Black/Multiracial women in "White" sororities
 

While I see a great deal on this page about White women in traditionally Black sororities, there is little discussion about minority women who join NPC organizations? I know many campus, this is frowned upon and minority women who do pledge "White" sororities are often mistreated and ostracized by other minorities on campus. Why?

This is interesting.

There is a young black man in a class of mine. He is a member of a white frat. He dyed his hair a shade of blond and wears contacts (I believe they're blue).

In addition, he steers every discussion in class towards racism and racially charged issues.

Every time we discuss issue of beauty and what society defines as beauty, he always give examples of white women as beautiful. He always talks about these particular white women because "they're thick" (he appears likes athletes)- but I've never heard him mention Venus or Marion Jones as beautiful women.

Just an observation.

PhoenixGrad:
At my campus there were no BGLO groups. However, there were Asian people on campus who joined "white" sororities and fraternities. I don't think there was much of an issue with anyone being accepted, but my campus was quite accepting and open of cultures and colors. I guess it would depend on the campus and what the political climate was like.

I don't know of anyone who was mistreated or accused of "selling" out their race or ethnic group, but that is not to say that it doesn't happen.

There were a few black students who joined non-BGLOs on my campus. And yes, they were ostracized. This went for any organizations on campus, though. (Exception: exchange students who happened to also be black seemed to be exempt from this, they were accepted by most anyone). I know a few black students who felt like they had to choose between being involved in the "white" campus or the "black" campus. Most of them wouldn't tell you this, they just made their decision and lived with it, usually happily. (or close to it)

Interestingly enough, my freshman year, I had several black friends, but by the end of the year they were mostly acquaintances. Not by my choice, but because they had to choose between "white" or "black". It's unfortunate, I could have become very good friends with many of them (a few I did) and I'm sure we would have learned a lot from each other.

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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter

At my school the discussion usually turns to "token" black guys in fraternities. The fact is, there aren't very many black guys at this school, and those who are here are either anti-greek or they join BGLOs. There is one black guy in SAE, a couple in Sigma Pi, and one in Delta Sig. It would be cool if we had some black guys, because diversity is good. We already have a few Asian guys, as do all of the fraternities.

I think that many minority groups somehow see black guys joining fraternities as "sellouts" because they are becoming part of the establishment– what the minority groups consider the white establishment. Unfortunately, they are wrong. But it would be nice if more minority students would get involved in GLOs. Ironically, at this school white people are also minorities. The distribution is as follows:

http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~awatters/admits.gif

As you can see, there aren't very many black guys to select from. Truly, the number of black guys in fraternities is dictated by the number who are interested.

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andrew watters
Theta Chi – ucla

On my campus we have both BGLO's and GLO's. I know that for my organization that yes we do have multi-racial sisters. We have sisters from many different walks of life. A few semesters ago, an African-American young lady decided to pledge us. She wanted us 110% and we wanted her 110% - she was an excellent student, friend, and pledge. She was in my family also!

Unfortunately she caught a lot of slack from her African-American "friends" (both those who were non-Greek as well as those in BGLO's), even though she remained friends with them (i.e., she didn't drop them when she got her letters). It was a very hard time for her and I talked with her daily about her choice to be a sister with us. By the end of the semester, however, she was exhausted from the stress and left the school to go to a community college where she could refocus on her grades! She ended up dropping all contact with both us and her other so-called friends.

I'm not trying to offend anyone, so please don't misunderstand...I know there are plenty of people who would have supported her decision either way. I just use "friends" because I think a true friend would stand by her decision and be her friend no matter what letters were across her chest! Due to all the negative posts I am worried that I will be misunderstood, so if I've worded something in a confusing manner, please let me know!

Also, I know that I can only speak for me - I know that there are people that would not be accepting of someone because of their skin color! But I am proud to say that I do not base my feelings of sisterhood with a woman because of this. I think we should join an organization because of the love in our hearts for it and the principles of its founding.

PandaBear- That was very well said! I have never understood people who would treat a 'friend' badly just because they pledged the sorority that was right for them! They are not true friends, because true friends wouldn't care either way. Two of my closest friends are in other sororities. One is an AKA and one is a Delta and I don't know what I would do without them!

ZetaAce

PS>I am STILL waiting for a picture of the purple, blue, and green people http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

As far as feedback from other African Americans, I find that some seem to think that I owe them an explination why I joined NPC and not an NPHC. I have been accused of trying to be white, being a sell out, and so on.
I find it ironic that the same people(in my case, members of BGLO's) who would complain about there not being enough minorities in the NPC/IFC houses, would be the first to put down and/or ostracize those who would dare to attempt to join such organizations.
I did find out though, who were/are my real friends throughout the process.

As a side note, I also seem to find that the BGLO members have this attitude that only the "rejects" should join the NPC houses. By that I mean if they(bglo's) feel you're not the right type for them, then the NPC should be you second choice. I say this from experience.
I have to admit though, it makes me a stronger person. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I'm not trying to be rude, but what can an African-American possibly have in common with a Caucasion fraternity/sorority as it relates to culture?

Our GLO doesn't relate to culture...it relates to the ideals of our founding sisters which were to be true to yourself and always be the best "you" no matter what! I know that in those days "fraternities" for women were very new and our sisters formed our GLO to further women's causes. Although different races may not have been present on campus like today, our ritual has always included the words to "treat others with dignity and respect, and to always uphold any woman in her endeavors regardless of greek affiliation." This is why I fell in love with the GLO I belong to. I didn't feel compelled to be the prettiest, smartest, or most popular, rather to just be "me"! I never had to feel like I wouldn't belong based on the color of my skin, my religious beliefs, etc. My sisters, even through our difficult times, have always shown me love through our bond. This is why I think my friend chose us - she felt the same love I did and unfortunately she let outside influences pull her away! Anyway I think just because a person joins a particular GLO or BGLO or whatever, doesn't mean he or she loses or has to change her culture. I have learned a lot about the many cultures of my sisters which has been one of the huge plusses of being greek!

And ZetaAce...thanks for the support - check out the other post for your pictures...LOL!

Panda Bear pretty much said it all. My house is not based on culture but on common ideas. Ideas that I can relate to. If race was an issue when I pledged, then they (my sorority) would not have bidded me. I'm quite happy with my decision.

NPCGirl...if you don't mind, could you tell me which group to which you belong?

And, sadeluv, my sorority was founded to promote music and the fine arts. Although many chapters really don't adhere to that, my chapter certainly does, and as a person with an interest in fine arts, it appealed to me. "Culture", indeed.

Like I've said before, I love my sorority and I love my chapter...which are both diverse in more ways than just racially. I'm secure in the knowledge that I picked the best group for me, and if anyone calls me a sellout, or questions my racial authenticity, so be it. I can, however, understand the feeling many in a similar situation may feel.

sure...Phi Sigma Sigma

I find it quite interesting that there exists an attitude among some african american college students, particularly at traditional (white) universities, that black students should join black organizations, exclusively. I don't understand why black people who have, for their own personal reasons, chosen to attend a traditional college, could ever have a problem with a black person choosing a traditional greek organization. Where was their pro-black attitude when they decided to attend a traditional (white) university? It just seems odd thats all. Maybe someone could enlighten me.

I'd be interested to know how many "minority women" are in NPC organizations, and which organization are the most ethnically diverse. How many women of color in this chat room are members of NPC sororities? Which ones?