Misconceptions about your Organization
 

This question is for all Greeks:

If you had five minutes to address nonmembers, what is the one misconception about your organization that you would want to dispel?

That Omegas are dumb. In 1999, Omega Psi Phi had the highest GPA of any NPHC fraternity. I know that when I pledged, we had the highest mandatory minimum GPA of any fraternity and most sororities.

was that on your campus? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif

I must say that most of the Omegas I know are very intelligent and sharp. They present that laid back, buck wild persona but they takes care of theyz bizness.



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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

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

I think AKA2D was thinking the same thing I was thinking. I have never heard of that misconception about members of Omega Psi Phi.
If so, maybe it depends on the area in which you live.

i have heard that about Omegas but i do know that it is a misconception, of course most Omegas are intelligent or they wouldn't be graduating from college or getting accepted, but folks love to hate.

AKA we are all light skinned, long haired, stuck up women who only like to wear pink and green. if you look at our diversity you would know that is not the sum of our membership.

AKATUDE: I had never heard that either until recently, that is why I posted it. Uncouth, rambunctious maybe, but dumb, never, lol

Yes... that's the one I hear the most about us all being light skinned with long hair. Then when I try to tell people that its not true, they say "well, look at you". I say right! I am brown with shoulder length hair... they say but you're not dark!! There are just as many light skinned AKAs as any other Greek sorority.

I've heard it, but anyway, what I was asking was...
the part where you talked about Omegas having the highest GPA and all, was that strictly on your campus, your chapter? Or are you talking about the organization as a whole? Cause I am sure ALL orgs can boast that at one point and time their chapters have exceeded the 2.5 GPA requirement and have received accolades on campus and within their regions for having the highest GPA.

There are alot of "dumb" people out there, anyone can be unintelligent, it's individualized.

I was asking for clarification....If you don't mind...


[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited May 03, 2001).]

They have this thing on my campus where they say ALL AKA's are BEAUTIFUL. BUT,Hey, We are so I don't even argue that!!
Skee-Weee My Beautiful Sorors http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif!!


*I Got My Pearls*

[This message has been edited by Ivy leaf_12 (edited May 14, 2001).]

You can't argue with facts soror!

SkeeeeeeeeeeWeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I'm not sure what part of my post that you are referring to.

My Campus: we were definitely seen as intelligent and as leaders, considering members of my chapter founded the Black Dtudent Union and were always represented as either the President or VP.

Nationally: I was responding to something Suntzu1963 has posted on his Iota website about Greek Stereotypes. I was unaware of this stereotype until a friend of mine and college classmate (who posts here from time to time) had the audacity to tell me that she was surprised that I was intelligent? WTF? And that she did not know any smart Omegas (based on stereotypes, not personal knowledge).

Anyway, the NPHC GPA is based on national figures and not local. Also, every org does not adhere to the 2.5 recommendation of the NPHC on each campus (as we have to do).

Thanks for that support Sista McCoyRed.

Sorry, AKA2D. Now that you have clarified exactly what you want to know, I'm curious as well. The Omegas on my campus were suspended before I got there and long after I left so my contact was limited.



[This message has been edited by AKAtude (edited May 04, 2001).]

AKA2D91 and AKATUDE:

To answer your question, for the Academic year of 1999, Omega Psi Phi had the highest GPA nationally of all of the NPHC fraternities. Not just one individual campus. This may be because we have no exceptions to the 2.5 GPA minimum as others have/had and on most HBCU campuses the minimum GPA is even higher than the national standard.

What resource did these figures come from? I've never heard of such. We all know that arbitrary rating of any kind of NPCH organizations is not permitted by the NPHC...

I dare not disrespect or abase my organization by repeating the stereotypes that some people believe to be the "truth", but I will say that whether positive or negative, if people want to see certain things a particular way, they will try to find it.

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Sweet Deliverance's PHI-losophy:
"What you do or do not do today determines what you can or cannot do tomorrow."

[quote]Originally posted by Sweet Deliverance:

Quote:

. I dare not disrespect or abase my organization by repeating the stereotypes that some people believe to be the "truth",

I may be out of the loop, but I've never heard any stereotypes associated with your sorority.

They came from from and unbiased source. I was at a Meet the Greeks informational and the Director of Greek Life made the statemant. After the meeting, I asked her to site her sources and she showed me the info in black and white. Most white colleges have to report the GPAs of all of their Greek orgs and this info is easily gathered and compiled.

