(I'm trying to be succint and combine some posts here so I don't end up quoting from all of them)
Happydaysf91, you say in your post:
"But what message do you think was sent to AAs by the WGLOs who mocked the Omegas? (as I recalled, it was a sorority and two fraternities at that party. And from the pictures everyone thought it was very cute and got a good laugh)? To me, it said that we don't want black people in our orgs. What message was sent to AA young women when the WGLO sorority didn't select the AA girl because other WGLO fraternities and sororities wouldn't want to have parties with them (at least that's what the article said)? To me, that says...some white people don't want us in their stuff?"
Well, in reply, I can't say it any better than to quote Dexter in two previous posts:
"So let me understand that if one member of an organization feels that way, then you indict ALL [W]GLOs? Do you see how asinine that sounds?"
"Because she not only contradicts herself, but judges an entire group of people because of the way a few of them feel."
I didn't think it was cute in the least -- and I certainly did not feel like any of the offending parties represented my personal views or the views of my org. If its not okay for one person to judge an entire group because the way a few of them feel, then its not okay for others to do the same thing. Especially not in the case of extreme ignorance such as the blackface situation.
Your next quote:
"Basically, you will find people in both groups...WGLOs and BGLOs who don't want people of other races in their organizations. This is their personal opinion. Not the opinion of the entire organziation!!! And people have right to their own opinion. I think the problem here (why people think they are being bashed or etc.) is that people are trying to convince others that they are wrong or sway their opinions! And its not working....... "
I agree, it is sad that some people in ALL orgs don't want people of other races to join. Its not just a white thing, and no, as I previously stated, it shouldn't reflect upon the entire organization. But I don't think that sharing a POV is the same as trying to convince another person to change their mind. We have seen in the past that that doesn't work anywhere - on here or in the "real" world beyond GC.
Next you say:
BTW....Racism still runs rampant in this country...it's just not as VISIBLE!! I know I experience it all the time....even if its just someone clinching their purse in the elevator, a white store clerk looking funny when you pay with a credit card, or simply a waiter adding in a tip to my charge because you know 'black folk don't tip'.....its all the same. And I have my JD, CPA and MBA and this still happens sometimes....So yes, its very alive!!!!! It may not be blantant, but it is living and breathing.....
I know that it still exists, and will always exist because people are people, and as such we will all carry different stereotypes of how we *think* others are. I also get to experience racism all the time -- one example is from black folks who think that its not right that I have a brother who is black. Do these ignorant few represent the entire black population - nope. So do the ignorant few that would act the fool to you on the elevator, in the store, etc. represent the entire white population...nope again. Its not fair that you have to deal with that mess -- its not fair that ANYONE should have to deal with issues because of their skin color. Which is why I make myself available on public opinion boards to say that and to offer my POV.
Damasa, in your post you say:
What if the organization had members that brought up the topic of sketching african-americans joining or being members already? They started saying they should be weary or they don't want them to come in and trying to "blackwash" the fraternity and use the resourced to help out "their people."
This is where I think there is a distinct difference -- never would I question the membership of a red, green, yellow, black, or purple person who sought membership in my org based on their skin color. And my sisters at the chapters I work with don't either. If you want to join us, then meet our 5 criteria and show us that you will be a value to the org and not just want the letters for your own personal gain. Have other members of WGLO's done it? Yes they sure have...have other members of BGLO's done it -- looks like it according the responses here. Is it fair in either? Not in my opinion because its never right to judge someone based solely on the skin color. Regardless of who is doing the judging. There should not be a double-standard when skin color is concerned.
You also say:
"To be fake for even a second is to be fake for all of your life"
I just love that quote.
Honeykiss1974, you say:
Please go and check out www.naacp.com and ww.naawp.com and compare the two.
I wouldn't honor the naawp with the number on their guest book to even consider viewing that mess. No more than I would sit here and look up stuff on the KKK for what I would consider "information" about them. Obviously some people are fools. I don't think its fair to compare the two because one obviously represents hatred. There is no white counterpart to the NAACP. I don't agree with the NAACP anymore than I agree with the KKK or the naawp -- because I think that segregation is wrong on all parts, and its not fair to say "you can't have your own group but we can" and then promote it as equality. I do however agree with the laws of this great country which entitles everyone to their opinion.
Happydaysf91 -- I did, for the record, read your most recent post, where you say:
not all WGLOs are not like that. But that's the same way on this board. All BGLO are not saying this and only certain members of these groups have these views.
I was quoting these in order of the posts, which is why I called attention to your post previous to this one. (Just didn't want anyone accusing me of not reading all the posts.)
I guess that my feelings are that people are different and will always be different. Its only a bad thing when people start using that as an excuse to create problems with others. Like I said - race is never an issue in the chapters I work with. Never. I'm sorry that its not that way in all org's (black and white) because I think a sister is a person that I will love unconditionally. Sure - things happen and she and I may disagree or even be totally pissed at each other. But that doesn't in any way elevate my status over her because we are sisters. And that is the way it should be.
I can't control each and every situation. I can't make the ignorant folks (of all colors) who think that I shouldn't have a brother of another color change their mind. I can't make the ignorant people who use racial slurs and protests to create drama change their mind. I can only control what I THINK, SAY, AND DO. And if I'm not making my Creator proud, not to mention my family and friends, then I'm not making myself proud...and there is no way to fool yourself in this situation.
Again, to quote my momma "We don't hate. Period."