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Pledging
Alright we need something to kick off a little controversy to get this site going with more responses. Let's see if this will do it. I say if you didn't pledge; you aren't a brother. You are not even a cousin. You don't even deserve to wear the colors or be called an Alpha. I'll take this even further if the chapter you are from hasn't had anybody who quit while they are on line in the last 3 years. There is probably something not Kosher in the water. I know not everybody can be as hard as the hardest chapter on earth, but I have heard of schools where they have gone almost 7 years with no one drop, and they didn't have small lines of 2 or 3 these are relatively big lines of 15 or more. So what's going on, I'll tell you what I think them bastards skated. To put it simply if you didn't pledge you are not Frat. If this offended you, too bad you need to stop calling yourself an Alpha.
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Bruh did you not read my topic? you could have added more controversy to my topic. By the way you should read what I wrote to the kappa that replied to something you said in the AKA room. But I'm glad you are representing
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7BA94, I totally disagree and I have so much to say, when I return from my meeting, I will try and post more ..... is the ice melting yet because I am real heated by your comment!
Oh and I went through a process so no need to make any assumptions. Lets keep the love alive, we are entitled to personal opinions.... Sisterly LadyAKA |
What in HELL is going on. I don't know what brotherhood means to you but it is certainly not about holding line for months on hand. It really bothers me when old heads talk of the length of time it takes to cross the sands. Although I find some merit in old school ways, I continue to question if the months on line makes anyone a better Alpha Man. Being a Alpha Man is a work in progress - - it is never ending. Therefore, two weekends or six months are never qualifiers for determining the perfection of an Alpha.
"06" |
Greetings to the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Please forgive me for posting in your forum, but I just had to add my $19.13. Lady AKA and Professor: Your sentiments are my sentiments exactly!!!! One's "process" is never ending. An individual's time on line, whether 7 days or 7 months does not determine his/her "worthiness" to be called frat or soror. Let us not judge our frat, soror, or anyone in greekdom by the length of their process, but by the content of their character and the public service that they are committed to carrying out! 7ba94: HHHMMM???? I wonder what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would say about your so-called "words of wisdom,"...needless to say your other frat brothers!" "THEE BKLYNDELTA" 1913% LEGIT P.S. I am intelligent enough and pledged HARD and LONG ENOUGH to know that 7ba94 does not speak for the MEN of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. [This message has been edited by bklyndelta (edited July 07, 2000).] [This message has been edited by bklyndelta (edited July 07, 2000).] |
Greetings Pan Hellenic Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I bring you warm greetings from the Illustrious Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Now, for the business at hand - define "pledging" because you see I realize that NOT everyone has the same definition. It seems to me that "pledging" to some entails some type of physical punishment. I base my assumption on previous conversations that I've held with members of other prestigious organizations. I'm not going to go into a lengthy written conversation about this because this post will be 15 pages long. But, I will say this, if you subject yourself to certain "things" and those "things", you think, will make you a BETTER frat or soror, then you need to dig deep within yourself and FIND out WHO you really are. I know that my beloved Sorority was founded on Christian principles...and in ANYTHING I do, I must stop and ask myself certain questions....WHAT would Christ do? and WHAT would my Founders do? Because I want to REPRESENT the RIGHT way and NOT the way that society WANTS us to act and represent....like fools. Don't be concerned about HOW they got in, be concerned with WHERE they are going and WHAT they are doing once they get in! Be Blessed I'm Out! ------------------ Director #2 LMAC Spr 99 |
Look here ciefs.