Misconceptions vary by region. No offense to Omega, but the Ques on my campus (Midwest) WERE dumb and never graduated. I've met others from the South and East who were actually clean-cut and degreed. And I would bet money that DoggyStyle82 is from somewhere other than the Midwest. More Midwest: AKAs were all supposedly light with long hair; Zetas were fat women with kids; Deltas were rough and thuggish (like their bros were thought to be); Sigmas were nerds (We're always shocked when we see a Sigma football player from a Southern school on TV; Kappas light and arrogant.

The Head of the Poli. Sci department at morehouse is an Omega and he is one of the most intelligent men I have EVER met.

I've never heard that misconception about Omega Men (dumb) either. Now the rough part, yes, I've heard that. But, most of the Omegas from our campus graduated and left to make the big bucks. I guess that's why they call it a misconception.

Are you saying that OTHER organizations have requirements less than 2.5?



[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited May 04, 2001).]

Good question,2d.

At my school(which is predominantly white), we(Alpha Phi Alpha) are required to have a minimum 2.5 gpa too.

Yes, there are NPHC fraternities who do not require a 2.5. I know that at the time that I pledged (before Intake), APA required a 2.3, KAY a 2.0, and PBS had none, and Omega a 2.5. In 2001, I can't speak for everyone but ours is still a 2.5 nationally and 2.7 or 2.8 on most HBCU campuses. I know the Sigmas still don't have a "hard " minimum, I don't know about anyone else.

DIRTYMIKE1906: in the brotherly spirit, I won't comment on any Alpha stereotypes and I'll accept your post in a good-natured spirit.

KNOWLEDGE/ETERNAL: Omega also has the most college presidents of ny NPHC organization.

Okay, misconceptions about others: (teehee--- http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif)

I heard Omegas were "BIG" and rough... And if "they" say Omegas are "dumb", well, they are very good at finding a "spot" quite easily... And it takes brains, skills and talent to do that... Hmmmm....

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

I for one never could understand where the stereotype that Zeta's are "overweight" came from. Now I have seen individuals in all organization who follow that body type....but was it lack of anything better to say that makes that part of Zeta. Yes...there are some individuals like that...but my sorors come in all shapes and sizes...and ALL exemplify FINERWOMANHOOD (be it with or without children).

I just feel that these stereotypes are silly and all NPHC organizations would work TOGETHER to dispel them rather than continually bring those out to GDI's. I really feel that SOME of the NPHC greeks think that these statements are true....UNITY people....thats what we should be concentrating on.... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Doggystyle,

Where did you get the idea that Alpha required a 2.3 when you crossed? I crossed in October 1980; and that's not what it was when I pledged. I applaud your organization on its accomplishments, but c'mon now man; some of your statements are debatable.

As for misconceptions, some of them are more than real. I'm aware of how we(Alphas)are perceived in the south. But we(MEMBERS OF GREEK-LETTERED ORGANIZATIONS)all should know that these realities exist regionally; not nationally. One chapter may do things according to the guidelines of their Nationals, another may operate autonomously; and THAT chapter may be the one bad apple that spoils the rep of the bunch.

I think every organization has some bad apples(chapters/individuals) somewhere in the country.

ORIGINAL APE: I am not trying to put out any misconceptions. If anything that I said is wrong, you are here to correct me. I know for ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that the Sphinxmen who pledged the same time as me, did not all have a 2.5. Now maybe that was a chapter thing or exceptions to the 2.5 were possible. But I also know for certain that my facts are correct because I knew each pledgee of each pledge class when I pledged (all the Black students knew each other) .I knew the guys who went on with less than 2.5 GPAs because that was a big sticking point, especially at a PWCU.

No offense DoggyStyle82--my post was good-natured and not meant to offend.

None taken DirtyMike. For OLDHEADAPE, I was not implying that your GPA requirements were lax or less than ours, I was trying to reason why the figures may show Omega with a higher GPA overall (in according to one study) and pointing out the facts on my campus at the time. We had our share of Bruhs on academic probation (too much partying and pledging, not lack of intelligence).

I thought long and hard about responding to this topic because I just hate it when we (as black greeks) dwell on negative stereotypes, generalizations, and misconceptions, ESPECIALLY in public forums. We say we hate them, and yet, I think we perpetuate and buy into them by constantly talking about them--and for GDIs to see, at that. If we REALLY, TRULY know/believe that these misconceptions are falsities and regressive pigeonholes, then why keep sharing them with people on the outside looking in? That's my $19.13 on that.

