BGLO and GLO
 

I dont understand why there needs to be black fraternities and sororities. I am in NO WAY prejudice. I have black friends who are in a fraternity. They chose to join a regular GLO over the black ones. With all the complaints about being equal, doesn't having your own greek organization separate u even more on a college campus? BGLOs on my campus are never around. They don't participate in Greek Week, dont party wiht us. Until recently I didn't even know there were black fraternities and sororities on campus. I am not PREJUDICE. I just want to make that clear. I'm just asking a simple question....why segregate urselves even more that u say u are?

DISCLAIMER: Please note the date I posted this thread and my join date. I was a naive, uneducated about Greek Life GCer at the time. I can honestly say that GC has taught me SOMETHING.

BGLO members could easily say that WGLOs don't do step shows with them or party with them. I understand the point you're making, but I've decided that some things just are the way they are. I am intersted to hear other responses though.
Heidi

PM_Mama -

I do understand the question you're asking but I also know until you walk a mile in someone's shoes, you have no idea how they fit.

If BGLO's didn't still serve a purpose, they would cease to be. Same with Greeks in general. There was already a sorority on campus when Phi Mu was founded - why did your founders feel the need for another one? (I think you can see where I'm going)

As long as we can all support each other as Greeks working towards betterment of the member, campus, and community, that's what counts.

There have been discussion ad nauseum addressing the very same question. Please read the old threads with comments from GLO members, BGLO members and GDIs.

If after reading some of them, you have a question that was not answered, feel free to bring it to the group. Since there are several threads on this topic, I can't imagine that any question pertaining to this topic HAS NOT been answered.

You can type in 'BGLO' and all the threads should come up. Try searching both Greek Life and Risk Management forums.

Happy Hunting!!

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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913

Hey...no real comment but I just wanted to remind you guys that a lot of people find the term "WGLO" somewhat offensive.

That sounds a little racist. I wasn't saying to eliminate BGLOs. There are many blacks who join GLOs, but whites are not allowed in BGLOs. So, I wouldnt be able to participate in your organization. Do you understand MY theory now? If u eliminated so-called WGLOs, then there wouldnt be any fraternity or sorority for all types of races to join. Besides, I take offense for you calling it a WGLO, but it is definately NOT just for whites. On my campus, black girls who try to join sororities get harassed by the BGLOs. Now that's racism isnt it?

Do your research before you post misinformation. BGLO's do not discriminate against any race. Why would a group that has fought discrimination throughout its existence practice it?

Honestly, BGLO's, and GLO's still serve a purpose whether it be social, or service oriented, don't turn something so obvious into a race debate.

Tamika

[This message has been edited by Nubian (edited June 29, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Nubian (edited June 29, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Nubian (edited June 29, 2001).]

Oh Sh*t,

I don't like the way this thread is heading. Didn't we tackle this topic months ago?

I don't understand why there needs to be GLO's. Just because they were first? So, basically, because GLO's existed first, no sense in our starting our own, because the GLO's already have it on lock?

Understand that at the times our orgs were founded, BLACKS WERE NOT PERMITTED TO JOIN GLO'S. Secondly, at the time our orgs were founded, they served the purpose to improve the status of Black Americans. They weren't started to segregate us more, as you have stated. Things were already segregated (and not by us, I must add). As the saying goes, Necessity is the mother of invention. BGLO's were created out of NECESSITY.

Do you invite the BGLO's on your campus to party with you? On my campus, BGLO's DID participate in GreekWeek. And they DID party with the GLO's.

There needs to be BGLO's, just like there needs to be a Black Miss America pageant, just like there needs to be Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBU's), etc. We have to provide for OURSELVES what America has not provided for us. Plain and simple.

Also, understand that being equal DOES NOT MEAN having and doing the exact same things that white people do. Being equal is all about opportunity. EVERYONE should have an equal opportunity in education, the work force, etc. HOWEVER, I don't have to choose what you have to be equal. What you have may not be what I want or need. The fact that I have CHOICES is equality. What I CHOOSE is my business.

Does that help? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Realistically, we're not always doing service 24/7. Especially during party hours. Don't get me wrong, we do PLENTY of service, but keeping it real, we party, too!