What makes a good Alpha Man is not whether or not he pledged. What makes a good Alpha Man is what he does after he crosses. However, I CAN NOT call you a Complete Alpha Man because you skipped a very important part of the entire process of being an Alpha. The process starts that first night, when you are wondering what the hell am I doing here, when you are in complete darkness and it doesn't end until you reach the Omega Chapter. Now if you just jump the in the race while the others are already running then you are cheating the process. I can't stand when a member (NOT A BROTHER) can't remember what chapter he is from (SKATING BITZ). I can't stand when a member can't remember who his line members (NOT BROTHERS) are (SKATING BITZ). How the hell can you tell me two weekends does not matter. If you think it doesn't than you are a SKATING BITZ. RIGHTS OF PASSAGE. I know who my LB's are, without hesitation. None of that "uh, who was the 2, damn I can't remember his name" (SKATING BITZ). Pledging seperates those who have Alpha in their heart and those who have Alpha in their wallet. Showing brotherhood, doing anything for your LB. After that phase of Alpha is over, you become an Alpha Man and you should understand what it means to really be able to sacrafice and help your Alpha Brothers. To say no I won't go see that girl because I have to help set up for a community service project. To say sure it is 4am and I'm asleep, but a brother needs to get pick up from the bus station. To have 20 dollars til next week, but a brother needs 10 til he doesn't know when. To say this dude just came into town I don't know him from Adam, but he needs a spot for the night. SACRAFICE, That is brotherhood Anyone can do community service. You don't need Alpha to do that. So in conclusion if you want women, or to make business contacts, or to step, or because of the colors, or it will look good on your resume, or just because you are a scrub and you want to belong, or any other stupid excuse, DO NOT JOIN MY FRAT. You don't understand and you never will. Any Questions? Sorry this is longwinded but I had to Speak. 6BA98 |
I pledged some moons ago, and I pledged for a looooooong time (too long actually). I also know that after I graduated, the chapter where I was made was suspended for 10 years (it will expire in 2003). I ask, how can you really love your sorority, yet put it's existence in jeopardy to perish. I was told that following my process, I would bond with my big sisters, but I spent most of my remaining time angry and confused by their actions. I am also smart enough to know that you must come in under the process available to you. My fiance's mother pledged in '67 and their process was much more demanding than anything that greeks are going through today (open pledgeship on the yard, A's or K's cut into their hair, interest club, then pledge club then crossing. The process could consume your entire undergrad years). They would probably think that those of us (new schoolers) who pledged the longest really didn't do much at all. If a truly old head called one of us paper we wouldn't like it, so I don't refer to anyone in greekdom that way. I embrace all that enter into greekhood and judge them by what they do after crossing. I know many sorors who took the long road into sisterhood, but did nothing for Alpha Kappa Alpha after crossing. They became mere t-shirt wearers.
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I don't want some wack cat who dropped line, or who needs something to add to his porfolio, or because he didn't want somebody putting their hands on him in my frat. Pledging is 90% mental, 10% physical. Remember that. If anyone can join our orginization, then we might as well call it Alpha Phi Alpha Volunteers, or Alpha Kappa Alpha Community Servers. Come on. Pledging seperates the Men and Women who really want it, from the boys and girls who can just afford it.
No doubt however on what we do when we are finished. A person who pledges for the girls, or to step, or to wear para sucks, just as much as a skater. Bruhs, do not let these skaters represent the frat more than the Complete Alpha Man. The same damn thing for any frat or sorority. Please Complete Alpha Men stay active, stay representing, and never forget our aims and goals. Get out in the community and let the people see the Real Alpha Man. I am sure i will have more to say, but right now I'm out Peace and Soul 6BA98 |
As a perspective or interest (whatever works for some), I must let some of those who share the feelings as 7BA94 know that you are the reason that Greeks get so much negative attention. Its a good thing for those Alphas that have pledged "differently" than 7BA94, that his words are not gospel so what he thinks does not matter. I have read a thousand and one posts from greeks about other greeks intake etc etc. In reality it really does not matter how you FEEL about how that person came in. They are still IN and you can not strip them of their letters just because you THINK that they did not pledge hard as you did. If you want to act ignorantly torward them simply because of their intake process then one needs to question YOUR brotherhood and YOUR loyalty to your fraternity or sorority! You have no control over how someone came to be a part of your org. as long as they are not perping, then as their BROTHER or SISTER you should love them the same. Whether I get a chance to cross over into my sorority of choice, this is one arguement I will never understand! As I have done and still do my research on BGLOS, I have yet to run across anything that says that you are only a true member if you pledge "HARD" (whatever that means to some). Some one can be online for six months and get "pledged hard" the whole way and still cross and not do nothing but wear nalia and step! Or graduate and never affiliate with his or her org again. Those things should be what your focus is on! You should spend more time trying to eradicate the problem of those that cross and do not do anything afterward or become inactive! Thats where you need to place your questions of brotherhood! Instead of getting down on some poor soul who had no control how they were made or who chose not to deal with the unnecessary BS! We must get our focus right people if we are to make it in this world! If we are not backing and supporting each other then no one else will. Much love to all my peeps! P.S. Why is it that men seem to be more bothered by members that were not "pledged hard" than women? Is it an ego thing?
