This is a silly question, but my daughter was considering doing this, but is not sure if it is appropriate.
“Warning: this essay contains extreme color bias that may be offensive to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.”
She has written about the color yellow being her archnemesis and she’s concerned that she may offend the reader if that is their favorite color. I think she’s joking, but I’m not entirely sure.
Nobody who reads the essay would even get the joke until after they’ve finished the rest of it. Without context – as it would be, before the essay – it could sound almost racial. Which is not something you want to put your reader on the defensive about.
This is just my personal opinion, but I can’t say I find the joke all that funny.
It is a matter of taste, of course. I’d suggest an informal poll of 5-10 people to see what the consensus is - it’s something my school’s GC encourages students to do when he feels an essay may be borderline, to make sure that isn’t just his personal reaction. Different context, same principle.
Does it fit the prompt? If so, then I would send it off. I think it sounds very tongue in cheek and definitely some would find it amusing/clever. I don’t think such a silly slant would be offensive. UChicago doesn’t strike me as a sensitive PC type of place that takes itself too seriously like that. Liberal, yes. But not PC police type environment. It’s not a racial comment. Anyway, that’s one more opinion.
^ But you don’t KNOW that it’s not racial until AFTER you’ve read the essay. Before you have any context whatsoever, what other conclusions is the average reader going to draw from “extreme color bias” that “may be offensive”? Like, come on…that’s weird.
I agree with bodangles that it definitely sounds racial, which is a weird vibe to put your reader on before they even start the essay. What’s the prompt though? Is it about colors? Also btw, the uchicago rep at my school specifically said that risks in the supplement essays are totally okay, though he recommended not to take risks in the common app essay and “Why Chicago?”.
Wouldn’t it be possible to work the color bias joke more prosaically into the essay? Agreeing with the posters above, I think it’s a clever joke, but placing at the front without context is mildly alarming for a reader. I’d suggest introducing the joke somewhere in the middle or the end, where the reader will be able to best appreciate it.
U Chicago seems like it’d prefer the more creative nd the risks but I’d avoid it as it may leave a negative impression. Perhaps replace it with another joke if possible, as I don’t think it adds as much as it detracts
It becomes apparent very quickly that she talking about colors, in particular yellow. This is the beginning:
"Warning: this essay contains extreme color bias that may be offensive to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Colors are an enchanting part of life, though they often go unthought of. Having seen them every day of our lives, we often dismiss the vibrant shades of color that surround us. The sky is blue - though really, it is sometimes blue, and other times white or grey, pink, orange, or red, purple or a deep navy. Grass is green - though really, it is only sometimes green, and is far more often a shade of brown, or yellow.
I have always harbored an express dislike for the color yellow."
What’s the plus side to adding the disclaimer?
But, maybe more important-- which prompt does this answer?
Option 7 this year is to choose any past UChicago prompt. I’m guessing this is the one.
So it asks about enemies… And you start off by saying you’re color biased… Hm I’d rethink this.
It’s a long story, but she considers the color yellow to be her enemy… and she will tell anyone who will listen why.
@dedex13: I’ve read the little bit of your daughter’s intro that you published and, frankly, I think it’s fine because it is apparent quickly and clearly that is is about the color yellow. There was no confusion for me; I did not pick up a racial overtone at all. However, I would suggest that she drop the warning; it starts the reader off with an alarming note when your daughter’s tone should be casual and light. UChicago is interested in her thinking and what it tells them about her, as well as her writing ability. If she can do this deftly, it could work well.
For what it’s worth, I think the joke is fine, and I wouldn’t worry about any reader not getting it or getting over-alarmed by it.
OP, don’t overthink this. I think that defeats the purpose of the Uncommon App.
^^I agree. I think it is funny and might stick in the reader’s mind.
I think it’s totally fine. We know someone admitted last year that wrote a hilarious essay about a minor mishap. It was totally quirky and crazy. He however did not get admitted to a number of lesser schools that did not “get” him. Especially if her CA essay is more traditional I think going for her true personality is encouraged. When my son told me his topic of choice I had that internal parental angst that it was too silly and silly for silly’s sake but once I read the actual essay I could see his sense of humor and intellect. It would still not be my choice but I don;t think it will hurt his chances and meshes well with his serious CA essay and fairly personal LORs.
I have to admit I groaned to myself when she decided to do her yellow rant. She has since changed the disclaimer to clearly state the color bias is against yellow. She definitely is a weird one, hopefully that comes through in the essay.
I think it’s fine, too.