Handshakes?
 

If you were to meet a sister/brother of another chapter (say you were visiting their campus) would you greet them with your handshake? Is it something you would do to kind of prove you're a sister/brother? I was wondering because only maybe like one or two people out of my chapter of like 80 girls actually know our handshake. What do you think?

the only time i have ever seen the handshake or done it was during initiation. i barely even remember how to do it http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif.

I think the handshake is mainly something to "test" membership with. If you are genuinely concerned as to whether on not someone is a brother/sister, challenge them with the handshake. The only time I've ever seen where you had to do it, was going to watch an initiation. To get in, you either had to give the handshake or show your membership card.

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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

Only 2 out of 80 know the handshake? Wow, you guys must not do ritual meetings all that often. It is customary that every knew member learn the handshake during their ritual initiation into the fraternity. I know when you visit another Crow chapter, members usually greet each other with the handshake.

AXPAlum

I trully mean no disrespect to anyone, but are any of my other Devine 9ers laughging at this thread. No need to comment, becuase I will probably get hate mail for saying it.

Peace and Luv to all,

MN

What's to laugh at? Don't BGLO's have secret handshakes?

I like to use the secret handshake when I meet brothers from different chapters. It's just one example of the common bond we share. It's also a good way to let them know you are a brother as opposed to a pledge, so they don't feel the need to "talk carefully" about rituals or other secrets.

:shaking my head:


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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

MandingoNupe...
Do/did you get hate mail? I know you were just kidding...RIGHT, you WERE JUST KIDDING?

**don't mind spelling mistakes, i just got my nails done today**

well, sigma alpha iota HAS a handshake, which every sister is mandated to know. it's used in every meeting, at every ritual both in the chapter and at province day and national conventions.

BGLO members...why would you be laughing? is there something about your organizations and handshakes that we should all know??

etienne

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"red is the color of music and has been since the very earliest of times. the caps of faeries and musicians are well-nigh always red."~*~w.b.yeats

"I think that happiness is when you can let yourself feel every emotion you want at any time instead of being a lying little fuck." - Tori Amos

MandingoNupe,

I wasn't laughing....just smirking. I find it very intriguing to see that 2 out 80 people know their organization's handshake & I find it intriguing that some people only use their handshake as ONLY a challenge.


As far as my organization, the handshake is an everyday thing. It can be used as a challenge to someone that we are not sure of, but it is more so a greeting or simply a "handshake". There is generally more involved when we are challenging someone though. That might be why we find it intriguing.

YEAH, we do have handshakes and we use them ALL the TIME, ESPECIALLY the Fraternities (which is why we're chuckling). Further, each time new members are brought in they are taught the handshake and other secrets and by doing this, older members' memories are "refreshed" so there is no room to forget.



[This message has been edited by 12dn94dst (edited August 13, 2000).]

The use of the Delt handshake (grip) is fairly common, but not always used.

If we're unsure that another person is an initiated member, we have a challange before the grip is used so as not to give away a closely guarded secret.

I'm just back from Karnea, our international convention, and most were using the grip.

Fraternally,
DeltAlum

Not all orgs use handshakes for the same reason. Mine does have one and although we may not use it everyday, we use it. We use it at EVERY RITUAL meeting(every other week), EVERY initiation(each semester), EVERY YEAR at our national convention, EVERY YEAR at our regional conventions, I think you get the idea.

To answer your question Manders, we would greet other chapter sisters by hand shake and password.

As I said, I really didn't mean to offend anyone. I was just LMAO becuase out of 80 members, only two know the grip???? Please, there is no way in the world any Self respecting NUPE, Kappa, Alpha, Omega, Sigma, Iota would even think about not knowing thier respective grips. It's simply unheard of in BGLOs.

Peace,

ManndingoNUPE

I know in my chapter, we use our handshake at every formal meeting. You have to know it to even be allowed in the meeting, unless we have a special speaker, but even then, we do our ritual first while the speaker waits outside. ALL of our (active)chapter members know it, but we don't use it in public. Manders, maybe a good thing for your chapter would be to have a ritual program, reminding members of the importance of ritual, and such things that are included. We have programs on it once a semester. We consider ritual the tie that binds us all together. It's so special to us, especially during tough times, like rush and competitions. It reminds us why we love each other, and helps us focus on the reason why there is AGD in the first place. Just a suggestion...hope it helps!

