In an effort to save face after one of its members threw a racist "border patrol" party last month, the interfraternity council at the University of Texas introduced "culturally sensitive" party theme rules. The council also released lists of approved and forbidden themes.

Among the myriad things an American diplomat in a nation with a long history of colonialism and racial tension should avoid, characterizing the the locals' skin as "dirty," "dark," and like an unwashed caucasian is among the least advisable. And yet a consulate official in India made the ol' "you look dirty" joke during a visit to a Chennai school last week: