Potential New Members
 

I tried to post this on Rush yesterday, it must have been in the wrong thread. I saw a post on Alpha Kappa Alpha asking members about white or homosexual members joining. It got me thinking, if you are in a national panhellenic council organization, how do you feel about a black or homosexual member joining? I have met many nice black members of my organization at different meetings, but there has never been one in my chapter or any chapters that am aware of in the south.

I am a member of AST at chicago. I did not realize that the color of you skin ment that you could not be in an NPC sorority. I am not meaning to sound rude but, we do have the NPHC her but some women found that AST was a better fit for one reason or another. The NPHC chapters on our campus are wonderful, they have great women and they are very active but just as with any NPC sorority, there is a right one for you. I do not know much about some of the sisters of the past but one of the girls that was in my sorority that pushed for it to go from local to national was black. And the president of my sorority for 2 years in a row was african american. At the current time we have many sisters of different backgrounds and I think that it makes us better because of it.

My chapter has a couple of black members, and it's no big deal. We also have some Asian and Indian girls, too.

My school is sadly not very diverse, but as a chapter we do have a bunch of Native Americans and also one african american. Also we have some people who our very distinctly of an asian background. This is very interesting to see, because when I joined my chapter it was an all white chapter.

And why would we feel weird about black, Asian, Hispanic or women of other nonwhite backgrounds joining NPC groups?

Obviously you're trying to start something. I hope a nonwhite member joins your GLO so your daddy WILL stop paying your dues. If you're even on the level.

Carnation, I couldn't have said it better myself!!!

~Allison

The point is valid. So lets discuss the post on its intellectual merits rather than well any thing else lol.

So lets examine the premise:

1. Are there chapters that are exclusively white at schools that do have minority populations?

2. Are there regions of the country where this is more likely to happen?

3. What would be some of historical or cultural reasons for this to be true. i.e. Campus Climate.

And in fairness, maybe at these schools a majority of the minority students just don't have the qualifications to join? That could be another plausibe answer. The Minorities just don't have good enough records.

I always see how Rush is ultra competitive.

Anyway lets see commence some discussion.

Ok, Belle...
 

While I don't exactly get your point, I am going to answer your question as best I can. My sorority (as probably most NPC groups), celebrates and encourages the diversity of it's members, and welcomes anyone who embraces their ideals. I have been a member for a long time, and that idea of a diverse membership has never changed in the 27 years since my initiation - although it is a more prevalent subject now.
I have no first-hand experience of having a person of another race in my chapter, but I think that if you choose to be a member of a particular organization and if you stay loyal to it, then you must accept your sisters (or brothers) for all the ways they contribute and look past the obvious differences.
Anna

I would like to know what your definition a person from a non-white background is.

My collegiate chapter has had 6 black sisters that I can think of without trying. And the chapter where I am currently an advisor has a black woman in their New Member class. My collegiate chapter also had a woman who was bi-sexual. I don't see why that is an issue to you. They are all my sisters and I am proud of each one of them for their academic achievements, their leadership in Zeta Tau Alpha and for being the wonderful, amazing people that they are. The color of their skin or their sexual preference has nothing to do with anything. They are my sisters and I love them.

I haven't given much thought to the "double standard" that you are talking about because my school did not have NPHC chapters, so it has not been part of my experience.

Allison

"I never said"....OMG, here we go again. :rolleyes:

Where do I go to school? OMG.:rolleyes:

Does my sorority have black members? Yes. And I do believe that blacks have a nonwhite background.:rolleyes:

Plenty of people were flamed in the Alpha Phi Alpha thread. And Professor closed it. And many people were glad because it turned ugly, just like you're hoping this will.

SuthrnBelle, i'm really sorry that your life has been so sheltered. I'm hoping that you're young (freshman) and that your four or more years of college will help open up your eyes a bit.

So it doesn't bother your daddy that there are blacks and homosexual/bisexual members in other chapters of your sorority, as long as they're not in your chapter?

What sorority are you in? I guarantee you that there are minorities as members of your sorority in southern colleges.

If your daddy did stop paying for your sorority bill, would you just up and quit? Or does your sorority mean enough to you that you would suck it up and get a job and pay for it yourself, like many many of us do?

You may want to look into your sorority's ideals a little more and maybe try to expose yourself to a more diverse group of people.

Guess what, in the real world, you'll be working with many blacks, gays, and whatever else makes you uncomfortable. Get used to it.

