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NPHC: Are they Hypocrites?
There is much ado about pledging, mip, skaters, who is respected and who is not.
My question is if this is such a big deal why do you have honorary members. Do they all do this. Just because someone is famous or is a multi-millionaire, that doesn't make the person better than others. Take Oprah. Rejected in college, but was called by that very org to be an honorary member, which she declined. I've heard that Jada Pinkett Smith also declined honorary membership. What's the deal? Is it that you want your org to look great by having famous members. That way you can claim them. I have only once seen a list of famous members with (honorary) beside the name (DST). Is it just being money grubbing. If we make this person a member they may donate cash. What is it? --------------------------------------------- If you look to long the MOJO is gonna get ya! |
This reminds me of something that just happened during our recruitment process. One girl is friends with all the members of one sorority and they didn't even invite her back. She got a snap bid from them though, and she accepted it!!! I SO wouldn't have... she was really hurt when they didn't invite her back. If it had been me, I would have felt like they weren't real friends. And since I know a little bit of inside info about this sorority anyway, I know for a fact that they're not true friends.
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I can't speak directly for NPCH orgs, as I'm not a part of any. However, my fraternity also has honorary members.
We are an arts fraternity, w/ a special focus on service. There are a few nationally renowned artists (music, theatre, visual arts, etc.) who embody our ideals and character. They are extended honorary membership as an honor and distinction. Also, our fraternity has numerous alumni chapters. Some honorary members choose to affiliate through and alum chapter also. I imagine that the African Americans (and/or others) that are honorary members of BGLOs have been given this as a distinction for their positive example and/or work in ______(fill in the blank w/ whatever). ------------------ SilverTurtle@greekchat.com Phi Beta Fraternity Phi chapter |
SilverTurtle, you hit the nail on the head. The reasons you stated are why SOME of the NPHC Organizations extend honorary memberships. Why did I say "some"? Because not all NPHC Organizations extend honorary memberships.
I think it's important to note that not all famous members are honorary: Spencer Christian (Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.), Star Jones (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), Mother Love (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.), and Stuart Scott (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.) to name a few. So you see Mojo, we don't extend memberships to famous people just to say "Shirley Ceasar and Camille Cosby are Deltas." We can name drop without extending honorary memberships. We do it to say "You've made outstanding strides in your field. We would be honored if you would wear our letters." We MUST be doing SOMETHING right in our "regular" membership since these two ladies, and other honorary members within the NPHC, were so inclined to accept. ------------------ Kelli Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 12-Delta Nu-94 MAL, Southern Region Savannah State University c/o 1997 |
Well, I can't say anymore than 12dn94dst has said. Well done!
Just some points of clarification: Jada Pinkett Smith is a member of AKA. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.) ZetaAce |
How do members of organizations that do have honorary brothers/sisters feel about those individuals being able to wear letters, etc. without having actually gone through a membership process?
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Well said 12dn...
Zeta, you are correct...Jada is an AKA, she is honorary... What is the difference between extending honorary membership to someone in a GLO as opposed to someone receiving an honorary degree for speaking at a college or university? WHY is this still an issue for some? This topic has been beaten into the ground...do I smelllllllll haaaatttterrrrsssss? :eek |
No sweetie, I don't think you smell haters but you may smell something bad. I know there are many rich and famous members of the Divine Nine as well as other GLO's. If this is the case and everything is great, then why hate on those who didn't pledge. What's the difference there? Oh, you don't have to pledge if your rich and famous, but if your broke we need to torture you to respect you. I haven't seen anything on honorary members before, so if it's been beaten to the ground in your mind, maybe your a guilty party and that's what you smell.
Hermana to answer your question, I guess it would be okay for them to wear the letters/colors although they didn't pledge. Why not, they're rich! ---------------------------------------------If you look to long the MOJO is gonna get ya! |
You know I almost understood where you were going with this topic Mojo. But then you ruined it with your last comment. You made a huge assumption(actually a generalization) about honorary membership across the board with NPHC organizations.
