Tortilla toss a Tucson tradition
By: Claire Conrad
Issue date: 5/9/07 Section: News
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The tradition has been a part of UA graduations for about 10 years, said Jim Drnek, associate dean of students. The UA's unique graduation tradition is not without controversy, however.
In December 2005, the commencement ceremony was canceled for undergraduate students following a number of complaints about the tradition. Some complaints were made that the tradition is culturally insensitive against Mexican-American and American Indian culture.
The December 2005 event was reinstated following a student-sponsored forum discussion, but with a message from then-President Peter Likins stating that some groups frown upon the tradition.
At this year's graduation, both graduates and their guests will be searched for tortillas upon entering McKale Center, just like at sporting events, Drnek said.
Policies concerning outside food at sporting events also govern graduation.
"You're not supposed to throw food in McKale Center," Drnek said. "You're not supposed to bring in outside food or beverages."
The UA community is divided about whether throwing tortillas could be seen as racist or discriminatory.
"I think there were other individuals in town who felt that it was culturally insensitive," Drnek said.
Others think that tortilla throwing is not meant to be racist.
"I don't think that that's the intention, and if people are thinking about it that way, then they might be looking too much into it," said Jessica Leftault, a visual communications sophomore. "I just don't think that was the intention that they had."
Some question whether the tortilla could be used as a symbol for Mexican-American or American Indian culture.
"As far as racist? I'm not Mexican-American, but I don't think that they really represent the Hispanic culture, anyway," said Mabel Gutierrez, a sociology senior.
Tortilla tossing and hat tossing can also be safety issues. If tortillas dry out, they can harden and become dangerous, Drnek said.
Others think safety is not much of an issue concerning tortillas.
"Actually, it would be less dangerous than hats, because (a tortilla) weighs less," Gutierrez said.
While Drnek expects that there will be students who will throw tortillas at the ceremony, he said he hopes participants in the ceremony act
appropriately.
"I hope that they behave in a way that preserves the ceremony for future students," he said.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 6
Margie G. Dorame
posted 5/09/07 @ 2:38 PM MST
I am Mexican-American, happen to live in Tucson, Arizona and have attended the U of A for many different workshops. This is my view of tortilla tossing: The creation of a perfectly round and great tasting tortilla takes many years of practice and hard work. (Continued…)
against it
posted 5/14/07 @ 2:03 PM MST
Hi,
While I respect your point of you, I cannot agree with it less!!
The commencement ceremony was thoroughly marred by undergrads throwing tortillas around all throughout the ceremony, not merely at the end. (Continued…)
Alan
posted 5/15/07 @ 12:26 PM MST
Guys, it's just a tortilla. It's like graduates in Michigan throwing snowballs, it's something that they can have a little fun with becuase it's something they associate with that region. (Continued…)
Observer
posted 5/31/07 @ 4:26 AM MST
Really, tortilla-tossing is just a harmless way for the graduates to celebrate the culmination of four years of studies. It is ARIZONA after all. Would it be better for them to toss cacti, rattlesnakes, scorpions, etc?
I wonder if the people and groups that objected to the tortillas are the same ones that burn American flags at pro-immigration rallies. (Continued…)
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