And for the record, my big is black and one of my littles is Filipino, there's been at least 5 different black members that have been part of my chapter (being that our total is 60, that's a fair percentage), several Asians, several hispanics, and a bisexual member. And you know what? We've become one of the strongest groups on campus.

I can't speak for NPHC groups. But speaking as a member of an NPC group, i'm very sorry that you have such closed minded views, and I really hope that that changes for you. Or else you're gonna have a tough time in life...

It's comments like "If a minority joined my chapter my daddy would stop paying..." that gives Greeks a bad rap, particularly in the South. It sounds like a stereotypical "sorority girl" statement, not to mention racist. And yes you will work with, go to school with, and *GASP* maybe even go to church with someone who is of a "non-white" background. And the term "non-white" puts out such an "us-vs.-them" mentality that I thought had since left our culture. Guess not.

To give a little slack ... we are not responsible for our parents' beliefs. One could have a very racist father without being racist oneself.

I dont think that SuthrnBelle was meaning to make people made, I think she was curious in the differences. I am from california up till college, where it was very diverse, then my college in arizona is not hardly at all. Lack of exposure does make a difference in how groups act towards eachother. I think all she was trying to do was find out about other areas, because in reality there are areas where people would not feel welcome in certain groups.

Fuzzie- Very true. You don't have the same opinions as your parents.

I feel the problem is that many underrepresented minority's don't feel comfortable in what were traditionally white GLO's. I am sure there are many chapters of Chi O that *don't* have as much racial diversity as they could have (based on who goes to the school). Unfortunately, it is hard to get people to cross lines and be comfortable with people that have different backgrounds. I truly wish that more African American, latina, Indian.... etc, women would be open to joining, and that there would be more effort to cross lines, and a larger effort to be culturally sensitive. I can also see where the kind of orgs we try to be get in the way of diersity. We pitch friendship, service, and a place to belong. We do rush, where the main idea is that you meet someone and find the best "instant click". If we want to attract women who aren't the same as us, maybe we need to target ourselves differently. But, I don't really see anyth9ing changing there.

I see the women in my chapter with diverse backgrounds as assets, and people to help lift my naive mind out of the hole of assumptions. And most importantly, they are my friends! (awww.. sappy smile required here!)

As for lesbian women...??? I don't see a problem with anything. Again, I could see that *she* might feel uncomfortable. People would surely make assumptions about her sexuality, and that would not make it a plesant experience. Again, comfort level, and sensitivity.


-M

Suthrn belle, I see your point about the fact that more non- white people join NPC sororities than non african american people join NPHC orgs.. (although I know there are some caucasian members of NPHC groups) I do agree with Carnation though, why why did the question have to be brought up if people care about minorities joining ??
There have been plenty of threads about race/religous issues brought up that have gotten pretty heated, and although they sometimes need to be discussed I don't think this needs to be, especially after how it turned out in the other forum. The fact is I'm pretty sure most NPC sororities stress inclusiveness and saying things about how your daddy would stop paying for your dues and such is I feel is not called for, no matter how innocently you meant the comment, or if it doesn't reflect your personal beliefs.
It is hurtful for people to have to think that there are people out there....( sisters or parents of sisters) who wouldn't want them in their chapter and would stop supporting the chapter if they knew that a minority or someone of another religion or sexual prefrence had joined. I am Bi-racial (white and black) and I know that if I found out that if another chapter somewhere had a problem with people of "non white background" joining, I wouldn't feel comfortable even in my very diverse chapter.

I cannot believe that people let this STUPID remark slide!!!! The minorities just don't have good enough records???? Are you serious???????? Do you understand that most people that get accepted to sororities in the NPHC not only HAVE to have over a 3.00 gpa, but be involved in the community service BEFORE seeking membership, hold an office in another organization and other things just to even get a second look? How many minorities student have tried to be a member of your organization for you to know that minorities just don't have good enough records? For schools that don't have many minorities, it's not because they didn't met up to standards, but it's because they never even thought twice about joining. Maybe it's because they know that groups like yours have attitude like yourself!!!!!http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies...an/blueguy.gif


to suthrnbelle:
No disrepect to your daddy, but ummm.... he really needs to read the bible in a little to bit more detail. Maybe he missed the chapter when Jesus said not only love you neighbors, but also love your enemies. It was a good part. You should suggest that he reads it......http://www.clicksmilies.com/sammlung/sauer/sauer014.gif

As far as a double standard for white people joining NPHC, you have to really question why a white person would want to join a group in the NPHC. In the mission, ideals and service of the NPHC, it is all geared towards African-Americans specifically. You have to really ask yourself, is that non-black person joining because they are trying to be "down" or do they really believe in what the organization stands for? To tell you the truth, SOME of the non-white people that I knew that wanted to join the NPHC, were only doing it because they thought it would be "cute" to be a white person in a black group. Who would want someone like that apart of their organization?http://www.clicksmilies.com/sammlung...fragend013.gif

What??
 