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As I look over all of this input one thing stands out, the fact that those who didn't go through a difficult intake process(skatin Bitz), feel that it's necessary to defend themselves. The one thing that 7BA94 is saying is that regardless of how you do once you get into the frat, you missed a vitally important part of the intake process-BROTHERHOOD! I know everything about my line brothers. From their birthdays to their parent's names and addresses. Just like natural siblings born from the same parents, you go through everything growing with someone. Let me give you a scenerio. Suppose that when you were younger, your family was very poor. Then when you turned 18, your parents came into a lot of money. All of a sudden there all of these family members, who you have never seen in your life, standing on your front door step with their hands out calling you family, how would you feel. As for the sister who made reference to Dr. Martin Luther King, my founders created the pledging process and Dr. King would have wanted everyone who joins this frat to do it according to how they wanted it done. But I do agree that going through a pledge process and taking it doesn't make you an Alpha either. All that proves is that your level of tolerance for discomfort is higher than others. If you don't work as hard for your frat as you would for your real family, then you still skated and don't deserve to wear letters. I mean all of you guys who pledged, but still won't do coomunity service, or would rather chill with a bunch of groupies instead of attending a frat meeting or won't extend the frat image by promoting it's service to people. for all of you that this applies to, you sicken me. To all of those brothers who pledged and continue to promote the frat through service and hard work, Keep rolling onward and upward toward the light.
15BA94 |
A difference cannot be made by bashing someone's intake process on a message board. Instead of attacking members that as you put it "skated," you should voice your opinions to the brothers that MADE them.
Nothing irritates me more than to see sororities and fraternities dissing their own. As I was taught, you show a united face to the outside world, and wait until you are in private to deal with "family" issues. There is only one way to make a difference, and that is the hard way, going through nationals and pushing for a change. If you aren’t doing that 24/7, then don’t beat up on your brothers who choose to follow the rules. Sisterly, Taykimson ---------------- Alpha Kappa Alpha 17-Alpha Phi-91 [This message has been edited by Taykimson (edited July 08, 2000).] |
Sis Taykimson,
With all due respect to keeping it in house, isn't that what we are attempting to do by holding this discussion in our forum? You added you input to a discussion that 7BA94 is relating to our frat. How everyone else handles there intake procedure is their own business, but that man has a right to voice his opinion on the affairs of his organization. Again this is no disrespect to you but we need all brothers from both sides of this issue to speak on this subject. |
Brother I totally disagree with what you are saying. The hardest part of being an Alpha is after you cross those burning sands. The "process" that you go through to become an Alpha means almost nothing. I have no animosity or negative feelings for bruhs who are "paper". You shouldn't either; these bruhs are usually the most eager to learn more about Alpha and they are often willing to do anything for Alpha.I do feel sorry that they did not go in the way a lot of bruhs have, but it's just circumstance. As far as having a lot of bruhs drop whle "on-line" I don't think that's good either. I think it shows a lack of organization,discipline,and even a WEAK line; I mean how can you let your "so-called" line brother drop? Just something to think about. What chapter are you from?
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First of I'm glad the topic has gotten so many repsones. Second for everyone who has said that pledging is the easy part they are correct it is at least twenty times harder after you have crossed. I don't need to mention anything about Dr. King to the sister who brought him up because my LB so eloquently relplied to that topic. To the brother who said how can you let your LB drop, I say Alpha is not for everyone. As the old saying goes, MANY ARE CHOSEN BUT FEW ARE FROZEN. Well at least that is the way it should be. Look if you want to do community service or pick up trash a long the road way or any of the other wonderful things my fraternity does, but you don't want to pledge JOIN THE YMCA. They will be more than happy to take your money. Pledging has been an integral part of black fraternities and sororities since the beginning, and I am not just talking about 1906. I am going back to the rights of passage in Africa. So like I said if you just want to do community service that is wonderful, we as a community need that. However, if you just want to do community service and not pledge don't expect me to call you brother. I don't deal with people who skate and neither would our founders.
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"The hardest part of being an Alpha is after you cross those burning sands."
There you have it - thanks frat!!!!! |
Finally the Alpha Phi Alpha forum gets on a roll and the only word I can use to describe the topic at hand is IGNORANT!
