GDI...does it bother anyone else?
 

This is one of those "Is it just me?" type posts.

Has anyone else found the term GDI (when used to describe an unaffiliated person) offensive? It's just never sat well with me. Partly, that's because I have a lot of Christian friends who think that "GD" in general is really, really bad.

Also, it looks like we have some sort of disdain for unaffiliated people, which we all know isn't the case.

It just seems like the use of "GDI" only helps to perpetuate the very false view a lot of people have of Greeks -- that we're snobby, elitist, what have you.

I'm curious to hear what other people think. :)

Being a former GDI myself, I felt I should let you know that most GDIs use that term to describe themselves. It is not typically viewed as an elitist term that the greek system assigns, but rather a description of just how NOT greek a person is.

Second of all GDI can lots of meanings. For example, gosh darn independent, so that would not be offensive to people of a religious background.

Once again, I have heard this term used significantly more often by the people in this category than by others to describe them.

Now you've got at least one opinion. Hope others give you good thoughts as well.

~C

GBI
GOD BLESSED INDIVIDUAL :D

YOU COULD USE THAT ONE

Re: GDI...does it bother anyone else?
 

Although alot of Greek jargon has slipped into the non-greek vocabulary, some people don't even know they are GDI or what GDI is. I know at my school that term is not used.

In my mind, GDI stands for Gosh Darn Independant. But then, to me T.G.I.F. stands for Thank Goodness it's Friday!

The first time I ever heard the term "GDI" was from someone who wasn't Greek. He was using it to describe himself, and he was using it proudly.

I've never found it offensive, because I've always heard independents use the term themselves. If they think it's okay, then it's fine with me.

I'm rather clueless. What does GDI mean? You can PM me if you'd rather not post here.

GDI = "God Damned Independant"

I've heard it used back as far as the late 60's when my father was in school.

It bothered me until I read DZrose's post and realized that I've only heard Independants use it to describe themselves.

Wear your letters with pride!!
 

I've seen people wearing traditional sewn letter shirts with the letters GDI on them.

Our swim team at HSU (which traditionally didn't go greek at the time, except for one or two members) got shirts that said HZO (for H2O). I thought that was kinda cute.

I've never heard it used

I dont find it offense either, b/c as many said its a term that derived from those who were Greek. And the term is not limited to Greek jargon either. Before I was Greek and gave my own definaition of the word, I called myself a GDI at times. Here's how I see it. You have....

Greeks: People who are members of Greek lettered organizations (generally social/service)

Non-Greeks: Those who are not members of Greek lettered organizations and who may not agree with Greek Life, but are opened minded and do not bash it, will listen to the positives of it, and then move on with their day.

GDI's: ANTI-GREEKS. Only negative comments about Greek Life come out of these peoples mouthg and they base their opinions on some true but mostly false facts and fictional TV movies. They often use the argument, "I don't have to buy or pay for my friends". Instead of trying to see the good that Greeks do all they see is Negative. These are people who will dump their sig. other or friends because they went Greek. People who like to be close-minded and plain old Ignorant.

And if they want to be this ignorant, then I am in no way offended that someone would call them a GDI. After all they label themselves that.

My 0.02 cents :p

It's not just you...but..
 

I find the term offensive, and despite the fact that I have a POTTY MOUTH, I take offense any time I hear the words "G*D Damn" together. I can handle words like "shit" and "fuck"...but not G*d Damn. Weird, don't you think?

Personally I've never used the term GDI. When referring to a non-Greek, I've always just used 'non-Greek.'

Ok now I find that offensive.

As I said before, I am a former GDI. And I was not ignorant, close minded or bashing the greek system. I was just not affiliated, and just as proud to be not affiliated as I am now to be affiliated. I come from a greek family and even am a legacy at my own campus. I just wasn't ready for greek life for a few years.

So in the future, please refrain from making generalizations. Just as we (the greek community) hate it when people generalize us, generalizations for non-greeks are also much hated. And also remember that there are more than a few non-members who chat on this board, and probably would not like this comment much.

And btw- I am offended when you use this term because you are using it in an elitist and judgemental way. Thanks for being the first to ever offend me with this term.