Since this is your thread...you started this topic, I want to invite you to find 3(a VERY small task) honorary members in all of the Divine 9 who are not rich...millionaires necessarily or particularly famous. I have a sneeking suspicion that it was not your intention initially to come on Greekchat.com boards and just simply stir up drama by asking if NPHC are hypocrites. I think after you have found that information some of your own questions/doubts of perhaps your interests...or shall we call it fascination with BGLO will be put to rest. I hope this note does not put you on the defense, it certainly was not my intention. In the meantime, should you decide not to take my challenge, I still wish you well. However, I sincerely hope that you will not continue to promote your misconception of honorary membership without at least first asking very directly the organizations you may be interested in...or curious about what their take on honorary membership means to them rather than simply attacking the subject without a real frame of reference. Quote:
------------------ Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream! |
No FinerWoman, I have not been put on the defense.
My question should have been more inquiry than attacking. Your tactfulness has opened my eyes to that and is much appreciated. Why are they more accepted, in general, than those who went through MIP and would it be okay for them to wear nalia? DirectorDST- I, nor anyone I know, have had a bad experience. Just curious. I only know of one org that doesn't make honorary members. |
WELL, MISS SWEETIE...
If you would do your complete RESEARCH on this board, you will find that indeed, this topic regarding honorary membership has been discussed here before! Click on Search.... So, no, it is not in my mind...IT IS A FACT! CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF...AND NO, I AM NOT GUILTY OF ANYTHING...MY CONSCIENCE IS VERY CLEAR! PEACE OUT SWEETIE! |
Interesting topic, but I just wanted to add that not all Divine 9ers extend honorary membership. (Not knocking those who do) but Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, has not,does not, never will extend honorary membership to anyone.
It is however a great honor to be a Kappa, so in that sense, we are all honorary members. Peace and Luv MN P.S. The answer to your question MOJO is no, we are not hypocrites. We are intelligent people who sometimes have different veiws on various topics. Just as you do, I am quite sure. [This message has been edited by ManndingoNUPE (edited September 24, 2000).] |
My bad...I did know Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated does not extend honorary membership. Quite frankly, I like your organization's stance on the issue of honorary membership. Honorary members are entitled to different rites and privileges respective of the organization they are members of...wearing their letters is one of them.
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------------------ Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream! |
Mojo, I am not sure where you received your info but Delta does not make honorary members for financial reasons. Honorary members are nominated because they pledged LIFE. We don't tell them to pay $25,000 and here are your letters.
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Why do we have honorary members?
For the most part, to join an NPHC org you must have a bachelors degree or be enrolled at an accredited 4 year university. But there are men and women (famous and not) that have done EXCEPTIONAL work for the community, but do not have degrees. And for that reason, some of us have implemented an honorary membership category. (same with honorary degrees) It has nothing to do with money. Just because they are famous does not mean they did not come in through the "normal" chanels . And just because they are honorary does not mean that they are famous! |
So, what do honorary members do. I mean, they didn't want to be a member before, but now they are suddenly loyal and dedicated. Yeah, okay.
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Generally speaking, honorary members are USUALLY (this varies by organization) afforded the same benefits of non-honorary members, except they cannot vote on any organizational issue and they cannot hold office. My question to you Mojo is why the apparent animosity toward some NPHC organizations' policy of extending honorary membership? |
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Just beause someone may have been made honorary, does not automatically mean that WE went and sought them out and NOW they are supposed to be loyal and dedicated to us. One of the makeup artists for The Young and The Restless is an SGRho. She would always sport 'nailia and everyone on the set knew she was an SGRho. Actresses Victoria Rowell and Tanya Williams would talk with her about the sorority and what we were about ALL THE TIME. After a long while, THEY decided on their own that THEY wanted to pursue membership, so my soror put them in touch with the proper people. So yeah, honorary members can and ARE loyal to the organization they've CHOOSEN. Cause whether we initiated contact or they did, ultimatly it was their decision to make the lifetime commitment. |
I have no animosity toward honorary membership for it really doesn't concern me. I definitely do not have animosity toward any BGLO for I love all Brown people. Not only that my family is full of BGLO Greeks. What I want to know is why is there no animosity towards them, but such animosity toward "skaters" or whatever they are called.