So now we all know that your chapter Pledges hard and we are oh so impressed! Dexter you boldly stated that those that did not pledge hard are trying to defend themselves &/or their process, oh what a crop of ****. I can't bear to type what I want to say or what needs to be said - my pretty pinkies might explode from the length of the post. More importantly, I see the direction this discussion has taken and I prefer not to have these conversations on the net. If you so-called 'Complete Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers' are in the New York CITY area maybe we can have a lunch/brunch or dinner sometime and chat about this very topic. I need face to face interaction, because this internet conversation aint working, I am so heated about how you are not only disrespecting yourself and your organization but how you are making Greekdom look like hell hazer heaven http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif I just lost the taste in my mouth because of you guys....please if you have anything intelligent to say e-mail me and if yall wanna hook up and really chat about this then name the time and place. Always with sisterly love LadyAKA [This message has been edited by LadyAKA (edited July 10, 2000).] |
To my most distinguished brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the ever so beautiful and vibrant sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. I send loud shouts of "06 to 08." While I much enjoy the debate this topic has sparked, I strongly suggest, especially to my brothers, that we venture to new horizons. Clearly, we have read a number of opinions among the string. I myself have been enlightened by the commentary but strongly believe it's time for the train to move o n on on on on! It is my sicerest hope that the brotherly and sisterly respect will persist in the next topic.
My Warmest Personal Regards, "06" |
Lady AKA,
Again find myself having to explain that MY opinions about MY fraternity are MY own! With all due respect, I have every right to voice how I feel about the way MY Fraternity does it's process. No one is saying that the harder you pledge the better Brother you will be. In MY opinion pledging is the easiest part. If you do nothing after you cross then you might have well as skated! I think that when it comes to the JEWELS of A-PHI-A, they have set standards in our frat as to how they want people to join. All we are saying is that there is a vital lesson in brotherhood missed by those who didn't have a process like ours. Not saying that MINE was harder than everyone elses, because no one process will be the same, but If it were as easy as signing your name to a check then my JEWELS probably would have made the frat open to everyone instead of a frozen few! There are many brothers out ther who share the same ideas as myself and there are those who don't let us discuss this issue. I don't judge other organizations on their processes because that doesn't pertain to me. I'm A-PHI-A, not AKA, DST, K-A-PSI, O-PSI-PHI, S-G-RHO, Z-PHI-B, or P-B-S. I am discussing this with members of A-PHI-A. Eventhough this is not a private forum, I am only interested in the bruhs response to this issue. Just like you all told Bruh Professor not add his 1906 cents to a topic that you sisters were discussing a while back, the same advice applies here. If you wish to carry this conversation further you can e-mail me at fuquanlove@hotmail.com |
Brother Dexter,
You are missing my point. Yes, the heading on this page says Alpha Phi Alpha. However, this forum is very public. Let’s go back and read some of the posts. My point was (and still is) those are harsh words to say publicly about a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. If you haven’t guessed, I’m all about showing a united front/face to the outside world. That is how I was taught. Let’s use the analogy of your biological family. Yes, you argue, but when you leave your home it is your family against the world. You may have a sibling that is lazy, trifling, etc, etc, but God help the person that says these things about your sibling. More importantly, you would never describe your sibling that way to anyone outside your family unit. One last comment. The initial post said “…we need something to kick off a little controversy…” Well, you’ve got controversy. It seems you only want people to respond if their view is similar to yours. Sisterly, Taykimson ----------------- Alpha Kappa Alpha 17-Alpha Phi-91 [This message has been edited by Taykimson (edited July 10, 2000).] |
I think there is a SERIOUS need for pledging.