People have shown up for greek sings and greek week events at my school wearing GDI letter shirts. They were there cheering on the competators, too. I've never refered to myself as a GDI, because I think it is disrespectful (that and I don't like the "GD" part of it.) Anywhere on campus that you see any greek graphiti (elevators, desks, etc) you will also find GDI graphiti. It's usually only used by the people that either got rejected during rush, or had a bad experiance with someone who was greek. I know a lot of people that claim to be a GDI, and once a greek shows them any kindness or attention, they drop the title. I really don't know what to think... *shrugs*

Interesting side note: there is a group of 3 Russian girls at my school I know that made themselves letter shirts with GDPhi on them, standing for God Damn Forigners. I have to admit, it was kinda cute :)

Time Out
 

No offense but I think you need to relax a little.

1) If you go back and look at my post, I also called myself a GDI at one point. But when I became Greek my definition of a GDI changed. And lets just note that no ones definition (if they use the term) of a "GDI" is the same.

2) I clearly made 3 separate classifications of people when it comes to peoples involvement or none in Greek Life. Greeks, Non-Greeks and "GDIs".

Going by everything that you said, I think its very clear to most people that you would have fallen under the definition of Non-Greek. As you said you didnt bash, you just had no interest in Greek Life at the time.

3) I am a bit confused as to how I sounded elitest when I made that statement. So let me just clarify by giving an example. "GDIs" would be these....
The V's- How are they ignorant? I think the other Chi-O's on this board could answer that question for you. Spreading vicious rumors (a website) about an organization that they know nothing about, and not even willing to take the time to find out. Making trouble for greeks overall on this board. I dont know about anyone else, but I consider that IGNORANT, and I am sure some ladies on this board would have a much harsher word than that for them.
My close friend's Ex-Fiance- This is man who told my friend that if she ever joined a sorority he wouldn't talk to her and would dump her. Knowing that myself an another one of our close friend's are both in sororities, would tell us how he felt we were wasting our time and buying our friends and thought Greeks were snobs, etc, the list goes on. Even after explaining to him that we all dont haze and how much time we put into our charities etc. He wouldnt listen, he was being IGNORANT. I think most ppl would agree with this.

Those are Anti-Greeks, which I consider "GDIs" Poeple who have only negative things to say about Greek life and dont know what its about. They try to force the opinion that being Greek is bad and want to argue about it. I am not being elitest when I use this term to say that these people were/are ignorant, because they are in their ACTIONS.

I am sorry if you were offended, but I think you read my post the wrong way.

Did anyone get what I was trying to say though? :)

I never heard the term GDI until I came to GC. It wasn't used on my campus. Unaffiliated people were just that... unaffiliated people, or independents. And we were all unaffiliated at some point :)

UMgirl has a point. There are independents who can take or leave the greek system, along with independents who are interested in becoming part of the greek system but it hasn't happened yet. These folks should not have the GDI label applied to them unless they choose to apply it to themselves (possibly tongue-in-cheek). Then there are those independents who, for whatever reason, take every opportunity to bash the greek system... the type of people UMgirl is calling GDI's.

I have referred to my husband on a few occasions as a GDI. He is one of those people who can take or leave the greek system - it just wasn't for him. He doesn't mind the term, and, well, it *is* quicker to type GDI than independent... guess I'm just lazy :) But he's definitely one of the "good" sort of independent.

Re: Time Out
 

We got what you are trying to say but I always thought that GDI's are people that have nothing to do with greek life. Seeing it used here, means to me...only greeks use it. Why would I label myself a GDI when I have nothing to do with greek life as it is? I am just an average joe, and very happy with that.

GDI
 

My Dad tells me that back in the early 60's the terminology was a little different. One spoke more of Fraternity Men and Sorority Women and less of Greeks. More of Fraternity life and less of Greek life. GDI was a general, humorous, and not unfriendly term that was often used to refer to non-Fraternity members who were friends of the house, as in, "Great party last Friday, we had the whole house there, a bunch of the usual GDIs, some guys from a couple of other houses, and the the girlfriends were here in force with lots of their friends. The band was great and played past their contract time till about 2:30! Even the Dean of Men had a blast, and he stayed real late with us"
It was not seen as unfriendly or elitist. It probably started that way sixty or seventy years ago but had changed meaning by the 1960s.
My experience is similar in that GDI was used more as a joke than an insult and was not all that much used anyway. You might hear it in the context of a greek roommate to his nongreek roommate along the line of 'Hay, you get along real well with the guys and the guys think you are OK, so, when you going to quit being a GDI and rush XYZ?'