12dn--A person could accept membership so the org could stop bugging them and because they don't have to do anything but say yes, so Why not. prettypoodle--Before what you ask. Please, dont play games. Before they graduated college, before they were offered the free ride of joining without any work. Also, pretty if this makeup artist sought membership on her own. Why didn't she have to go through the same process as everone else. Was she too busy, too important, too famous, too much money? Your argument has no validity. Is Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc the only BGLO that believes everyman/person is equal and does not exten honorary membership? |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by mojo:
[B]I have no animosity toward honorary membership for it really doesn't concern me. I definitely do not have animosity toward any BGLO for I love all Brown people. Not only that my family is full of BGLO Greeks. What I want to know is why is there no animosity towards them, but such animosity toward "skaters" or whatever they are called. QUOTE] Mojo, you are assuming 2 things: 1 - that no one is against the idea of honorary members (which I seriously doubt) 2 - that everyone is against people who didn't pledge (which I also seriously doubt) I'm sure there are members who are against both these, for both these, and for one and against one. I think there are very few Greeks out there who PERSONALLY agree with every one of their org's national policies. This of course is not the same as upholding it. For example, I personally do not agree with my organization's pledging process, but at the same time I would not do anything to put my chapter in jeopardy by breaking the rules. And at the same time, if I don't like it, I'm going to stay active, speak up, and express my concerns in a constructive way. Also, you misread the story about the makeup artist. She was ALREADY a Sigma Gamma Rho and 2 of the actresses on the show became interested because she was always wearing letters. |
The fact is if she sought membership, she should not have honorary. Whoever is being referred to.
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DirectorDST,
Is this not the forum to ask members whether or not the extend honorary membership. Based on their contributions to the world in order to pad the membership rolls? Would I have to become a member to understand the logistics of honorary memberships or the aforementioned classes of members? I apologize, for perhaps I did miss the point of prettypoodle's story. What accomplishments of a couple of not well known soap opera actresses can be considered "CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLD". |
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Another thing...not all honorary members can go the 'regular route', as you put it. It is my understanding that membership in BGLOs is open to 2 classes of people: full time students at certian colleges/universities and graduates of colleges/universities. Even if a person has accomplished a lot and made a lot of contributions to the world (notice I didn't say made a lot of money), but did not go to college, they would not be eligible for membership. Members, correct me if I am wrong. On the same topic, why do colleges and universities confer honorary degrees? Does the fact that there are people who did not go to my alma mater for 4 year like I did but have honorary degrees from it lessen the quality of my degree? I think not! [This message has been edited by Eclipse (edited September 27, 2000).] |
Prettypoodle, DirectorDST et al..., you have answered this person's questions tactfully and more than once.
Did anyone stop to think that maybe Mojo is a flamer? That it is possible that Mojo is just saying things now to cause strife. The issue is so dead that the bones are bleached. |
No strife, just seeking enlightenment!!