And WHAT IS SO WRONG with having race debates/discussions????? PM_Mama00 didn't turn it into a race debate! This is clearly a racial issue. We have PREDOMINATELY white orgs and we have PREDOMINATELY Black orgs. THERE IS A REASON FOR IT, IT'S NOT A COINCIDENCE.

Why can't we be adults and discuss this??? Why does it always get out of hand, and no one wants to talk about it anymore? Why will these questions KEEP resurfacing until we can have a civil discussion about them without people getting their panties or boxer/briefs http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif in a bunch? I am in no way saying let's start spewing out malicious racial stuff, I'm just saying, can we at least talk about it, dang. And I understand that people might get offended by some stuff, but ok, they will get over it. And that includes me. I'm sure something will get said in this thread that will tick me off. That doesn't mean I'm not woman enough to handle it and move on. That's all I'm saying.

So can we talk about this, or what? I'm interested in hearing (the truth) why people think that BGLO's don't need to exist.

If someone offends you, please, cool off FIRST then either post your FEELINGS or email the person privately. I have faith that we can handle this maturely.

I just don't get it. I have white friends that are near and dear to my heart (and I don't mean associates either, I mean I would die for them, and I know they would do the same for me) and we talk about race stuff all the time. We talk about stereotypes, everything. Why can't we do that here?

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I know I'm rambling, but it's Friday, and I really don't want to work! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I am not sure where you go that information from but it is entirely FALSE>

BGLO's DO NOT discriminate on the basis of race. I have met members of all 9 BGL organizations who represent all races. I have Black, White, Asian and Latina Sorors in Delta Sigma Theta. Please do your homework before spreading misconceptions.

Now your experience may be tha you hav eonly encountered chapters that were 100% Black but that does not represnt the entire organization. Just as I have encountered many GLO's that were 100% White.

There are a number of threads on GC regarding this issue. A search may be helpful and help to dispell some of he misinformation you have seemingly received. Although I do not remeber the link, I remeber a thread that connected to an article about ALpha Kappa ALpha that specifically addressed the multicultural nature of the mebership. While all 9 orgs are predominately Black organizations, we are not 100% for a reason.




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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Baltimore Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter
#3 of ER 30
Spring 1999

"No finer girls will you ever see, and I'm so glad I pledged- for what?
For DST!"

First of all, PM_Mama is only asking why the segregation takes place, she is not suggesting that any organization should be abolished or trying to start a racial war. So everyone breathe and count to ten before getting in a tiffy.

As Nubian said, albeit a little harshly, HBGLOs do not descriminate on the basis of race, however in my experience few non-African Americans join HBGLOs. PM_Mama, I am Hispanic yet I joined a HWGLO, but someone people are more comfortable with others who may share their lifestyles and experiences. This is part of why Black, Hispanics, Asians, etc. have separate GLOs. Another reason may be that HWGLOs are more socially based, while "historically race specific GLOs" are more service based.

On my campus, the social GLOs and the BGLOs are very segregated...with the exception of a very rare co-sponsored event. I believe that if the organizations supported each other, it would be a lot better for the Greek Community in general but I think both systems think the other should make the first attempt. In reality, how hard is it to say "you know, it'd be really cool if you came to our fundraiser/stepshow/party/social/etc."? But, that's only my opinion!

Just a side note, maybe "social GLO" would be a more PC and less offensive term than "white GLO."

In the spirit of discussing this maturely (as was suggested), here's some perspective from a white female member/alumna of a co-ed fraternity (PFA conference) that had a variety of ethnic groups in her undergrad chapter:

As was previously stated: BGLOs originated because it wasn't like African Americans could just go out and join any GLO they were interested in. Creating equality has been a long journey (and I'm not going to be naive enough to say that everyone is 100% equal in this country, either, although that's what we're striving for). Here are some reasons that "we" shouldn't eliminate BGLO's (or Latino/a, Hispanic, Asian, etc.):

• There's some important history in the founding of BGLOs. It was a big deal for blacks to attend college (albeit at black-only schools), much less start organizations that have grown to such proportions.
• Some people are very interested in the betterment of specific groups, whether it's African Americans, women, Asian Americans, etc. These specific groups allow individuals to be in an evironment that supports that particular endeavor.
• Comfort. People naturally feel at ease with what is familiar to them. My campus was about 94% white my freshman year. There were many black students who had come from predominately black areas of the country. It seems natural to me that they would seek out organizations that they can be comfortable & feel at home in. (Just an example)
• While I believe all people are equal, there are different shared experiences between any group. It can be race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. It kind of goes with what I said in the previous reason, but people want to have something in common with their future brothers/sisters.

