Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyCash
Why is it so hard to believe that the OP, someone born and raised in Latin America, would not want to be part of a latino fraternity?
LGLOs have very little to do with the actual customs and cultures of Latin countries and more with imitating the traditions and customs of NPHC organizations and Black culture in general. Often times their members don't even know Spanish. Someone coming from Latin America wouldn't understand it and would not feel comfortable in such an organization.
I am not trying to belittle the history of these organizations but let's be honest here.
If latino fraternities were really all about their culture they would be sending their members to do service in less fortunate Latin countries, donating money to charitable Hispanic organizations, teaching English to inner-city Hispanic children, things of that nature. Not using their time to step and stroll in the student union.
Before you try to rip me a new one and label me racist, I'm Hispanic.
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Nobody in the thread mentioned having a problem with his desire to be a part of a mainstream fraternity. They were just clearing up a few misconceptions evident in the way he expressed himself. Everyone has a preference in the type of org they seek and it should be respected.
Your post on the other hand, is filled with ignorance and assumptions. Yes, LGLO have borrowed traditions from NPHC orgs; that's a fact. I'm not sure how you jump to the conclusion that they have "very little to do with Latino culture and only seek to emulate NPHC and Black culture in general." The statement alone shows a lack of knowledge on what the organizations do on campuses across the nation.
Are there members who don't speak Spanish? Yes...and? This doesn't mean that they can't relate at all to Latin Americans. I have MANY brothers who were born and raised in Latin America. You can find people that would love this and experience and others who would not.
As one of my older bros who pledged in the 50s said: "We essentially, have a mission; to serve Latin America. However, today the United States is part of that mission."
http://bit.ly/hmvDGx ...There are Latin Americans and Latinos who agree with this concept across most/all LGLO. I based that assertion on programs and community efforts we all engage in.
Speaking on my org alone; we DO have brothers/chapters that engage in service work in Latin America, donate to charitable Latino AND non-Latino organizations, teach English to recent immigrants, etc. I've never came across a LGLO that does not engage in some type of endeavor within the Latino community. Many of our orgs(not mine) do step/stroll and embrace the practice as a way to honor their African heritage. I hope your not dismissing the fact that the majority of enslaved Africans went South of the United States. Yes, it is an NPHC tradition, but again this is where LGLO have borrowed from established traditions. An organization can step/stroll and serve the community at the same time.
Belittling our organizations is exactly what you attempted to do with that post. Identifying as Latino doesn't get you a pass. Wrong is wrong regardless of who says it.