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"Keep your face towards the sun, but don't forget to keep your feet firmly planted ont he ground."

I see no need to use the grip/handshake every day. These are brothers I live with. If I ever had a question as to if a guy was initiated or not, or even affiliated with LCA, I would use the grip, or "password" or whatever. I'm almost 100% sure that the only meeting/ceremony we have that is closed is ritual. There's no need to use it for chapter. Anything involving ritual is closed. To the NPHC members out there, don't think the comments of one person represents the dozens of NPC/NIC fraternities out there. I don't know how you couldn't know your grip. Even if you don't use it often, I would think it would come back to you when you used it.

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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

To the Group:

This is one of those areas that the cultural differences between WGLO and BGLO organizations are “front and center.” I happen to be a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity as well as Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and I have lived the differences. (Although I pledged KKY at an HBCU, the attitude regarding this particular issue is consistent with the larger organization.)

WGLO’s seem to use the “grip” as more of a ceremonial thing. Reserved for special occasions and ritualistic activities. In BGLO’s however, the grip is something that is used on a very, very, VERY regular basis. Its not unusual to grip a Brother 2-3 times a day when you see him on campus. As a Graduate member, its also not unusual for me to grip Brothers that I run across in my daily travels – even if we happen to be wearing business suits in the middle of downtown Chicago. I will say that the BGLO grips also have ceremonial meaning but we use them on a FAR more regular basis.

All orgs have grips – they are just utilized in different ways!

Hope this helps!

I'M LMAO! THERE'S IS NOTHING LEFT TO SAY ON THIS MATTER. NUPE, I'M LAUGHING!

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KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC.
SPR 97
XI LAMBDA

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a prick, but I don't appreciate the term WGLO. I understand if those in BGLO's want to use BGLO, since those frats/sors were founded to uplift the black community, but NIC/NPC frats/sors, as far as I know weren't founded to help whites, even though they may be historically white. I hope ya'll understand where I'm coming from with this.



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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

I am offended by WGLO term as well...we are not walking on the streets saying we are in a white sorority nor fraternity...I have MANY asian, latino, african-american sisters and they too were offended...

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif How about "non-BGLO"? Is that better? Or "PWGLO"? Does that work for you?? What would you like to be called when we're comparing and contrasting?? We can't use the umbrella organizations as a point of reference because then the locals and non-affiliated national organizations would be left out. We can't say "greek" either because it would get confusing.

Can we be a little less politically correct and a little more realistic?? Your organizations are HISTORICALLY white and the MAJORITY of the membership is white, just like our orgainzations are HISTORICALLY Black and the MAJORITY of the membership is Black. Guess what else? There are organizations that are HISTORICALLY Asian whose membership is MAJORITY Asian and there are HISTORICALLY Latina/o organizations whose membership is MAJORITY Latina/o. Then there are those who aren't historically or majority one race/ethnicity or another, they're called MULTI-CULTURAL and that's WONDERFUL. We're DIFFERENT. ACKNOWLEDGE, RESPECT and APPRECIATE the differences. Face them, deal with them, grow up and move on.

[This message has been edited by 12dn94dst (edited August 13, 2000).]

In the spirit of respecting the feelings of all the members of this forum, I will refrain from using the term "WGLO" in the future. I meant no disrespect.

Having said that, I feel that a bit of realism is in order here. We're all adults and we're all Americans. As such we understand the history of America and some of its "less than savory" aspects.

While it may be true that non-NPHC groups "weren't founded to help whites", it certainly is no accident that they are "historically white." The Seven Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha addressed this issue and out of that were born the Black Greek Lettered Organizations that we know today.

I don't want to get into a long diatribe about racism here but we know that, as in the larger society, it played a fundamental role in the Greek world. What we have today (in America and in Greekdom) are the results of that racism.

