Well, I may not be grasping the full picture but I understand them to be saying that they demanded that the symbols, etc. be removed and it seems that they are saying that they were. That does not appear monetary to me but moreso a protection of their name. In my earlier post, I noted that the guys were wearing other non-Alpha Phi Alpha letters so maybe this was a trailer done after the revision.

All that money and frustration. The silly, very silly, filmakers could have simply *started with* different letters to begin with. What a waste of time and money.

ETA: I just saw the full trailer when I went to see "The Pursuit of Happyness" and Alpha Phi Alpha para and folk wearing it was all in the movie ... still. Oh well, I'm sure they got it.

Here is the rub. While I have since found out that Alpha Phi Alpha is supporting us in our issue with BSP, where was AKA when all of this started? Does AKA think they can get something for their 100th from these jokers or what? It seems that AKA jumped to the support of Alpha, their 'brothers' but is ghost when it comes to DST. After all, DST and AKA have a shared history. I guess we will see what happens when "BSP:The Genesis" is released....

Frankly, I think the BSP issue is much bigger than STY. After all, STY is a fictionalized account where the appearance of the trademarks is incidental to the movie whereas BSP is purported to be a documentary about a specific organization which is directly in violation of copyright and all other applicable laws.

Also, I don't hear anything from NPHC on these issues. I know that NPHC won the suit against converse but why not support the individual organizations that are battling this same issue? If there is information out there, please share because I haven't seen it!

Has the NPHC or the Council of Presidents met since the lawsuits were filed? If not then there wouldn't be statements of support until that happened and it was voted on.

So this is the same as "The Yard" movie that I just saw the commercial for? Seems like a "Drumline" for stepping.

Just like with "Drumline," I'll wait for people to see it and tell me it's good. Then I'll catch it at the dollar cinema or DVD. I waited FOREVER to actually get over my skepticism and watch "Drumline." Good movie but I'm glad I caught it at home instead of at a regular theater.

question?
 

Phi_Sweetie
 

Phi_S,

We won't hold it against you. Only non-asked questions are stupid questions, and before we let you go out there and see these dumb ass movies: Stomp Hard, and this other dance movie, and think that they represent us, I will re-direct you to some BGLO names. What you will learn once you have made this journey is, that there a few things that is of a common bond in regards to these organizations. When you have figured out what commonality there is, then you'll be ready Grasshopper. Lastly, understand that all of the below listed organizations are phenomenal, especially that FIRST one. Look up the following when time allows:

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INCORPORATED

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated

Much obliged Grasshopper...

Not a dumb question but one that's been asked a lot on this board. So see the "search" function. ;)

does anyone else think it is majorly WACK that the "college" the characters are attending is called "Truth University?"

Black
Greek
Lettered
Organizations

Stepping is essentially an African American rythmic dance form many BGLOs and others perform.

Hopefully it's Sojourner Truth University.

stomp the yard bothers me on a few levels....
 

First of all, I never thought I would be considered "Old School" until a neo at work (maybe I am old school because I always think of folks after me as neos) told me that fifteen years in Delta makes me older whether I like it or not. Having said that, here's the point.

Stepping back in the day was never a reason to pledge. If someone dared just to step, it was usually obvious and the person never made the process at all. Sure, prior to pledging, my friends and I oohed and ahhed at probate and step shows, but they didn't draw us in. We were interested in the organizations themselves, their visions and goals, and their impact on the community. Stepping was the rite of passage that happpened at the end. It was a privilege reserved for fraternity and sorority members only.

Now step teams are everywhere, high schools, middle schools and churches. I know, I know, it's positive, it's reinforcing teamwork, it's nice to watch, but if Sally drives a car at 14 and goes to senior prom at 15 what's left to enjoy at the end?
So when a film depicts a step show as the highlight of the fraternal year I have a problem. It is insult to injury when the pledge process is based on potential stepmasters! Then, to avoid litigation from Delta you turn my letters around???

I'm sorry, I do my best to patronize black films, but this one will not get a dime from me.

Perhaps STY is not so much geared toward Black Greeks as it is towards the general public in an attempt to mainstream the art and talent of stepping.

In short, the losses it get from those Greeks who choose not to view it could be well mitigated by those who want to see and better understand the "mysticism" of stepping.

I have a feeling that Sony Pictures is gonna get paid for STY one way or another....

You're right Rain Man
 

Rain Man & RedBlackDelta,

Rain Man,

I think you're right. Sony made a bad decision backing this film. You can't make me believe that there wasn't a man or woman who belongs to one of our organizations, somewhere in a decision making position that should/could have given some insightful wisdom concerning the subject matter of this "boovie". Sony may re-group their dollars somehow, but initially, they may suffer during the opening week earnings. I'll be watching closely. Damn, do I sound like I want this flick to fail? I don't want the brothers and sisters connected to it to fail, but what they should have done was, gathered in a symposium or think tank setting and sought some wise counsel from representatives of every organization before deciding to make this movie. Or, maybe they didn't do that because they knew the reception they'd get.

RBDelta,

Old school is in the mindset Ma. The cool thing is, that you've probably forgotten more things about Delta Sigma Theta, than that young lady has yet to learn. Keep schooling her, she's thirsty.

You're so right about that. What's cool is that we have about a handful of sorors at work who are 30+ years in, so we get to see the whole spectrum of experience. It's amazing how things change and how others remain the same.

I am a strong supporter of the arts and disagree with art being created by committee in the way that you describe.