The word "elitist" could take on so many meanings and connotations. If you really think about it, how (for GLO's) is being elitist bad!?

We select members based on whether or not they fit the image and values of our respective organizations. For example, I don't want guys joining my chapter who are only interested in partying. I don't want someone that creeps out ladies (everyone knows a "stalker-kid", who wants that in your chapter?).

I'm glad my organization is elitist. If not, then it would be in serious jeapordy.

I don't necssarily think elitest is a bad word. It's what we choose to do as an "elite" group that makes us good or bad.
Wouldn't you call those students that attende Ivy league schools such as Harvard, Yale or Princeton elitest. You don't see too many article talking about "how those elitest pig from Harvard are giving students a bad name" now do you? So why just attack greeks. Ivy league shcools don't let just anyone in. Why should we? We all know there are bad seeds at Ivy league schools too.

"Selective" is positive, "elitist" is negative. I wouldn't call someone who graduated from an Ivy or a US Service Academy as being from an elitist institution--simply a selective one. After all, their selection criteria is fairly concrete--good grades, good activities, good recommendations. Our selection criteria sometimes goes beyond those three--is she cute? Is she of "good character"? Is she of the proper race, size, or social class>? Sometimes Greks are seen as "elitist" when the word "selective" should be used, but sometimes the shoe fits.

I'm elitist. Also selective, but some people I just don't like, and those people aren't getting in.

Semantics
 

There's a wide difference in perception between "elite" and "elitist". Elite is good. But elitist implies behavior that lacks humility. To be in an elite organization is good; it says you're among the best. To be in an elitist organization implies that they think they're better than you.
People who hate greeks use words like "frats" deliberately. They use "elitist" deliberately too. We must control the words to control the outsome of the debate. Greek-haters try that against us all the time.

I agree~

bump because good thread

decadence's attack of the bumps

Ha ha you're funny. :rolleyes:
The reason I bumped the thread - apart from the fact it was an interesting thread, period - was that this accusation ('elitist') has recently been levelled at my own organization. While the allegation (with all that negativity it implies) is baseless, unfounded and malicious it is still something we have to consider/deal with. The thread interested me and I would be interested to hear more views on the subject, too. If that is a problem for you it is unfortunate but I still find it an interesting thread!

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Well at my school the Greeks run everything but we are still considered "elitist". Personally, I just think some people pull that elitist crap because they are jealous. It's kinda like when you were in high school and someone called you a "prep". It was like ooohhh that was so bad but it was almost like they were saying you were better than them. You never seen a so called "prep" who was not cool. So is being called an elitist just being called a prep in a more intelligent manner??? If so, more power to us..... it obvisously means we are better. But we should be considered better... we do a lot for our school, put more time and effort into everything we do, hold high standards in everyday situations, not to mention we all have a philanthropy we donate a lot of time to. We are elite and should be considered elite. And each member in our organization represent how people see us....you must choose wisely!!!!!!!!!

take a joke dear decadence. no need to get all defensive. :)

Greek orgs should be elite.

Members should be an example of the best and brightest.

Greek orgs should NOT be elitist. They should not assume that it is membership in the org alone that grants that best and brightest status, nor should they think that those outside of their orgs are somehow less than they.

I don't think it's that difficult to understand.

AMEN!!

Amen to that. Very well put.

Slightly off topic,


Pi Kapp 142, that's one of the reasons I left SFSU. Too much of a "low budget" attitude.:(