Mardi Gras celebration inappropriate for Ash Wednesday

I was offended by the Student Association's choice to host a Mardi Gras event on Wednesday, March 1.

I am able to draw one of two conclusions regarding the planners of this event. The first is that the Student Association has absolutely no knowledge of what Mardi Gras actually is. The second is that the Student Association does comprehend the nature of Mardi Gras, but they nonetheless decided to offend those who celebrate this holiday.

Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is the name given to the day before Ash Wednesday. Fat Tuesday is the traditional day in which the foods not to be eaten during the season of Lent - for example, sugar and fat - are used up. This prepares a household for the solemn season of Lent, a season of prayer and fasting.

That said, I see no reason why the Student Association should not celebrate Mardi Gras. My problem with the Student Association's celebration is that it was held, not on Mardi Gras, but on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is a day of fasting. On this day, Catholics abstain from meat, eat light meals, and do not snack between meals. Of all of the days in February when the Student Association could have held their event, they chose to fill the Student Union with balloons, cotton candy, and popcorn on a holy day of fasting.

I feel that this choice of celebration and date demonstrates a lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity. I hope that in the future they will be more aware of the cultures they are seeking to represent.