Why I want To Be An AKA
 

I saw this topic posted on another sorority's forum, while I was surfing. I thought to myself, yeah, that sorority is cool, but it's not AKA.

I have wanted to be a AKA since my first encounter with the sorority, freshman year of college.

I declared this desire to my best girlfriend, when she told me of her interest in being a Delta. She soon gave me a copy of "IN SEARCH OF SISTERHOOD." I understood right away that the book was suppose to inspire me to change my mind about AKA, but it failed miserably.
I just kept reading the part about Nellie Quander over and over again. Honestly, I never got past that part. I thought to myself, "I AM NELLIE QUANDER"! (Please take this comment in the spirit that it was given. I know I'm not no Nellie Quander). However, I do believe in fighting for what I believe in and persevering no matter how hopeless a situation may look.
Furthermore, I agree with and am encouraged by the TARGETS set by the organization. I am impressed with the sorority's total obsession with uplifting the race, and their committment to community.
There is a reason that AKA has been around for 92 years. She just keeps reinvented herself. I love the fact that stereotypes have been smashed with the membership of young ladies of all shapes; sizes; and skin tones. AKAs can no longer be accused of only being "pretty", with fair skin and long hair. (Though there's nothing wrong with being fine, HEY!!!!!)
I love the fact that every AKA I see walks around with her head held high. They are proud, hard working and dedicated.
I want to be an AKA!

In my humble opinion, the other 3 sororities are only there for young ladies who don't know the real thing when they see it.

Why do you want to be an AKA (or why are you an AKA).

If you really want to be an AKA, the first lesson that you must learn is that there is no need to put down others to uplift yourself.

Thanks, I'll try to keep that in mind. Although I wasn't trying to put anybody down, I was just expressing myself.

AMEN!!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pryncess:

In my humble opinion, the other 3 sororities are only there for young ladies who don't know the real thing when they see it.

As a prospective member of one of the other three sororities, I am not offended by this statement. I just find you to be absolutely hilarious!


Peace and Blessings Ladies....

Unfortunately, others may not think as you do.

I could not believe the response of the moderator on this post.

What do you moderators want from us? Do you expect us to be puppets who say exactly what you want us to say, exactly the way you want us to say it, exactly when you want us to say it?

Here this young lady puts up a really nice post, and what does she get? BACKLASH.

Of all of the really positive thngs that were said, the moderator chooses to respond with a negative. I'm lost!

I have no desire to be an aka, and I didn't find one put-down in the post about the org I have a desire to join. What are you talking about?

I think that black women in general really need to get some order about themelves.
WHERE IS THE LOVE????????????????????????????

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AKAtude:
Unfortunately, others may not think as you do.


I can see how her comments may have been offensive to some and I am not trying to encourage her to insult anyone. It just takes a lot to insult me.

If Pryncess didn't already know, the real thing for you may not be the real thing for someone else.

Have a good day ladies!

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We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.

Aesop c550 BC

Now with your response I'm lost. The moderator didn't respond with any negativity, she made a statement to inform, not criticize. If she didn't care about the young lady, her comment would have been ignored. The reason she made the comment about not putting down another org was when the lady stated, she read the history of Delta, but it failed miserably in changing her mind. There are a variety of ways to interpret that statement, good and bad. One such example could be the history lacked what it takes to change her mind. To get technical with the issue, failed and miserably are words with a negative connotation. Now wouldn't that be a put down? Of course it would. That's why the moderator made that post to deter any negative comments because we try to keep the negativity rate down for future posters in this forum. Even though the young lady stated she meant no harm, different people read post in a different manner....that's life. So let's stop making situations an AKA versus sisterfriends confrontation, or taking words more out of context than orginally intended.

The latter post stating, "unfortunately others may not think they way you do," wasn't negative to me either. It just meant one org may be perfect for you and for the next person it may not be. This is what keeps all organizations striving. That's what makes the world so diverse. I saw no harm in either post whatsoever, but that's my personal opinion, the real reason for participating in a forum, am I correct?



[This message has been edited by Total Elegance (edited October 06, 2000).]

I thought the last statement made by Pryncess was something I wouldn't necessarily say...outloud...however I believe she was excited. Pryncess just be really careful because your intention maybe positive, some people may take slight insults of other organizations as improper or disrespectful. You made your choice, that is wonderful my sister but every BGLO organization has made great strides to uplift our communities through is wonderful leadership. They should be commended. The men and women who are a part of these organizations should be praised not slighted because of their choice. The same goes to other prospective members. I wish you good luck from sisterfriend to another http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif.

Mochaberry, obviously you don't understand the comments I made or why. Calm down. I think you chose to take my posts in a negative way because they definitely were not made to offend.

Total Elegance and Darling1, you both hit the nail on the head. Your explainations are both perfect. Thank you, ladies. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by AKAtude (edited October 06, 2000).]

OH MY GOODNESS,

This is all so unbelievable.


UUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


AKATUDE, by no means was I trying to slight anybody's org. I was saying it in a tongue in cheek manner. I see that you didn't catch it that way, but that's how I meant it. I don't want or need to down any org, because frankly, I'm dog gone glad that there are 4 orgs to choose from, as there is the option of having something that fits everybody's personality.

As for not posting this message, never, it is how I (ME, PRYNCESS) feel. I am proud that I want to be an AKA. GOODNESS, I'm not walking around in a t-shirt that say "FUTURE AKA". I just gave the reasons that I want to be one.

This forum and no other created by man will ever change my mind about the sorority that I want to join. Nor will I ever change the person that I am or stop saying how I feel just to fit in some "box" that people think is a sorority.

