sorry if it left you with a negative impression of Princeton as a whole, as I do not believe that it is representative of the student body, or its views.</p>
<p>Best wishes,
Shirley Tilghman
[/quote]
</p>
<p>As others have pointed out, a similarly written piece regarding African-Americans, Hispanics, or Jews would never have made it past the Daily Princetonian's door. Has the Asian-American population at Princeton reacted in any way to the article? Specially the AASA (Asian-American Students Association)?</p>
<p>Yes they have. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>This and the leaders of these groups have voiced their opinion on the subject which was published in the Prince article this morning.</p>
<p>well, I didn't take it seriously, and I thought it was funny. If you take it seriously, obviously it is offensive. But if you back up and see it's a joke, relax, and laugh, I, at least, found it amusing.</p>
<p>it's a newspaper completely under the control of students. Things happen all the time with papers that aren't under administration control. If it's not funny, say it's not funny, don't pull the PC card.</p>
<p>It is obvious they were not trying to be offensive in any way.</p>
<p>After attending an international school for almost six years, I've become pretty desensitized to humor that involves racial, ethnic, or cultural stereotypes. I was offended by the editorial not because it contains stereotypes, but because as satire, it falls painfully short. </p>
<p>Not funny. Not even close. My high school newspaper does better.</p>
<p>(Which isn't to say I'll be withdrawing my application anytime soon. Let's not exaggerate here.)</p>