Also, look at it this way: I belong to a fine arts fraternity. We were founded in 1912 as a women's fraternity. Now, by 1912 there were already some women's fraternities/sororities that included various fine arts in their purpose (specifically music). So why go to the trouble of creating a whole new organization? Why not just affiliate with one already established? We were founded to unite music and speech. We quickly altered that to incorporate all of the creative and performing arts. The point being: our Founders saw a need & took the opportunity to do something groundbreaking. I respect all of those organizations that came before us, as well as those that have come after. What it really comes down to is that we all have to find that organization that "feels like home" to us. And for those that don't find it, they either don't affiliate with a GLO or they start a new one.

Just some thoughts http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

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SilverTurtle

Phi Beta Fraternity: National Professional Association for the Creative & Performing Arts

[This message has been edited by SilverTurtle (edited June 29, 2001).]

Soror Ideal08:
You've obviously picked very mature and enlightened people as your friends. It's good to hear that you can discuss race issues with them. Not everybody is there yet. We have had roughly 40 years of civil rights in theory, but 40 years of civil rights can't automatically reverse insanity dating back to the 1600s.
Race issues, differences should be discussed. We have to learn. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

anyhow, pm_mama00 addresses the topic of voluntary segregation on college campuses. but, and this goes back to grade school, people have ALWAYS associated themselves with people who they sense familiarity with. so, of course they are separated more from the wglos, but the same way that greeks are separated from non-greeks, athletes and non-athletes. and to that i say: SO WHAT?

and, i really want you to go back and read then re-read, and possibly read again, ideal08's first response and pay attention to what she says about the history behind bglos.

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I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/confangry.gif

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/tiere/ride.gif

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words - "mank" and "ind". What do these words mean ? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind http://www.plauder-smilies.de/nut.gif

[This message has been edited by MeezDiscreet (edited June 29, 2001).]

PM_Mama00, when it comes to joining a NPHC (the 9 historically Black Greek Letter Organizations) people tend to join based on what the organizations goals are. They join because of what the organization stands for. I am from NYC and I know so many Latino's who are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. I know a few white members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and I know 1 white member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and 1 white member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. These organizations are well respected around the country and even highly respected around the world. All of the people that I know love and honor their affiliation and wouldn't change it for a thing. They are all very active. Yes, one of my friends has dealt with people who didn't agree with his choice, but you move on. In life people will find any reason to judge you based on your hair style, your shoes, what ever. Maybe this person went to a school where the social Greek Organizations were about partying, drinking and sex. Maybe the BGLO's were the only positives Greeks on their campus. Maybe they valued scholarship and no other organization on their campus did. Maybe they wanted to be apart of an organization that you can be active in for life, not just until you get your Bachelors. Maybe the social Greeks only wanted you if your daddy had a lot of money and a house where they could party on weekends. Everyone has a choice, it's no ones business why they came to the conclusion that they did when choosing what they wanted to be affiliated with for life. I know that when I meet a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha of another race that I greet her with open arms because she is my sister no matter what. PM_Mama00, don't judge an international organization based on the members on your campus. That is only a small percentage of a huge population. To be chosen for membership into these organizations is an honor, it's not to be segregated. For the record, there are members of all races in NPHC organizations, they are historically black because they were founded by black people. We were using the term WGLO's because those organizations were founded by white people, but today include may races (but I don't know 1 black person who is a member of one, funny huh?) The same goes for the historically Latino/a organizations. I know black people who are members but again, they were founded by Latino's/Latina's and they are the majority of the membership.

[This message has been edited by showstopper_1908 (edited June 29, 2001).]

Awwwwww, I didn't mean to be harsh. I meant well, maybe the previous post just touched a nerve. Sorry if I was rude.

