To the group…
I find this to be a very interesting discussion, primarily because it illustrates the regional and cultural differences in Greekdom.
I have a slightly different view on it because…
1) I am a member of both predominately Black (Iota) and predominantly White (KKPsi) fraternities.
2) I attended both a historically Black school (Southern University) and a historically White school (Southern Illinois University) as an undergrad.
3) I was a member of Iota when it was NOT in the NPHC and since it HAS been in the NPHC.
Regarding this business of “NPHC Traditions”, I realize that there are things that have evolved into NPHC-only traditions. I don’t necessarily believe that this is “right” – I just realize that it is reality.
Regarding stepping, KKPsi used to step in the large Greek shows at SU and compete against the NPHC groups. -- and consistently won. Nobody had drama with that – especially since many NPHC groups were represented in my chapter of KKPsi. (I remember stepshows where certain Brothers would perform with BOTH of his organizations!) I even remember a step that KKPsi did called “Social Fraternities” that was a mocking tribute to the NPHC frats … and the NPHC frats all got a big kick out of it!
I also remember the APO’s being referred to as “Ay-Phi Ques” and there was no drama with the Omegas – none whatsoever. It was accepted practice.
One of the things I have seen over my 21 years of being an Iota is a (somewhat disturbing) trend of attaching over-important significance to the less important aspects of membership. Things like hand-signs, calls, and stepping.
Don’t get me wrong – I enjoyed all of that stuff (and still do!) but it represents such a small slice of what NPHC membership should really be all about. We end up having disagreements and brouhahas that disintegrate into violence – and over what? Your handsign looks too much like mine? Get REAL!
Along this same line, NPHC groups want to claim certain things as though we have a patent on it. I always see Omegas doing the “dog” thing … But who remembers that the Sigmas used to be Dogs too? (I have yearbook pictures if anyone wants to see – Sigma Pledges with Dog collars! And yes, the Omega chapter was active on the campus at the time)
The Alphas at SIU used to do a handsign that is now done by Phi Beta Sigma. Kappas at Southern were known as “Pretty Boys” … in the North, they were also referred to as “Animals.”
My point is that this stuff is fluid and it changes and reconfigures over time. Its not written in stone and nobody owns any of it.
As an aside, I read with amusement the reference to Iotas in Gold Boots. In my day, if anybody had stepped to Upsilon Chapter of Iota Phi Theta about their gold boots, my Brothers would have furnished a gentlemanly suggestion to
“Go mind your own business.”
We have far more important issues to deal with than “Who owns what (non-ritualistic) custom.”
Black people are catching hell all over this country – our organizations need to be about the business of dealing with THOSE issues -- as defined in our individual statements of purpose.
When we solve those problems, then perhaps there will be time for the less demanding (and less central-to-our focus) problems of stepshows, boots, and handsigns.
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IotaNet
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Eta Chapter, Spring, 1980
Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979
[This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited April 28, 2001).]