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It seems as though most people on this thread have taken this phenomenon in solely a negative manner. We all know the "dark side" of this, even erupting into physical violence among fraternities at times. But mostly, in my experience, it manifests itself as "friendly rivalries" which serve to help maintain a sense of group cohesion and enhance a feeling a specialness to Black Greek Life. From my perspective, historically white NIC/NPC Greek life (a majority of NPHC fraternities are NIC-member groups also) lacks that sense of enthusiasm, on the whole, because it's so homogenized. I can't count the times in everyday life I've ran into other Greeks (usually Nupes) who make comments about Omega upon seeing me in some paraphernalia. It cements a type of bond that we all share; it leads to further relationships. And it's fun! Last year I was hurrying to get through security at Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta on my way home after I had put my shoes on and collected my cell, keys wallet and my bags. The security officer at the gate then told me I couldn't go through. He then told me the reason:'You have the wrong hat on (referring to my purple Que cap)' and then he stated that he was a Kappa. We had a good laugh out of that one after we traded a couple of Greek barbs.
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