Pledging, when planned and organized properly, can/will provide discipline to the lives of men and women who otherwise would never know it. It teaches us to respect our own authority, and to use our behavior in such a way as to bring honor to those that know and love us. It makes us think about the repercussions of our actions/inaction. It reinforces the fact that we are all dependent on our brothers and sisters. It teaches us time-management. It makes us look at ourselves from inside out, and makes many of us face unknown fears-when we normally would have run from them. It makes many of us grow the....up! It is African in origin, a rite of passage. It is of our culture, and we should never have allowed the WIDER SOCIETY define what is legal in making our brothers and sisters. Their definition of hazing is fine, as it pertains to their culture; but it does not apply to ours. Some form of pledging is necessary to weed out those persons that seek membership for the wrong reasons. If it was all that bad, why would so many people still want it? |
Taykimson,
I understand what you are saying about this forum being public, but I read in you forum about a topic on your boule. Some sisters were financial and some weren't. That's okay, how you all handle your business is just that, YOURS. My LB has an opinion on a matter that is on his mind. This is as good a place as any to discuss it. If he didn't want it to be seen by anyone, believe me he wouldn't have said it. I will not pass judgement on anyone else's organization, but when it comes to mine, I had to work hard to obtain A-PHI-A and I will voice my discontent at the state of it in front of the world if I have to. Because it means so much to me. For instance Do we tell Christians not to tell anyone what JESUS says are sins? No. We say the bible says this is what JESUS wants. Think about it. |
Brother Goliath, "The Other BA #7-MG", Brother Spectrum, Fellow Brothers and Sisters -
(Spectrum - That's what to expect from a Beta Bro.) What's up Dex, Mike. You all can turn blue in the face trying to explain the importance of pledging, but some people just won't get it. Until the National organizations of all frats and sororities realize that the only means of coming to a compromise without compromising the organizations, will be to take responsiblity for "above ground" activies (ie. getting grad chapters involved with undergrad chapters) You see it everyday, people are hazing kids and they haven't even been pledged. THAT's the problem. I understand that some chapters don't have the option of pledging, but when it comes down to it, they feel/see the difference in being a member of an organization vs. a brother/sister. So what do they do...start beating the hell out of people. I don't want to say that with the way some of our Greek National organizations make it so easy to become a member, that brotherhood isn't the goal, but that's what's up. Not to even be disrespectful, but for real. Those who sweated, bled and cried for their organizations have the obligation to continue the "true" chapter/frat/soroity traditions that have been deemed unnecessary by many "leaders". I'll also agree 100% that "pledging" is an ongoing process. As in anything, you never cease to grow. But you need a foundation. Thank you for your time and apologize for the crude layout of this letter, but want I wanted to be perfectly clear in my opinion. I embrace any and all comments. Peace with you - 06 P.S. What is everyone's definition of brotherhood/sisterhood? |
I tried to refrain from posting on this topic, but as usual, I couldn't help myself. I will try to keep this brief.
You cannot miss or begin to comprehend something that you've never had. If you pledged, you hold that near and dear to your heart and you don't understand how others who did not go through a process can foster the same voracity and passion that you have for your org. On the other hand, those that did not pledge have no experience on which to base their current opinions and could not possibly begin to understand what pledging means. You can't make an apple understand what it means to be an orange. I say all that to say that this is discussion is a moot point. Whatever route you took should be a very personal and private matter. No need to get defensive about something that you can't even relate to. For those that feel that pledging is the only way, I say lobby for change. Instead of downing the current system, let's come up with a feasible way to implement those factors that we know are pertinent to a successful process. Until then, be grateful for the opportunity that you had and look for ways to better relationships with those that may not fully understand what sisterhood/brotherhood is all about. And Soror Taykimson, I feel you 100% on presenting a united front, on both sides. Where is the love, man???!!! [This message has been edited by SkeeBunny (edited July 11, 2000).] |
IT'S ALL LOVE EVERYONE!!! Discussion brings forth ideas, ideas invoke a plan, and a good plan brings about change. We're ALL grown and should encourage compassionate language and provocative topics to ponder. As leaders, aren't these the questions and issues we should be solving?
How was everyone's 4th of July? If anyone in the Maryland, DC, VA area interested in the "Coldest" boat cruise of the year on July 22 in Baltimore, email me at 7thSon_06@blackplanet.com. Peace and Sincerity, CPT Kill |
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Spectrum3 I feel the sincerity in your message, but don't ever think that the bruhs up north way are shady. Yeah there's a few; but there's a few in your back yard too. The shady ones are EVERYWHERE. As for that"Alpha" that didn't show you no love; well, he probably didn't pledge! I didn't loose a bone when/where I pledged, but I went on line in April and crossed in October'80; and in those days,the bigs knew nothing of "Hazing". I think part of the problem is that the NBPHC allowed the Euro definition of Hazing to be applied to all groups. A better way to say what I mean is that the NBPHC(I hope I got that right)should have protested the application of that law to us based on cultural differences WHEN IT WAS BEING CONSIDERED FOR BECOMING A LAW! Some of the things listed as hazing are and have been throughout all time part of our pledging process. Many of the acts are harmless,and I know people get carried away; but eliminating pledging totally was NOT THE ANSWER. |
To the sister who said when there are family problems keep it in the family. That would be great if people who didn't pledge could be considered family. Yes they are a part of the black community family but no they are not a part of the brotherhood and family that makes up my fraternity. As for change, the change is relatively simply. Nationals is run by graduate chapters. Undergraduate chapters need to simply band together and do what has been done for almost a century. Pledging above ground was much safer because everyone knew who was on line for the most part. Now, you don't know who is on line so it is more susceptible to abuse especially if you don't have strong leadership like we do at my chapter and many other chapters. To the young lady who said it must be an ego thing. I doubt that because I know many women in sororities who are just as adamant as us men. I also agree with the one sister who said if you didn't go through it you can't understand. I don't know if she meant it this way or not, but if you didn't go through you can't understand what it truly means to be an Alpha not even a little bit. I'll finish again by saying the hard part is after you finish pledging, but if you don't want to pledge JOIN THE YMCA.