........you have to really question why a white person would want to join a group in the NPHC. In the mission, ideals and service of the NPHC, it is all geared towards African-Americans specifically. You have to really ask yourself, is that non-black person joining because they are trying to be "down" or do they really believe in what the organization stands for?http://www.clicksmilies.com/sammlung...fragend013.gif [/B][/QUOTE]


I'm not sure I like any of this thread!!
The above comment......can you imagine if someone asked why a non-white wanted to join an NPC group with these kind of remarks----i.e. do they really believe in what the organization stands for? I think remarks like this are bigotted and just furthers splitting everyone.

Re: What??
 

It's funny how no one called the guy who said "minorities just don't have good enough records" bigotted, but I guess I am for wondering why ANYONE would want to join an organization that caters to a race that is not their own. Sorry it's not PC to say but sometimes people join groups that are different than the group that they identify with only to seek "approval" from that group. Then there are others who honestly want to carry out the mission of the group and what to be apart. Does that mean you should treat the person that deviates from the norm different? NO. It just means that you might have to get to know that person a little bit more than the other interest.

Not all NPC sororities are founded on Christian beliefs. Mine is, but not every one is.

Also, religion was not really much of a part of my chapter at all. I think where the founding roots come out is in ritual, but not in any way that should make anyone of any religion uncomfortable.

I do think that in the bigger picture, NPC sororities are designed for any woman of any background to be a part of and find sisterhood and friendship. However I'm not naive enough to think that the climate of every campus makes it that way, especially in the south.

One thing I do get sick of though, in general, is people being forgiving of racism and discrimination because "it's the south". I am in NO way saying that all southerners and all southern campus are like this. But i've heard this kind of thing in many different forums. And it just kind of annoys me. :confused:

Alter alert! Alter alert!

SO you just joined GC, but oddly you are referring to a thread that has been inactive for MONTHS. Now, come out the closet.

Don't be a dork and use a different UN to ask a controversial question.

[/img] [/B][/QUOTE]
to suthrnbelle:
As far as a double standard for white people joining NPHC, you have to really question why a white person would want to join a group in the NPHC. In the mission, ideals and service of the NPHC, it is all geared towards African-Americans specifically. You have to really ask yourself, is that non-black person joining because they are trying to be "down" or do they really believe in what the organization stands for? To tell you the truth, SOME of the non-white people that I knew that wanted to join the NPHC, were only doing it because they thought it would be "cute" to be a white person in a black group. Who would want someone like that apart of their organization?http://www.clicksmilies.com/sammlung...fragend013.gif [/B][/QUOTE]

ZChi,
I think people have misunderstood your post.
I think you mean when it comes to mission and Philanthropy most NPHC groups state that their goal is to uplift the AfAm community through there organization. I'm am sure that there are many non-AfAm who legitimately seek membership into an NPHC group because they support the cause. There probably are some who just wanted to show that they coulbe be 'down' as well.

'Christian ideals'
Although many NPC groups were founded based on religious principles that does not mean that it is thier main focus. For example ZTA's philanthropy is Breast Cancer research and prevention. This obviously does not exclude race or religion.
And our mission statement is :
The mission of Zeta Tau Alpha is to make a difference in the lives of our membership by developing the potential of each individual through visionary programming which emphasizes leadership development, service to others, academic success and continued personal growth for women with a commitment to friendship and the future based on the values and traditions of our past.

I think its pretty clear.

Is it SO far-fetched to question if someone, ANYONE, who wants to join your organization is legitimately committed to its ideals, goals & mission? Take ZTA's mission statement for example (not to pick on ZTA). It's about helping others & her members in a general sense. Delta's mission statement, although similar, is a little more specific. Our Mission Statement is: "Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization of college-educated women committed to constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community."