And actually, not all the questions have been answered. I do appreciate the patience. Be kind, please unwind! |
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Earlier you made a statement where it appeared that you were a little bit skeptical of honorary members joining organizations and becoming loyal and dedicated ALL OF A SUDDEN. My reply to you was to show that their (honorary sorors) love and dedication to SGRho was in their hearts LONG before the national body made contact with them. So it wasnt like we just gave them an application and they sent in their dues and that was it. Most honorary members ARE dedicated to their org. The fact is if she sought membership, she should not have honorary. Whoever is being referred to. If you are talking about the Makeup artist, she's been a soror for years and she did come in the "standard" way. If you talking about the actresses, they could only be offered honorary membership because they do not have degrees (didnt I say this already?). Soror Rowell and Soror Williams have done sooooo much in the community as far as underpriviledged children, foster care, and cickle cell research. Now, these might not be issues that YOU think are important to be addressed, but my sorors do and so does Sigma Gamma Rho as a national body....that's why we welcomed them into our sisterhood! I'm done - this thread is going in circles..... [This message has been edited by prettypoodle6 (edited September 27, 2000).] [This message has been edited by prettypoodle6 (edited September 27, 2000).] |
Backing my Soror up here, Pretty Poodle 6:
Amen, Soror -- well said!! Mojo, I hope you have been INFORMED! If not keep posting and I'm sure one of my Sorors or one of my Greek sisters in the other great 3 sisterhoods of the Divine 9 will ENLIGHTEN YOU!! BE POSITIVE!! |
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So why do you keep writing. Everyone is saying this is going in circles. Well, that statement is getting redundant.
Answer the question or move on! Peace and Love Don't Push and Shove |
I saw this old topic and there were a few things that I wanted to add to it. Just to set the record straight, the only reason why Oprah denied Honorary membership into a BGLO is because she did not want her choice to alienate women who are members of the other organizations. She wanted to become a member of an organization very badly (maybe because she has many family members in this organization) but she felt doing so would be bad public relations. I feel that is true to an extent, but she would have also been gaining much support at the same time. Another topic I wanted to cover was that I have been informed that some Honorary members did "pledge". This is information that I have heard by a member who claims to have pledged with a well known actress who is a member of a BGLO. I did not know this was possible, but now I am aware that it is.
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I do not think it is always selling out. I can think of two examples. 1) If a person becomes prominent in their feild and holds the ideals of your organization close to their heart, why not initiate them? I don't think organizations are going to initiate honoraries just because they are famous. 2) My chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon has an honorary named Ward Connerly. Whether you agree with his opinions or not is besides the point.. he is a HUGE national political figure on the issue of Affirmative Action. When he went to my school, we were local Delta Phi Omega... soon after he graduated, we became national Sigma Phi Epsilon. A couple decades after this, the brothers asked Ward Connerly if he would like to be an honorary member of SigEp. We did this because he had done a lot for us, including breaking color barriers that a lot of Greek organizations had in those days.(he joined in the late fifties). He loved DPO and he was in no doubt a SigEp man. By the way, we dont consider "honoraries" to be honorary... if you think about it, all of us should feel honored to be in the group. Therefore, Mr.Connerly is a brother.
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I tripped because Oprah attended TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY during the days when folks were walking the "line" etc in front of EVERYONE. So, I didn't understand how she could say that that whole "greek" experience was foreign to her. Now, you say, she wanted to become a member of an greek lettered organization. I'm really SHOCKED! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif |
Yes Soror AKA2D '91, from what I hear Oprah has family members in our organization and this is what has turned her on to it. I did not see that episode of her show but I can only imagine that she was putting herself in the shoes of the middle-aged, middle class white women in the audience (most of her audience) by saying that she was clueless about pledging.
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Let me see...You asked about the difference between an Honorary member and a member that pledged and why we (Divine Nine BGLOs) get upset or have an issue with deciphering between "skaters" and Honorary members. Honorary members are people that are approached by our respectful organizations because they have showed a great commitment and responsibility for their community. That in itself, is "PLEDGING." Those that get up at 6 in the morning on Thanksgiving Day to go feed the Homeless know what I am talking about. Money is not the issue. If we keep our eye on a man/woman that has done so much for their community then we may approach them. I would like you to look at it from both sides it is an honor for us to have them in our organizations as well as an honor for them to be approached by us(excluding KAPsi. They do not nor will they ever have Honorary membership as my greek brother MandigoNupe has stated.)