Re: GDI
 

This is somewhat how I think of GDIs. To me, they're the people who claim to want to be independent but hang around Greeks. IMO, this can be an ironic but humourous nickname to those who are friends of the people in a specific GLO, or it can be a more of a put down to groupies and people who bash Greeks but want to hang out at their parties. It's all in the context one uses it.

Wow....so y'all use that to refer to non-greeks?! I know on my campus, they use it to refer to locals...which is why I hate the term! My brother used to call me a GDI all the time and it would piss me off so much! It made me feel as though I was less of a greek than he was just cause I was in a local and he was in a national.

I guess hearing how the term is used in the States makes it less annoying for me...but I know how everyone back home uses it....and it still annoys me!:)

I've never heard it applied to locals before, Sisterplum, but I can see why if that's how it's used up there you wouldn't like it!

On my campus GDI was generally applied only to those few students who were very vocally anti-Greek - those who wouldn't go into a fraternity house if they were meeting a study partner who was a member. Not to someone who just was not a member.

Ok I was going to respond in a PM, and not bother the rest of this board with my comments. But then I realized this is all about whether or not this term is offensive and I would like to explain to you WHY you ARE offensive.

You said you were once a GDI also, so does that mean that you were "close-minded and plain old Ignorant" and somehow are no longer? Oh wait, you are still being close-minded, my bad.

The point is not your personal definition, it is how you present it to others. By stating that ALL GDIs are close-minded and ignorant, you are being close-minded and ignorant. I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate it much if I said that ALL AGDs were slutty and stupid (not saying that any at all are!!!!! I actually have not had the pleasure of meeting any in person). But generalizations are a sign of ignorance.

But I clearly state that I was a GDI, so therefore your nice little definition does not apply. The point is if I say that I am X, and you say that X is ignorant and close-minded, then I'm going to take it as you are saying I'm ignorant and close-minded. The way you are being offensive is to give a negative connotation to something that many people are quite proud of.

You were being elitist by expressing a negative view of a term that people quite proudly use for themselves. You are saying that because they are proud of the fact they are unaffiliated (cause most GDIs are not the bashers that you like to portray them as, just not interested), they are ignorant and close-minded. This is elitist because you are giving independents the view that the greek system feels they are lesser people due to their pride in things outside of GL.

And thank you for trying to educate me on MY organization. Cause I'm obviously too ignorant to know on my own. That was a direct comment because of my affiliation, you would not have made that comment if I was in any other organization.

And as for ignorance, how bout this. Neither of the V's are GDIs. Psycho maybe, but definitely not independent. Remember Kristin(sp?) is/was a XO, so I'm pretty sure that is not independent. Second, since you are so aware of the situation, you should know that her mom is also affiliated. I forget which sorority, but that has been their argument all along, that her mother was never subjected to the same types of things while she was in her sorority in college. So call them ignorant, call them anti-greeks, but definitely NOT GDI, because they lack the main characteristic of a GDI. INDEPENDENT!!!!

So are they anti-greeks, or are they GDIs? Cause those are not synonymous. GDIs simply are proud of who and what they are, which happens to be independent.



And a final note. I am relaxed. Totally in fact. However perhaps you need to remember that your opinions can be very offensive and sometimes are better left unsaid. Just as someone using the f** word or the n**** word is just "expressing their views," and is extremely offensive to the majority of the population.

And overall the offensiveness lies in taking a term that is used with pride, and degrading it.

You can all flame me all you would like. You can attack me for not agreeing. Go ahead. Have fun. I will not be returning to this thread. I have stated how I view this term (which is the original purpose), I have now stated that your opinion is the first to ever make me feel offended (hoping to open your eyes, but then you had to go and tell me to relax), and now I'm done.

Have a great day all. And I hope that I've been able to open someone's eyes about degrading terms.

~C

In the area that I went to school most non-Greeks referred to themselves as either "GDIs" or "Independents". They did not consider it derogatory. When they are asked are you in a fraternity or sorority most will reply with "no, I'm a GDI"

XOclstln,

I think you misinterpreted UMgirl's comments. I really don't believe she was trying to offend anyone. The problem is that you and she simply have different definitions of "GDI".

Whereas you consider a GDI to be someone who is unaffiliated with Greek organizations, and is happy not being Greek, UMgirl takes the definition a step further to define a GDI as someone who is unaffiliated with Greek organizations, happy not being Greek, and - also - vocally anti-Greek.

