An Indiana State University student’s racist tirade has ignited widespread condemnation and sparked protests on campus after a video of her derogatory remarks went viral on social media platforms.
Asa Blanton Viral Video
The student, identified as Asa Blanton, captured national attention with her inflammatory comments disparaging Black individuals’ connection to country culture. In the video, which circulated on TikTok and Yik Yak, Blanton can be heard asserting, “I’m sorry but if you’re Black you’re not country.” She went on to make racially charged statements about the historical experiences of Black people, claiming, “They wasn’t making money. They was getting sold for money.”
The video, shared by TikTok user TizzyEnt, quickly garnered millions of views, prompting outrage and swift condemnation from the online community. TizzyEnt highlighted the significance of Beyoncé’s recent album release, “Cowboy Carter,” which aims to spotlight the foundational contributions of Black individuals to country music and culture. He emphasized the historical roots of country music in Black spirituals and field songs, underscoring the ignorance and racism evident in Blanton’s remarks.
Indiana State University responded to the controversy, with university President Deborah J. Curtis issuing a statement denouncing Blanton’s comments as “racism, hate speech, and discrimination of any kind.” Curtis emphasized that such views are antithetical to the university’s mission and values, affirming the institution’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful campus environment.
Despite the university’s condemnation, students on campus expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s response, organizing protests to demand further action against Blanton and stronger measures to address racism and discrimination within the university community.
Indiana State University released a super weak response in regards to one of their students Asa Blanton, who decided to unleash her white supremacist views about Beyoncé and ultimately Black people as a whole. To make matters worse, this clown is an actual Nursing student at the… pic.twitter.com/FwXklTnP34
— Nicole’s View 🇺🇲 (@BLKLiberation84) April 9, 2024
Blanton, identified as a nursing student at ISU, has faced widespread backlash and condemnation for her racially insensitive remarks, with many calling for accountability and consequences for her actions.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent challenges of combating racism and promoting diversity and inclusion on college campuses. As the university grapples with the fallout from this incident, students and faculty continue to advocate for meaningful steps to address systemic racism and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community.