Halloween Costumes Create December Uproar

All hail the latest collective outrage: Penn State students dressed up like Virginia Tech students for Halloween. That’s not so bad. Well, uh, they were Virginia Tech shooting victims.

Surprisingly, this story wasn’t broken by Jenice Armstrong. No, but it’s been all over the news since the photos were posted to Facebook.com; a local TV station in Roanoke, Va., did a story on the costumes and wouldn’t show them because they’re too offensive. What?

It’s not just adults who are getting in on the angry action. No, uproar over Halloween costumes can come form anywhere.

As a response to the controversy, senior Jay Chamberlin created a new online group through Facebook — “Penn State STILL Supports Virginia Tech.” By Friday evening, it had attracted more than 250 members. Chamberlin, a former president of the University Park Undergraduate Association, said a Virginia Tech alumnus suggested Penn State students distance themselves from the costume antics.

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