If I'm understanding y'all's posts correctly, UMgirl views non-Greeks and GDI's as two completely different types of people, whereas you view non-Greeks and GDI's to be the same type of person and have an entirely separate category for anti-Greeks.

Just wanted to clarify things a little because I honestly don't think UMgirl meant anything offensive and I hate to see bickering erupt because of miscommunication. :) Hope this helps a little! :D

DZRose.....Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!! :). That was totally my point that everyone has different defintions on what a "GDI" is and that what i wrote was my own.
XOcrlstln -- I would never try to educate anyone about their own org. From looking at the date that you joined GC and your naumber of post I didnt think you knew about the V's and figured I needed to explain it b/c I was using them as an example. I am sorry.
Am I saying that I was one of those closed-minded GDI's? No, as I said my definition of one changed when I became Greek. When I wasnt Greek, a GDI to me was someone who just wasnt affiliated with any org like most ppl have said on here. When I became Greek I noitced that people who were very anti-greek used this term more then those who were not. Therefore, I started to think of people who bash them as GDI's and those who didnt as non greeks. However, I will admitt that I was probably a little ignorant of Greek Life for the short time I claimed GDI. Nothing wrong with that it just means I didnt know about it. HOwevert the difference is that I opened my mind up to it
As I said before,s orry you took offense, but like DZRose said I really didnt mean it that way.

Leslie-- I agree with what you said also, b/c I have heard it used in that sense.

Well, and this is just my personal opinion, but if someone writes, "Here's my opinion, and I know it's going to piss you off, and I don't even have the decency to stick around and continue the discussion in a calm, mature manner," I don't think their post deserves any responses.

I think most of the rest of us understood that UMgirl was making a very clear (and I thought plainly stated) distinction between non-Greeks who were actively anti-Greek and non-Greeks who couldn't care less.

Dekeguy wrote:

"My Dad tells me that back in the early 60's the terminology was a little different. One spoke more of Fraternity Men and Sorority Women and less of Greeks. More of Fraternity life and less of Greek life. GDI was a general, humorous, and not unfriendly term that was often used to refer to non-Fraternity members who were friends of the house,"

Sounds like his dad is a little older than me, but I would agree with his comment. The first time I ever heard the term (I was a pledge at the time in the mid 60's) was when one of our actives said it with a big smile on his face to a mutual friend of ours, after said friend had taken a cheap shot (in fun) at something about our fraternity.

No offense was taken either way.

If the use of the word "God" offends you, use Gosh Darned.

The term GDI has been around for a long time and isn't likely to go away anytime soon.

GDI-never a negative term by any standard at U of H, but that was in the '70s and Greek life in general was looked down upon.
It was the epitomy of conformity in a nonconformist decade.

I had my jersey with GDI Alph Chi on it-IT WAS HUMOR-just like the Sigs who had their nicknames-Red Dog-Streak-Smokey- on the backs of their jersey. It was a way of being an individual within a group. If my shirt had offended anyone, believe me, I would have been told about it.

It seems a waste of energy to get upset over the term GDI when it obviously has so many meanings and interpretations. It has more to do with the attitude of the person HEARING the term than the person speaking the initials.

All in all, it's an extension of ones identity. Why shouldn't someone be just as proud of choosing to remain "independent" as another is of joing an organization. Just try to remember the "GDI" will last a few years, but YOUR letters will be a part of you forever. As Erma Bombeck would say, "Don't sweat the small stuff".

I know two different types of GDI's, at my school at least:
1) The kind that don't really care about greek life, have never been interested but wouldn't necessarily discourage anyone from joining, etc.
2) The really bitter, hostile types who mock the Greek system, discourage people from joining it, and if their friend actually pledges, will try to get them to de-pledge, while saying they are "trying to be objective." I know this from personal experience, as one of my sisters depledged due a lot to pressure from GDI friends.

The second category contains the people I can't stand.

GDI...
 

