I did agree with you some time ago, but at the end of the day you have to be realistic. When the D9 first said they were not stepping everyone screamed racism and elitism. But that is not the issue. I have no problem stepping against a Latin fraternity or any other fraternity that is well developed enough to compete. I was first angered by the many play play organizations that wanted to step, some of which just organized a year ago. I ask you all the same question I asked myself. DOES STEPPING WITH GDI's or SERVICE FRATS GIVE OFF THE APPEARANCE OF EQUALITY BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS?

Many of these stepshows aren't sponsored by the D9 so we never see the profits of the entrance fees. We just compete for the cash prizes. The cash prizes are often not even worth the time and effort it takes to compete.

I personally wouldn't step in shows sponsored by outsiders that are aimed at exploiting the popularity of the D9. These are generally the shows that have everyone and their momma stepping in them. The D9 profit from these shows can be low, you may have a difficulty getting your prize, and (to be honest with you) I'm tired of seeing us stepping and strolling all the damn time anyway.

Sure!!! We're all equal...equally boring as hell in most stepshows.

Wow! I sense some issues here...Thanx for the reply.

That's the same thing I say when I go to stepshows.

You are hilarious. Really!!!

No self-respecting Greek org should be stepping with or against non D9. Its garbage.

You don't get to be elite by having others pimp your glory, style, and reputation.

I beg to differ with another writer, stepping is the PROVINCE of Black Greeks. All others are mimicry, no matter how well they do it.

You are only publicizing and giving equal weight to other orgs. That is not our purpose. Let them fund, sponsor, and publicize their own events.

For those who say "but what about the money"? STOP PIMPIN' YOURSELVES. If we don't participate, there is no draw and they will quickly go back to the previous rules. I'm not spending 0, 20 dollars, ride in from out of town, roadtrip, etc to see some damn KKY, The Jets and the Sharks, or the Gay Pride Step Team, nor First Baptist Holy Ghost Bible Fellowship Full Gospel Tabernacle House of Praise and Chicken step team.

Be elite, be the best, or be mediocre.

I rest my case
 

Like I said earlier, yall just afraid that another group would run circles around you, whoop yalls behind, and just steal your thunda and glory.

I dunno if it's elitism or fear, but I venture to say that it's a little of both.

Re: Is stepping in the same show as "GDI's" or service frats wrong?
 

I think is comes down to who is paying for putting on the Stepshow. If the University is paying for the show, then who can step has always been up to them, they just let you think it was going your way. If your NPHC wants to have a Divine 9-Only stepshow, you are going to have to pay for it yourself. With the new "Diversity" kick eolleges are promoting, you better believe that stepshows would be affected.

We had the same issue at San Francisco State Univ. Because NPHC Members were on the Stepshow committee, we created "entry rules" that only create an environment in which mostly NPHC Members were eligible:

* Founded before 1964
* Have a history of stepping of at least 10 years and have stepped twice in the past 12 months
* Must have a Theme Central to Promoting Wellness (Physical or social) in the African American Community

We did have to make some accomodations (a Black Sorority, Gamma Phi Delta, was allowed to enter as they were founded in 1943, they won actually)

As for whether you should step, I think you should for the reason of Campus politics mainly. A NPHC boycott may comeback on you negatively over the academic year. it would be mainly a big picture thing.


Good luck either way.

Monika

Re: Re: Is stepping in the same show as "GDI's" or service frats wrong?
 

I'm amazed at people who don't get this.

Re: I rest my case
 

Spoken like a true, black APO member.

Hi, DSTCHAOS
 

DANG STRAIGHT! ;)

Moving on...

Of course not. I just think that D9 orgs are more reputable, and we lend credibility to those other orgs, when we step in shows with them.

Money? Wow.

My status is worth more than money to me. Those others are not on our level. You mean to tell me that a $100 entrance fee (multiplied by however many orgs are allowed) is worth more than the status of our organizations? They should be trying to get on our level, but we shouldn't be inviting them to the Penthouse suite.

It gives off the appearance of equality, and dammit, we are not equal.