Just as I expect my opinions to be recognized and respected, I will do the same for others. On the other hand, I would ask that we not get offended when someone recognizes the world for what it is ... and for what some of our predecessors intended it to be.

I invite all comments and replies.

[This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited August 13, 2000).]

Well said 12dn94dst! I agree. I understand where Corbin is coming from, but on the real, it's all about what your org really is and the principles it was founded upon. So Corbin, what would you like us to call orgs that are predominantly white? Should we just stick to calling a pre-dom. white greek org a GLO and then when we need to specify should we say BGLO, LGLO, MCGLO, AGLO, etc?
How can we solve this cuz it's getting to the point of craziness!!



[This message has been edited by ZChi4Life (edited August 13, 2000).]

Laughing your @ss off, eh? Really, I'm glad you find it so amusing. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif Really, we're getting to the point of childishness. Why don't we just all run around pointing and saying "neiner, neiner, neiner, the way my org does thigs is better than the way your org does things"?

As thexgirl said, orgs use their handshakes in different ways. Because one sees theirs as some common everday thing and one sees theirs as only for ritual or special occassions doesn't make one way of using better than the other nor does it make one way laughable.

Seriously, some forms of ignorance are beat down on these boards mercilessly, while other forms manage to pass without a whimper. I just don't get it.

I feel the hate mail coming, but it needed to be said.

What the f***? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif Did I miss something, I thought this was just a topic on handshakes? When did a course on race relations in the greek community jump in? Everyone, just chill alright. Call yourself whatever you want, but don't forget you are all GLO's. Damn, so much tension these days...must be the weather!

AXPAlum

Ok, becuase I am the one who brought it up, I will appolagize if anyone took offense for my remark (although I think I said it was not ment to be an offense against anyone). There are certain differences between BGLOs and OTHER fraternities and sorrorities (still trying not to offend and use WGLO).

As for the person who asked whether BGLOS have grips or handshakes, yes we do. I use mine quite often, although I restrict it to someone who I know and can verify is a member of my organization. If I don't know you, I don't grip you (Period).

But seriously, I know that I have come down hard on some folks for things that they have said, so I like everyone else, should just step away from the keyboard, take a moment to breath, go get a glass of water,a bear, shot of vodka, gasoline, whatever your you chose, and just chill. IT WASN"T THAT SERIOUS. Dang.

Peace and Luv

ManndingoNUPE

P.S. I'm still laughing my azzzz offf.

I've read this topic, but knowI had to jump in no one said anyone was better than anyone else. The fact of the matter is that in BGLO's (especially the fraternities) grips are used everyday, it is as common as saying hello to a member of your org, so therefore it is really strange to read that 2 out of 80 know the grip.

Thanks for everyone who understood what I was saying and didn't get mad about it. Personally, I think GLO should be used to refer to all orgs, and when referring to a certain type, NIC, NPHC, NPC, local, etc. should be used. However, I don't really have a problem using the terms BGLO, LGLO, AGLO, as these orgs were formed to better the black, latino/a, asian, etc. communities. I'm not trying to be overly PC, in fact, if you know me, you'd know I'm not very PC at all, but I do respect those of different races, religions, etc. as long as they respect me. I just don't really like WGLO because regardless if people were/are racist, they weren't founded to help the "white community". This is my last post on the topic, as it's probably going to get out of hand, and I've tried to refrain from posting on the racial issues.

Back on the original topic. I understand if someone wants to use the grip on a daily basis, but I still see no need to when you KNOW someone is your brother. Maybe the grips you talk about are just that, a grip, and not a handshake with a series of steps. Enlighten us on that, if you want to/can. If it IS just a grip, like the Boy Scout grip, I can understand, as when I was an active Boy Scout, I did use it whenever I met someone else who was in the BSA.



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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

of course my simple question got turned into a racial debate...I'm not surprised in this forum. Thank you to those who respectfully answered my question. To those who felt the need to criticize the way my chapter does things just because it's not like yours in our rituals/practices, need to get over yourselves. I'm sorry but it's not fair to say that just because we do things differently we are a bad chapter. So what if we're different than you're chapter....NOT better or worse...just different. And it's not just my chapter. It's all the chapters of all the GLO's on campus. And I didn't mean literally 2 out of 80. My point was just that a lot of people don't really know or use it. I was just curious about other chapters and I never asked if it was right or wrong to not be using it.