God Bless

I would'nt know what girls were Delta Sigma Theta because I've only seen one girl that has worn her letters. Also, I've only seen one man who wears Alpha Phi Alpha letters. So I'm sorry. maybe I was wrong.



[This message has been edited by PM_Mama00 (edited June 30, 2001).]

First of all, as I had said before, BGLO's rarely wear their letters. A lot of people didn't know we had them till we saw a list of Student Orgs. They are more than welcome to participate in Greek Week, but if we never see them around, how are we supposed to ask them? We don't know any of them and it's not like we are able to make the effort to. Parties are not just for Greeks. The fraternties on campus makes extremely large signs advertising their party, whether Alpha Kappa Alphas or Delta Sigma Thetas are there is beyond me. We will talk to anyone who will be social with us. Without that, we never know who they are.

As for black beauty pagents, there have been so many black miss teen usas. I see no discrimination there. Vanessa Williams, and there was a woman from Michigan a while ago who was crowned. I dont know now becuz I dont watch them anymore. I'm not saying do away with them, I just don't understand them.

I dont mean to judge BGLOs based on my campus. However, you say that u dont know one black social fraternity guy, and then u say funny huh? Well, on my campus there are many black men who are a part of Delta Sigma Phi, and I totally love each of them. I don't see them for their color, I see them for their personality.

Just because they're not wearing para everyday doesn't mean they're not out there! I guarantee you they're doing service of their own. And you must be mistaken about seeing a man in AKA letters... I hope so, anyway.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

Sorry....didnt mean to quote the http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif. Anyway, yes I meant Alpha Phi Alpha

What's up with the eye rolling on this topic? That's the type of thing that makes others want to respond with nasty posts!

Guys, not to be Captain Obvious http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif but haven't we learned from the last million and one threads on this topic that as soon as this topic comes up, nastiness on both sides inevitably follows? The eye rolling is totally unnecessary, by the way. Just because we aren't living experts on the BGLO's on our schools does not make us deserving of eye rolls. Anyway, like I said, the BGLO vs. GLO topic ALWAYS gets hostile. Do we really want to go through this AGAIN????

ya'll kill me!! i mean, ya'll really have me laughing!! *what's with the eye rolling* and *the eye rolling isn't necessary* so very funny to me!! does the eye rolling offend you all that much? maybe you shouldn't post if you don't know how to shake things off.

as i am not a member of any greek lettered organization, i can't speak for them, BUT, i will go out on a limb and assert that this topic is pretty exasperating. i'm sure members of bglo's get tired of defending their existence and purpose just as members of any other greek org. that is not historically blacks gets tired of defending the "sorority girls are sluts" and "fraternity boys just drink beer" stereotypes.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

[This message has been edited by MeezDiscreet (edited July 01, 2001).]

Amen.

MeezDiscreet -
Girrrl.. that is why I said I wanted to meet you! Too crazy. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

And to those who felt compelled to admonish me... if you read my post carefully, you would note I rolled my eyes at the part about the Miss America. Like naming Vanessa Williams and "some other girl" justified a point. NOT at her confusion on the BGLO representation. We're all adults, so please don't try to chastise me.

In the words of my girl MD..
http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif
That's how I feel about that. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Why does every other post on here turn into someone taking a shot at someone else rather than just answering a post?

Can't we all just get along. Oh, and I am a fraternity guy, and I do like a beer now and then. :::read sarcasm:::

I like greek orgs. They are good, they are like lays chips, you can't just have one. I think having a lot of different ones is cool. I mean if we got rid of GLO's or BGLO's then why stop? Then why not get rid of them all, and we could have just one fraternity and sorority, just XYZ, that would make it easier for the GDI's... I'm sorry it's late and I must have been sipp'n some of Tom Earp's private stock.....