Now, in defense of the Suns of Blood & Thunder:

dirtymike1906, I don't know which part of the Midwest YOU'RE in, but the state of OHIO (and I'm quite confident referring to brothers statewide) boasts some of THE most educated, intelligent, adept, talented, posh, genteel, articulate, well-rounded, respectful, God-fearing, dynamic, powerful, and yes-- DiSTinguished BLACK MEN that God has blessed the earth with! Some of them are so TOGETHER, that I am actually giddy and nervous around 'em!

Yes, some of the bruz can get down-right wild, lewd, and renegade in social settings (like I've seen many other black greeks do), but in my experiences they've been touched with an extraordinary capacity to know when to kick it, and when to be 'bout the biz. Example: As a whole, the Alpha Chapter bruz are so edified and debonaire, that in their presence, Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, AND Colin Powell, would come across as thugs! I would name more phenomenal chapters and members (like DoggyStyle82), but ALAS! I haven't the time or the space! 'Tis a true MAN who can BE OUTrageous when he kicks it and OUTstanding in everything else he does! For more information regarding the MAGNIFICENCE of the Omega Man, feel free to revel in the lyrics of my tribute to them: http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/FOFL3340...custompage0016

As far as not graduating goes-- I will follow in the footsteps left by Doggy's sparkling gold boots, and refrain from providing proof of academic failures of members/chapters of other BGLOs, including my beloved DST. FACT IS---we ALL have members who fall short of their goals both in and out of the classroom. Instead of being critical of that person and/or judging their org, we should review the stats of our own org as proof that a saddening high number of black greeks as a whole aren't graduating or maintaining a good academic status; as supposedly "educated" members of elite organizations, we should focus on the cause, resolution, and prevention of that, and not on which BGLO has the highest number of non-degreed members. Many of our very own current members (the very ones we made and spec'd) would NEVER have been granted membership some decades ago! Why are we bringing in people who can't graduate? Why are we not helping them along the way? This is a BLACK issue--not a black greek issue. If I knew that an AKA, SGRho, or Zeta was in academic trouble, I'd want to help because she's my black sister! I wouldn't sit idly by and watch it happen, only later to joke about how dumb and uneducated her org's members are.

In conclusion, I am professionally employed at a large, major institution of higher education, and I know FOR FACT that some chapters "bend rules" and "edit transcripts" in order that certain people are allowed to pursue membership. This isn't to say that our ORGANIZATIONS don't stick to the academic guidelines--it's to say that some of US (as members) don't.

And I'm Out!

the411

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

[This message has been edited by the411 (edited May 08, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by the411 (edited May 08, 2001).]

Take it down a few notches, Sister/Moderator in Greekdom. LOL

"It ain't about all that!" http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Now I see your point. I got the impression you were speaking nationally. If not, I stand corrected.

And as you know, the best heads out heya are 'OLDHEADS'.

Oh yeah-- I feel you AKA2D'91! Nuttin' but love for "errybody." But, I just couldn't let anyone diss my bruz! Bet not nobody say nuttin' bad 'bout the bruz!


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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

eh he he

We ain't gone say all that now! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited May 08, 2001).]

Just jumping off of AKA2D's post, I did not know that other organizations had a national GPA requirement below 2.5 until I met my husband (he is a Kappa). He told me that their's is a 2.25, and when I was in school it was a 2.0. The GPA requirement for Alpha Kappa Alpha has been 2.5 for as long as I can remember, no exceptions (or rounding, or anything else).

First....Thanks for all the greeks out there who have squashed the silly stereotype thing...it gets really annoying.


Second...if there continues to be a problem with GPA...maybe a constant should be set by the National Pan-Hellenic Council that ALL orgs agree on..be it high or low...I dont think that is too harsh a thought...I know as far as Tuskegee was concerned, it didnt matter if your National had a lower GPA, the school's GPA was a 2.5 and most orgs looked above that for requirements.

Alpha Kappa Alpha does not accept anyone without a C+ or better. It doesn't say anywhere in our constititution about 2.5 GPA. Many schools (including my own) have diifferent scores for various letter grades. At my school, a C+ is a 2.3.



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"I am not yet the author of my life; I am still it's unenlightened protagonist"
---Unknown

Soror,

What is the GPA that YOUR chapter placed as a requirement? a 2.3?

I've always heard the stereotype that Kappas are smart. This is something I heard before I got to school, so it's not particular to my campus.

But to the GPA thing...a 2.0 isn't really that good. I know the NPC has a GPA cut-off (my school doesn't calculate grade-point average, so it doesn't apply to us)that is comparatively high. Many college websites have the Greek GPAs on the Greek Life pages...has anyone seen those?