[This message has been edited by Manders (edited August 14, 2000).]

I think that we can all agree to disagree. But one thing that I don't think that I heard anyone say, was that thier way was better, or that their chapter or org. was better than anyone elses. While for me KAPsi, is the greatest fraternity ever founded,(and this is true), for an Omega his is, for a Sigma, his is. You get my point? No one is better than the other, and there are so many different things that go on in BGLOs as opposed to OTHER fraternities and sorrorities. Just becuase we do something all the time, doesn't make it right for your organization.

I simply pointed out the fact that so few people knew the grip for that org. and it simply struck me as funy. I am just silly like that. But I know that a few of my fellow D9ers would feel the same way.

Manders, if you are ever in the DC area, you can put me in the Kut, and I will take 3 for your org.

Peace and Luv

MN

You're right. No one did come flat out and say my way is better but people did say things like:

Manders, maybe a good thing for your chapter would be to have a ritual program, reminding members of the importance of ritual,


I wasn't laughing....just smirking. I find it very intriguing to see that 2 out 80 people know their organization's handshake


Just little comments that came out like "wow, I can't believe you guys do it this way and not our way...you should work on that"

I'm not trying to be a b**ch here. I just want respect and will equally give it.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif Mandingo...i was laughing my behind off....

i see this is a touchy subject, so i will keep it brief.

handshakes and grips should also be practiced even if you know your sorors or your frats. THAT IS THE WAY TO WEED OUT THE PERPS!!!

when you receive visiting members into your chapter, there should never be a problem with your grip. that reflects upon you and how you learned in your whole process. i could never imagine going to visit a chapter and someone beginning to grip me and me not coming correct. it is unspeakable (especially in BGLO's)

also gripping in BGLO's is as common as blinking an eye. now why you see a Que grip his bruh or a Kappa, Alpha or and Iota grip their "bruhs" that means they are proud as hell to be members in that fraternity. it means you share the common grounds and crossed the burning sands.

it brings tears to my eyes!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

in my sorority (Delta Sigma Theta)the grip is not a challenge. it should only be done with persons you know to be a member, not suspect to be a member. that's more ammo to perp.

That brings up another point. I hear NPHC members talk about perps quite a bit. I know it's been talked about on the board before, but Is it that big of a problem? I've not heard of anyone having to deal with this in any of the fraternities on my campus. It brings to mind "Road Trip" when they go to that house to get a meal and place to stay because the smart guy knows their grip. Then they realized they goofed once they get into the dining room.



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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

Please everyone remember that BGLO's and GLO's do different things and have different practices. What is right for one is not necessarily for another

I don't think it's much of a difference between right and wrong with each org., but more of what is more important and less important to them. Whether its grips, songs, steps, or mottos, everyone puts different values and pride towards each one. Maybe it would be great if we all agreed that handshakes have a strong meaning in our orgs., but it's obviously not the case. So, good for you if it is, and no big woop if it isn't. I'm sure everyone has something special and bonding elsewhere between it's fellow members.

- AXPAlum

MandingoNupe--at first I wanted to laugh, but then I just shook my head. Even if your organization (ANY organization) doesn't use your grip, shake, etc. all the time, don't you have respect enough for your ritual to at least KNOW it? Do those who don't know it not care? That's what I shook my head at.

in regards to perps being a big deal, it is. for a number of reasons, bglo have lots of problems with people perping. my guess would be that everyone wants to be a part of something. it is a great feeling to be greeted by a soror that you have never met. just knowing you have Delta in common makes you similar in at least one way.

I assume the feeling is the same for all GLOs when we meet someone else from the same org, it's a great feeling. I just don't know why someone would pretend to be in an org, when it really wouldn't be that hard for them to get caught, unless somehow, through a friend, family member, or some bitter ex-member, they knew all of the secrets, even the initiation ritual. Maybe Fred Hatchett and his band of hooligans go around telling the secrets of their former GLO http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.