If my post made some uncomfortable, I apologize that you feel that way, but I don't apologize for what I wrote or how I wrote it. It's how I (ME, PRYNCESS) feel, and I stand by it, and on it.

Pryncess

Pryncess,

It is not that I didn't "catch it" in the manner or spirit in which you meant it. However, I've been around this forum long enough to know that some people (other than AKAs) may have taken offense to it, especially coming from a sisterfriend. Just keep in mind that anyone can read these threads. Even the most sincere posts can start controversy and drama. I just wanted to avoid it before it could begin. That's all. Welcome to GreekChat.

Your point is well taken AKAtude, and I agree with you. I never meant to offend, as I think that there is nobility in every org in the Divine Nine.

Also, please know that I appreciate your graciousness. I came at a time when I needed it most.


Pryncess

If you say that there is nobility in all of the Divine 9 then how could you say that the other three sororities don't know the real thing when they see it?

That just doesn't make sense.


[This message has been edited by BlueReign (edited October 07, 2000).]

BlueReign, I think if you'd read my previous post, you would have seen that I said that in a tongue in cheek manner, which means that it was not meant to be taken seriously. I think that it is obvious that everybody's real thing is different. That's the way it is, and that's the way it should be. Thanks

AMEN, SOROR!
THOSE WERE MY SENTIMENTS AS WELL!

These are merely INTERESTS expressing themselves. They really do not know the protocol,(really, if there is one) if you will. There is no need for ANYONE to get BENT ALL out of shape. I am sure if an interest of an organization other than Alpha Kappa Alpha posted why they are interested in XYZ then that would be okay. They (interests) all have ideals, beliefs, experiences and who are WE to deny them to express themselves? Just because, someone does not want to be a member of "OUR" (speaking generally), organization that's fine, there is no need to have a hissie fit! As long as the posts here are not demeaning or outright disrepectful, or attacks a person or group specifically....WHAT IS THE BIG PROBLEM?

If these AKA interests get "out of order", believe me, Soror AKAtude or another SOROR will handle it APPROPRIATELY, TRUST ME!


P.S. Soror AKAtude...
I know I emailed you about this earlier today, but I could not wait for Monday...
http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif Soror lluvmook opened the door....I HAD TO COME IN! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

The only reason that I can see so many people taking offense is because she is not in an org.

How many times have greeks said the exact same thing that she is saying and no one was offended or presented their frustrations. I always heard other greeks say if you didn't go XYZ then you went the wrong way. If you are pleased with you affiliation or desired affiliation then feel that her comment was unnessary and move on. Plenty of times a Zeta or Delta or SGRho has said "girl, you were misinformed" (when I became an AKA), maybe some were joking maybe others meant it. How often do we have neos in all orgs who say the same thing, (if you aren't a --- then you did not know the real thing).

She has been told, I think she knows it was sort of in bad taste, plese let the woman be! We have all said it at one time or another, as a neo, as a joke to a friend in another org. or whatever.

I hope that is ok.

[This message has been edited by lluvmook98 (edited October 07, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by lluvmook98 (edited October 07, 2000).]

lluvmook98, welcome to the forum. When and where did you cross? Introduce yourself!

I just wanted to bring back the original topic of this post. I very much desire to become a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated because I would be honored to be affiliated with many wonderful women that remind me of myself. I think that all the organizations were founded on impressive ideals and their goals are what everyone should be striving toward BUT what makes Alpha Kappa Alpha stand out to me is the way the women carry themselves. Of course there are exceptions to every rule but as a general rule I would say that the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha carry themselves in a way that would make me proud to say that they were my sisters (if I were ever so fortunate to become a member).

I feel so loved. You don't know how long before and after I crossed I wanted to chit chat but was unregistered. My info is in my signature below. Gosh I lovvvveeeee my sorors! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
L.R.O.G.
#1 Fall 97
Omicron Pi

I am only going to comment on one sentence from your post Pryncess and it is:

AKAs can no longer be accused of only being "pretty", with fair skin and long hair. (Though there's nothing wrong with being fine, HEY!!!!!)-----It seems too me that you believe only fair skin and long hair can make you pretty. Let me tell you that gobblins exist in all 4 orgs. It's comments like this that perpetuates ignorance feeding into stereotypes!

What is really going on?

I'm sure that people are starting to hate me but...

Interested Lady,
the point in most of us posting as we did was to inform pryncess that some of her statements were out of line.

I think that very often people really take things out of the context that they were meant. For example, correct me if I am wrong, but I think that she was saying that AKA is not about stereotypes but some AKA's fit the stereotype and nothing is wrong with that either.

This may not be PC but here goes,
It is almost as if people want AKA to stop initiating people who fit the stereotype to prove that the sorority is deeper than that. The thing is, we don't have to prove anything, we know that we are deeper than that. If you are familiar with the AKA stereotype, people often put AKA's down by commenting that the sorority or a person is shallow, just because they see someone who fits that type.

I am an example of that. I am light brown with long hair. The first thing out of someones mouth when I say that I am an AKA is "figures". My feeling is, I did not become an AKA because of how I look. HOWEVER, I should not feel bad or ashamed of the way that I look either. I personally don't think that one complexion is better than another but I should not have to justify my affiliation or complextion so that I don't seem offensive just because I fit a stereotype.

I think her point is that if an AKA does not fit the stereotype then she is beautiful but there are those of us who do, we are beautiful too and the latter's beauty does not take away from the former's.

I think that the challenge is not that Pryness's feeling are wrong, maybe she just has not developed the tact and eloquence to state her opinions. Think about it!


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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
L.R.O.G.
#1 Fall 97
Omicron Pi

Soror lluvmook98, that was well-said.

goblins???????? what is that all about? geez http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif.