"It is true that there are some aspects of the Caribbean that do look like that, especially the parts set up for American tourists," says Simpson, who grew up in Trindad. "But when you get into the real culture, it's nothing like that. It's not like we sit in our homes drinking pina coladas with little umbrellas."

Fairbank Professor of Chinese Society James Watson, who teaches the popular course Anthropology 105, "Food and Culture," suggests that finding an "authentic" cultural experience is like trying to shoot a moving target.

"Authenticity is in the eyes of the beholder. Who is to say what is 'authentic' food? Authenticity depends on what one has in youth - what your mother and grandmother cook for you," he says.

Although Shivani Grover '99 of Mather House says the food at yesterday's brunch did not exactly match what she's used to eating with family from Trinidad and Tobago, she agrees that defining authentic Caribbean culture is an inherently difficult task.

"Why should I be offended? Every island is different and has its own food. You can't blame them," she says.

"And everyone's mom cooks differently. The food is not authentic, but it is fun," Grover says. "I'm sure nobody really thinks this is Caribbean food."

But others worry that students do make meaning out of the festivity--which might transmit and perpetuate dangerous stereotypes.