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Let's be real for a minute brother....
No one should be able to just WALK into our fraternity. No one should be able to just go on the internet download an application, pay some money and have a lifetime membership. Yes our founders did "develop" a physical process and yes this does go back to African roots and rites of passage, but this is still the year 2000. Maybe for a brief moment in in December 1906 Alpha Phi Alpha was a perfect fraternity, a perfect brotherhood; but even from it's inception (and before) there were constant struggles. In the year 2000 hazing is ILLEGAL. I do believe there is a fine line between pledging and hazing, but where does the line get drawn? The law of the land will never understand the difference between pledging and hazing (Alpha Phi Alpha is not "allowed" to see the difference between pledging and hazing, because you can only get but sooo many million dollar lawsuits before the organization is BANKRUPT); thus pledging had to be illiminated. Lines had to go underground. The pledging for 18 weeks in broad daylight had to stop. When do the horror stories stop? The whole reason pledging had to be stopped is because it was being taken to the extreme. Young minds were dying. No matter what you say our founders never wanted anyone to lose their life trying to become a part of Alpha Phi Alpha. Our founders never wanted young college men to become paralyzed from the neck down or to have to use the bathroom in a bag outside of their bodies (Lincoln College,PA 1998). I love our fraternity, but do I want to see it crumble because it's facing a multimillion dollar lawsuit because someone was "pledged"-No, I don't. Yes, pledging is a very good way to develop brotherhood, but it's illegal. But in some chapters there is NO brotherhood. I live in the D.C. area, so I meet a lot of bruhs that pledged Beta chapter. One night I'm driving on the campus of Howard U, I see a bruh with a jersey on, so I'm like "Wassup Frat!" dude just nodded his head: I'm on his campus with the SAME letters he has on and he can't even holler at me; he can't holler at a bruh. Most of the bruhs I've encountered while being up North are just plain shady. It's like they don't know how to look at you/me as a brother, because they weren't taught brotherhood. This has gotten very long but the whole point I'm trying to make is it's illegal and there is a reason for it being illegal. In my region (Alpha South) I know chapters where the District Director and Regional VP have threatened to make some chapters inactive just because they were tired of a certain chapter winning a certain event every year. Things are not the same as they were in 1906. [This message has been edited by Spectrum3_1906 (edited July 11, 2000).] |
Hmmmmmmmm....If pledging above ground was, "so much safer", why did a young man DIE at Morehouse college trying to get into your frat???
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To those who are greek and unhappy with your organization's current system, what are you doing now to change the membership intake guidelines of your organization? I'm sincerely interested in reading others' responses. I've recently gotten active after a few years of sitting on my butt doing nothing, and this issue is one of my top priorities.
I think that undergraduate and younger graduate members who are dissatisfied need to make sure they are doing all they can to develop an alternative to the current system, create an effective message to express themselves, and participate in the business of their organizations by paying their dues, being active in chapters, and getting selected as VOTING DELEGATES to their respective national conventions. That's the only thing that will change the system, because simply talking about it hasn't changed a thing since fall 1990. DG Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Spring 1990 |
Though I was told to mind my business a couple of post ago I just had to respond and say: VERY WELL said Sorors SkeeBunny, DG, and Taykimson.