Now, PERSONALLY, i don't care who it is or what shade the skin is, when someone expresses interest in Delta to me, I am GOING to QUESTION her committment to that mission. Now, if she's Black, I would HOPE that she's committed to that mission, but fact is some black folk ain't down for the cause & that's fine. That just means Delta ain't for her. If she's White, Bi-racial, Multi-racial, Latina, Asian, Polynesian, or whatever I would HOPE that she's committed to that mission, but again not all these folks are down for the cause & that's fine. If she ain't down for the cause, once again, Delta ain't for her.

We are in the unique position of being allowed to choose who we want as Sorors. Does that selection get colored by skin tone, racial background, ethnicity, sexual orientation and other PERSONAL issues? Sure it does. But NEWSFLASH, this world and the people who live in it are FAR from perfect. So I ask you, i mean HONESTLY y'all, is the QUESTION really all that bad...or is it someone's honest ANSWER that you're afraid of?

LOL, excellent post and point. Its a little wasted on most audiences though.

In todays current PC environment its ok to do wierd or bad things in private, its just not ok to discuss it or have it generally known publicly.

I find this to be even more prevalent among girls for some reason . . .

So, as you pointed out, most people would rather have you never bring something up rather than discuss it intellegently.

So most of the ladies on here that have answered, have chosen to attack the messenger or attack the message rather than to consider it logically.

It must be a limitation in reasoning ability? Or maybe they just were never taught how to correctly process and debate issues?

Oh well, it is certainly good for a chuckle if useless for any type of online discourse. :)

Man you are still in the doghouse for that random comment about minorities and requirements. Be Quiet.

I keep on forgetting that you are one.

LOL, actually that was an honest question.

All the NPC groups on here are going on and on about how competitive Formal Rush is and its usually super competitive at schools that don't have a large minority representation in the sororities.

They are also going to great lengths to state over and over again that prejudice doesn't exist in their sororities (cause they all know of minority members, someone saying they have minority friends) and therefore has nothing to do with ther selection process or influence who responds to formal Rush.

I was merely assuming that what they are saying is correct, their is no conscious or unconscious bias and that there must be some other reason why significant numbers of minorities are not joining their organizations.

So we go back to the only reason they have given for people not getting in, Rush is competitive. Therefore the minority students at their specific institutions must not be competitive.


What other reason are they giving?

Sorry for any misunderstanding. And my apologies to Zchi2 for getting his blood pressure up.

ok so you are giving them the benefit of the doubt, the thought being:

It's not that they're racist, but the minorities on campus just don't meet the requirements of members.

and that's their reasoning.

12dn, this is what I have been trying to say all along. You have just said it the best!

Thank You for stepping up and saying what you feel and is the truth!:cool:

Maybe this should be moved to Greek Life thead so more people can see it?:confused:

Perhaps this can account for some of that, but I know that many minority girls are unsure that they are even "allowed" to join NPC groups. I have actually been asked by at least two different girls if there is a rule against minorities joining an NPC group, and I was like :eek: completely shocked that they would even think that NPC groups would discriminate like that. If discrimination was even attempted and was found out about, surely there would be harsh concequences placed on the group(s) in question. So perhaps the reason many girls of non-majority backgrounds don't join NPC sororities is simply based on an incorrect ASSUPMTION that they're not allowed to or that they won't be accepted.

This is absurd. A sister is a sister for who she is, not where her ethnic background comes from. Women who only see the color of skin need to reconsider their views on the world. As for those who are counting how many minorities they have in their chapter, forget about it. If someone needs justification on something so trivial, let them go somewhere else. Enjoy your sisterhood and keep your eyes open. You might just learn something.

It works the other way also
 

I have had this happen once before... I have been friends with a black gentleman for about a year now... I invited him to join Sigma Nu or at least go through formal rush and give Greek Life a try.

I was angered and shocked that he said that he couldn't because of the backlash that would occur from his friends!

Yes, that is his friends in traditionally black GLO's would be angry that he was considering us but not them?

Could it be that each person is entitled to make their own choices? Should we all not be just as shocked and angry that this occurs? Not trying to hijack the thread here, but it's not JUST white people trying to keep minorities out.

I see no problem with race because Florida Tech is so diverse. As for the sexuality, it's not a big deal. It's the person's decision so I don't see why the organization should make it an issue.

we have sisters of all different backgrounds and it doesn't seem to be a issue at all. african american, puerto rican, caucasian whatever it doesn't really make a difference we are sisters. our sisterhood is about respect and loving one another. i believe we should respect not only our sisters but everyone no matter what their skin color or ethnic background. and i would think it would be something a sisterhood would want to promote.
Tiramasu
DELTA PHI MU