Even though this topic has been discussed many times it obviously is important enough to get the number of responses it has so far so I'll add my opinion. First, I'm sure it was just a slip of the finger, or maybe it is the way you truly feel, but why would you make a statement like you have black friends that chose to join "regular" GLO's instead of black ones? Who are those organizations "regular" to? You, the people on your campus, your friends, family? I as a young black man in college consider the 9 NPHC organizations regular. So as you see what you consider regular probably isn't the same in my book. Now, I feel that BGLO's are still needed and they serve a vital purpose not only in the black community, but in the community in general. And the truth of the matter is, GLO's and BGLO's are fundamentally different. When you become
a member of a GLO it is pretty much for your college years. You may see some frat brothers here and there but there really isn't any active participation after graduation. The exact opposite is
true of BGLO's. In fact I would venture to say from what I have seen, more work is done on the graduate level than on the undergrad level simply because you have become more mature and financially secure. If you have been around members of BGLO's you will see a deep sense of pride and commitment to their respective organizations from the moment they become members until the day they die. It is an extremely important part of who they are. It is something that ties
generations of families together. It is something that is hard to understand if you have not grown up with family members or friends who are not members. It is a bond that is unmatched by any GLO I have ever seen.If you want further elaboration on the differences I recommend you look
for the thread the distinguished brother of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (I believe his name is IotaNet) wrote. And for that reason, I can tell you without hesitation, I as a young black college student would never and have never wanted to be a member of any organization other than one of the 5 NPHC fraternities. You may call that racist, narrow minded or you may say I have a
segregation mentality, but that is just the way I feel. The Divine 9 have been in the forefront of the struggles of not just black Americans but all Americans since their beginning, from the participation in the women’s rights in the early 20th century to the recent Florida election scandal. So when people ask why do we still need BGLO's I shake my head because if you knew the history of the organizations, what they have been doing for almost 100 years, and
the important members they have had and have now, a question like that wouldn't even enter
your mind.

To steal a line from Sean Connery (in Rising Sun) and Bill Murray (in Space Jam), "Perhaps I can be of some assistance ..."

Some months ago, I created a thread that might be helpful to this discussion. Take a look a look at But why are the NPHC groups so ... different??? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif

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IotaNet
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Eta Chapter, Spring, 1980

Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979

[This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited July 01, 2001).]

this year for greek week Phi Beta Sigma, a BGLO, were our partners for greek week along with ATO and ZTA. they were cool and came to a party we threw for our greek week partners.

mdstudent: now that was a well written and effective post! however, I would rather you had said that BGLOs are very active after graduation and not stated that other GLOs are not. I can't speak for any other GLO, but AGD has many alumnae and junior circle chapters to keep members active and "in the loop" after graduation.

MeezDiscreet: yes, the eye rolling really does bother some of us, as it is uncalled for. We here on GreekChat appriciate when non-Greeks come on and add to our "environment," but not when they simply stir up trouble and piss off other members. so please respect this forum and grow up!

ok, now that we're well aware of what the "problem" is, how about we list some ways to "solve" it?

okay everyone, from this moment forth, you must clear all of your comments and questions with LeslieAGD first, so as not to piss her off, annoy her, bother her or stir up trouble with her. also, from now on, only the following smilies will be accepted: http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif consequences for infraction include being told to "grow up."

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

LOOK, MEEZDISCREET IS A GROWN WOMAN WITH GROWN OPINIONS, VIEWS AND GROWN FINGERS THAT WILL TYPE ANY GROWN THOUGHTS SHE HAS. AND, MEEZDISCREET WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU, LESLIEAGD, COME TO HER LIKE SHE IS A GROWN WOMAN WHEN YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HER. SO, YOU RESPECT HER.

and, you might want to learn to let things go. it would save you a whole lot of frowms...


[This message has been edited by MeezDiscreet (edited July 01, 2001).]

MeezDiscreet, I was thinking the same exact thing. I feel you girl.

I could have easily written an angry and immature post (yes, it was immature) as you did, but I chose to be adult about it. I don't use this forum to disrespect people and fling insults and, since I'm sure you're just acting up to get attention, this is the last time I will even dignify you with a response.

U crack me up! And the thing about anwering my post....if ur just gona sit there and yell at me and others because we dont know the history or BGLOs and complain about how there are so many other threads...then DONT read or DONT respond...its that easy!

Hey...sorry when I said "regular" GLOs. What I meant by that is greek orgs that arent known as BGLOs or academic ones. SOrry for the mistake http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif