|
I think DSTCHAOS articulated it very well. For a large, all-inclusive council to work there has to be a high level of mutual tolerance and understanding of the nuances, not only of individual chapters but of sub-groups of chapters. I think what she is saying subtly (because she is gracious) is that such tolerance is seldom seen and not likely to exist.
The real danger in a system like that is the judicial process. Chapters have the right to expect to be judged by their peers . If I were in a D-9 organization I would be nervous about an IFC-dominated judicial proceding. If I was were in a large, tradition IFC chapter with a house, I would not want to be judged by reps from a multi-cultural chapter with four members and no house. A great deal of damage can be done to the various chapters by even well meaning people who don't understand the different dynamics.
I think it's terrific that there are so many social fraternities and sororities of all varieties. The D-9 long ago established the powerful strength of their appeal. The fact that there are multi-cultural fraternities and sororities is evidence that a wide range of students from very different backgrounds all want the same advantages and benefits.
But people seek out what's comfortable for them. Most places, Black men are welcome to join IFC chapters, but more are attracted to the historically Black chapters. Asians and Hispanics find their way into IFC and PanHel chapters, but many others prefer the intimacy of the multi-culturals.
Individual members should not be expected to divorce themselves emotionally and intellectually from their groups in order to sit in judgement of other groups. That would have very bad consequences.
|