-I agree with Keeping 'FAMILY ISSUES' just that 'Family Issues' -Not talking about it or complaining if you haven't been through it and -Working to make the change instead of just whining about what we have. Ignorance is still being shown by some about this topic, let's talk about getting things changed ... and this, might I add, is not the place to do that! |
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I read your statement and wanted to give you something to think about. Here it is: The more time you spend practicing a skill, the better you'll be at it. If the pledge program is both physical and mental-building the organizational skills of the pledges- then the LONGER you're on, the BETTER a BRUH you'll be. Time on line is time with men you'll call brother, and men you'll depend on to build your chapter, as well as the NAME... |
Well said, plus two weekends never made anyone a brother.
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just playing devil's advocate but http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
Did the founders of Alpha pledge themselves? (since you can't be a true Alpha without pledging) Did their very first line pledge, i mean in terms of exactly how it is done today? I ask only because my founders did not pledge they "founded" AKA, they were worthy before AKA "understand" and they chose women who were already worthy of the honor, because of how excellent they already were. My founders and the early members are to me the Epitome of AKA women. does this make any sense. I do believe in a pledge process to build deeper unity before crossing with your frat/sorors i think the current process sucks, i don't like sorors coming in not knowing a darn thing and skeeweeing my ear off http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif however i will not blame them or distance myself from them, (i need to teach them, that's what real brothers and sisters do) for the mistakes that previous members have made that caused pledging to be banned in the first place. what i'm saying is although i agree with a pledge process with dignity, does it really make the man or the woman since pledging is lifelong in many aspects. we need to make changes for sure, but in the mean time can't we show love for those young folks who are trying to follow in our footsteps. |
PositivelyAKA . . . Words from a woman of Character, Charm, and Intelligence (marry me my sister - i'm smitten for you ladies of the pink and green ! ! !)
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While I must agree that pledging (not hazing) is an important piece to brotherhood, we can not let it divide the House of ALPHA...
There are some major points to remember when trying to figure out whether it is worth it or not... Have we forgotten that not just one, but many Brothers and Sisters have been hurt in so called "pledge" processes. Right now, underground processes are not safe...I don't know about you, but I don't want one single hazing case to possibly bring my beloved Fraternity to an end (or any other org. for that matter)...most of our organizations are barely a prayer away from that fate...Noted Greek historian, Brother Lawrence Ross Jr noted this in the promotion of his book, The Divine Nine, around the country. Further, you can't blame people for the process they received...They HAD NO CHOICE in the matter...you're falting the wrong person...(your falting the person for the organization who put it in place) are they supposed to go begging for someone to "Pledge" them? yes, pledging is a beautiful process!!! But the chapter, and really the National body decides how, where, and when to bring over new bruhz...Vigilante Bruhz and Chapters who promote making up some trumped up process only foster disunity between so called "paper" initiates and "old heads."...as well, they put the chapter (and the national body) in jeopardy...the days of wood, the orange, zesting and all that have come to an end...and if you don't believe it...just watch how fast you get sued...I've seen it happen so often in every part of the country I live in! And you can't defend beating someone as if he stole somethin' Further, The best place to make changes is on the executive level...that's why its important for bruhs who believe in an old school process to stay active! (in many cases they don't b/c they are mad about this new thing)...In order to effect change, you've got to be active!...you can't do nothin' crying in the background!...those bruhs who believe in a pledge process need to form a coalition and make their concerns known! I really believe that all the organizations would like to return to a process that allows for growth, pledging, and hardwork...but we can't do that with knuckleheads already violating national sanctions...if we do, who knows what would happen...your sister or brother may land up in the hospital I also think that it is very UNBROTHERLY to treat any ALPHA (or member of your organization) as though he didn't make the same vow you did...firstly, you contribute to their thoughts about the disunity of the organization...and secondly you can't judge THEIR heart based on whether they can remember #5's line name and mother...Their commitment regardless of the process is what I look for...Brotherly behavior amongst brothers is most important...that's what fuels the bonds (TREATMENT!!!) Personally, I would like to promote an above ground pledge process...i think its safer...and gives the organizations more visability as well as promotes positivity amongst all pledges... When talking to those who crossed b-4 1970, many have echoed how Ivies helped Pyramids and how Sphinxmen have helped Lamps...it was help everybody...which promotes the kind of unity that we want in the Black Greek Community as well as the Black Community overall... "if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs" Much love 2 All MY Beloved Bruhz, And 2 My Sisters of Pink and Green, Fraternally, Ice Cold Kreator, #2 -- Fall 99 "If he's 2 cold, he must be a duece |
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