Earlier today, I read an article written by another Odyssey contributor, Aasha Shaik (which can be found https://www.theodysseyonline.com/unbelievably-sexist-question-penn-masala-asked?ref=fbhere) about Penn Masala's horrifyingly sexist application.
Penn Masala is an a cappella group at the University of Pennsylvania. It was the first South Asian a cappella group, created in 1996, which led to hundreds of other people around the nation being inspired to creating similar groups.
It was also my favorite a cappella group, until today.
Penn Masala has been known to take their most talented applicants each year, but apparently, they also take the ones who “properly” answer this question:
“Who are the 5 hottest girls you’ve seen at Penn?”
And no, this is not the first year that this question has been used; Penn Masala is known for using the same application each year.
Now you might be wondering why this is such a big deal. You might say to yourself, “it’s just one little question.”
But here’s the way I see it.
Penn Masala is one of the most popular a cappella groups out there; they have millions of fans, they’ve released albums, toured worldwide, starred in a movie, and have even performed at the White House. Needless to say, they’re pretty damn influential.
And yet, instead of using that platform for good, they have proved yet again that they have the same misogynistic mindset that can be seen in so many other South Asians.
The misogynistic mindset that disgusts me, and so many other people, so much; the one that no one expected from them because of the way they portrayed themselves all these years.
As small as it might seem to people, this is another example of women being turned into sexual objects on college campuses. It is disgusting to me that they would have applicants look at their college peers, peers who are not even aware of this, in such a way and have them decide on people’s value based on their looks.
Aside from it being extremely sexist, I think it is just straight up childish. When you are grown adults who go to one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, you really should do better than asking questions about who the most attractive females are on your campus.
The fact that this question plays a factor in who becomes a member just makes me sad; I sincerely did think that there was more to who gets picked to be a part of this group that I adored so much.
I sincerely do hope that the group cares enough to own up to their mistakes, and hopefully change their ways.
Penn Masala, I sincerely hope you get your act together ASAP. I'd hate to stop being a fan of a group I've loved for so long.