I keep seeing the word "elitism" thrown into this discussion. Somebody please make me smart about this. Since the whole concept of "PC" has been reduced to the status of laughingstock in the real world what has this to do with anything? Greek houses, by the very fact that they are selective, are by definition elitist. Is this such a bad thing? I don't look down on independents or other Greeks, but I am damned proud of MY house. I am likewise proud to have graduated from a university that has somewhat tough admission standards and a good academic reputation. I am likewise proud to have served as an officer on active duty, to have earned an MA from a British University, to have been Master of my Masonic Lodge, and I am likewise proud to have gotten into law school and survived 1L, and I am 27 as of last birthday. I worked at summer jobs and part time jobs since I was in High School, I paid for my car, my spending money, and a good sized chunk of what I could not cover with scholarships. I am sure not going to apologise for this and while I think I have been very lucky I also think hard work had something to do with it. Does that make me elitist? If so, so be it. I honor those who strive and accomplish. I am less impressed by those who screw off for four years and accomplish little or nothing, are not selected for inclusion by their peers, and earn no honors. Sure, we all know some nice guys who fall through the cracks, and we know good guys who chose not to affiliate, but lets get real - elitism if meant to hurt and put down is just as out of place as hazing, but elitism as a sense of accomplishment brought by recognition of earned distinction can't be such a bad thing.

DekeGuy, Huzzas to my interfatrernal Brother of Canada!

I do not and never did consider being in a Greek Organization as being elite!

I considerered being a Greek as a Can do and be involved person! If we do not do it on campus then who will?

GDI tend to be dormers or in apartment houses off of campus and do not socialize with any one group of people. They may have their small circle of friends but not a Brother/Sisterhood of many who have come before and after!

We are having Pierce Stock 7 an Alum who puts on a gathering of Brothers and wives and kids once a year! This is so we can get together and meet new and see old Members of the Fraternity!
Oh Our Chapter only.

If being Greek Is Elite, then it might come from having the higher Grade avg., participating more and getting better jobs after graduation because the companys are looking for people who interact. I am sure each and everyone of us have served in some form or another with the Organization. This too is learning process in college.


Truth being known, I guess I do look down the nose a little as they usually dont to commit to the world of people!

Why do they come back to see the old school? I come back to see and be with my Brothers and their Familys which have become mine and meet the New Brothers who will someday be in our shoes!:)

Okay...lets play word flip flop.
Premise: Elitism is bad(just go along, you'll see how it works out)
Given: Greeks select their own membership.
Given: Greeks are considered "conservative"
Given: Labor unions are conisdered "liberal"
Given: Labor unions select their own membership
Conclusion: Labor unions are elitist.

Labor unions aren't bad though. Why can't I join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Just because I'm not an electritian. DA!! Not everyone who wants to join something is right for that organisation. I'd be a horrible member of IBEW, because, I know jack zippo about electricity, execpt that if you put tweezers in a socket it makes a pretty blue color. Lets explore this further.
Given: Groups choose memebers who will be good members
Given: No group would want to harm themselves, or their reputation.
Given: Choosing memebers who do not share their values, groups would risk hurting themselves/their reputation.
Conclusion: Groups choose people whose ideals closely match their own.

And that is why using the term elitist is a bad thing. Even if your an Electrian. I support them even if they do strike!

P.S. Don't mistake me. I was making a point. Labor unions are good. They make sure people don't get ripped off. Without, some people YOU love probably wouldn't have houses, or be able to buy groceries.

As much as I agree with your overall point, Optimist, I think your analogy isn't that great. ANY electrician can join the union - they can't pick and choose which electricians they like. It's more like, say, A Phi O, where ANY student can join - the brothers can't say no to someone who wants to pledge. Yes, there is a minimum standard enforced (being an electrician or being a student) but it is a very objective one. It's not like joining an NPC sorority, where we pick and choose the members we want, based on vague ideals and impressions. (I'm not knocking our system, just saying it's not exactly scientific.)

My dad said the term GDI was used in World War II, back when he was in college. I've always felt that the term could be used several ways, depending on how the speaker or GDI wanted to use it.

At my colleges in the seventies, it was mostly used humorously and affectionately, as Deltalum and dekeguy described. It was just a way for someone to say that they weren't Greek.

Occasionally, it would be used as an insult from the Greeks ("Those GDIs from the coed dorm just lobbed an M-80 into our living room!) or at other times, an insult towards the Greeks, usually from the hippies ("I'm proud to be a GDI who doesn't listen to the Establishment!")

I love the term- and so do most of the GDi's I know. They use it on themselves and are almost proud of it!

Optimist Prime, in what world are Greeks (often falsely associated with wild parties, alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, etc.) considered "conservative"?

:confused:

Historically greeks are considered more conservative than the general population. This has nothing to do with parties or drinking it has to do with political views.