Now when you have someone that wants to be a member of our organizations and doesn't do S@#T to get in the org you are called a skater, ("Like the Olympians that do a double axle.") We may not want to a admit but some of them will slip through the cracks. It hurts the rest of us because we have done so much work for the organization that we love so much and hold so true to our hearts that WE have every damn right to be upset or have an issue with those that just skate into an organization. My last comment was directed towards the love I have for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and not at you Mojo or anyone else individually. I hope this answers one of your many question. ------------------ "If you know from whence you came there is no limit to where you can go." 'Frederick Douglas' [This message has been edited by D.E.M.4's (edited May 23, 2001).] |
I don't know if this is valid or anything but I was once told that usually honorary members do have the priviledge to "work" for their memberships if they choose. I don't know how many actually do but I know it's somewhat of a fact.
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Though, I am not a member of an NPHC if I may be so humbled to post the knowledge I do have on this topic, This is an older topic but I have to say that I know for a fact that Rosa Parks is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha as well as Elenor Rosevelt, as mentioned in the above threads, these women were/not are not money banks for the organizations but representative of the philantrophy (sp?) of the organization. Rosa Parks (need I say more), Eleanor Rosevelt (a fine example of selfless giving), this is what makes a person eligible for honorary membership, if one so declines then that is there choice as well. I am not a member of any greek letter organization but strive to become part of one in particular. I have waited a long time and am not sure how much longer I will have to wait. But I will be honored IF I am selected and I will have the same respect for the honorary members as I will for the members who actually pledged in the 70's and 80's and the members who come through the process mandated by the Board of Nationals. Much Love!!!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
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i just want want to know something. i mean i am not trying to be smart or anything but mojo if you are not greek, why do you care about honororary members or how people treat skaters or whatever? i mean if you are not greek what bearing does this have on your life? i was just wondering.
now i respect your opinion and you are entitled to it. if you do a little research you will see that ALL honorary members of these organizations are not necessarily rich and famous. as said before some are just intelligent hardworking people who do great things in the communities. please do not assume that all greeks in nphc organizations treat skaters(or whatever) in a bad way or that all greeks embrace the idea of honorary members. some greeks dislike the idea of anyone walking into their organization no matter what title they bear. then some respect all those that work hard in the name of their org. no matter how they go they letters. thats just my $19.13 cents. ------------------ #4 Whispers Nu Eta Citywide Collegiate chapter. In Gary, Indiana! Its a Mighty Midwest Thang! "Unite to turn America around and stand invincible in the rightousness of our convictions" "If not us who, and if not now, when?"-Mona Humphries Bailey |
Sir,I will try to the best of my ability to answer your question since you stated no one has. The difference between honorary membership and regular membership is obvious.First of all I must explain that I do not believe in the seperation of members by terms like "skaters,Paper,Slipped through",especially by people who are not members themselves.No matter how illegally you pledged,this does not give you more rights and priveledges than someone who entered the organization the proper way according to the National rules and regulations.
Honorary membership is bestowed upon a person who has been chosen by the National body for membership.My Fraternity has not initiated a Honorary member since the late sixties.The reason for membership has never been for money as you mentioned,nor has it been for fame.All the hard work is usually done by the un-song heroes.Those Men and Women who volunteer their time and effort to do things for others.Yes it's great to have a list of "Famous Members",every web site has one,but it's not the famous people who are at the soup lines or who are cleaning up the highways or tutoring our children after school. If you were to become a member of one of these fine organizations you would see things differently,even today with the elimination of hard-core pledging it is still a task to become a member.Let us not judge each other by the negative things of the past.With the advent of Membership Intake Process,we are only just beginning to catch up with our White counterparts. Every member of this great Organization that we belong to are Honored to be members,so in essence we are all Honorary members.Lets not try to lessen an individuals worth by implying that they are less of a member than thyself.Be a person pledged in the dark ages when the average was twenty weeks,was made an Honorary member at a National Convention,or came through the MIP,there membership is equal. It's time we stopped trying to tear each other down,and try to bring all our organizations up.We can use these forums for the betterment of all Greeks or we can continue to assassinate each other.It will always be an honor or me to wear my letters(yes I did pledge above ground)and I will acknowledge my Brothers no matter who they can in. |
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