[pinkies up]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

More exposure, yes. Spreading hate, no, not really. See, the story itself was framed in such a way that it played into certain sexual stereotypes. But in reality,like most stories, it's multifaceted and multilayered. It can be "spun" in different ways, to bring "heat" or "light." I'm interested in the Greek aspect of it as a non-sanctioned phenomenon and beyond that the "why" of this particular manifestation at this time in our culture. I think it has something to do with some men carving out a counter cultural identity in a hostile environment, using Greekdom. This is reflected in the broader contentious space of what is black manhood in this society,with its structres regarding gender,status, power and race. I can go into more detail but it would take us far afield from what this forum is about. But Greekdom, in a sense, is but a reflection of the social trends and the way our common life in America works along gender, racial, ethnic, and class/caste lines.This story,the DePauw one and the "blacflace" one must all be understood this way. We have to ask the right questions--we must demand that this happens--so that we can actually bring good and self-understanding out of it.

No offense Wolfman, but I think you're trying to be too deep with your assertations regarding the "male sorority". The bottom line is that it is totally disrespectful to mock an organization by using the symbols and letters to glorify or flaunt the fact they feel they can do so. I don't think it has underlined implications of how society works. I think they are just a group of men who really think they can become AKA's by playing dress up. They are no different than those women who buy a pin off of ebay and attempt to "pass" as a member. The men who do this are just plain weird.