I'll just start off by saying "issues'...
You seem to have them AKA_monet. Like the DZ said above, you have GREATLY overgeneralized the non-divine 9 greek experience.
Here is what you said...
Quote:
One thing a person of color must understand that once you decide to join an organization outside of your heritage that all the rights, attributes, experiences after graduation--especially when you work for many years in the corporate sector will make it very, very difficult to re-enter a world that you once denied in your youth.
OK...when have I ever left society? Unlike the DZ above, I grew in an all black neighborhood. My family has even lived in slums. I'm glad of my past experiences because it has made me a stronger person. I deeply identify with my own people and Im still attend my black church, and help out at the soup kitchen, and next semester I plan on volunteering at the center. I havent stopped being black (thats an entirely differernt subject), never have, never will.
Your decision to join an organization based on young, altruistic feelings and attitudes, although highly noble, may be one filled with regret when you decide to re-enter certain societies long after graduation. The adults you encounter will rarely understand your positions you took in your youth. You will find that your conjectured ideals of BGLO's and their current obsoletion is not so outdated as you observed on your predominately majority university.
I didnt join a BGLO because I have too many friends of too many different races. Some of my friends crossed before I event looked into getting on line and I saw how they "changed". All of a sudden, they had become black elitist. They were now a part of an "elite" class of people and they hardly associated with anyone outside of their little cliques. This especially happened racially. Dont get me wrong, I am proud to be an african-american, but I dont condone assuming that you're better then an entire group of people, whether they do it or not.
A person of color must understand that your decision you made at a time of your youth will travel with you for the rest of your life... You must be ready to completely assimilate into that society that you will join.
You have to admit this sounds a little crazy. I belong to a historically white fraternity where the minority of people actually are white. There are white, black, jewish, asian, indian and middle-eastern people in my house. Thats why I joined, because everyone was so cool and down to earth and I didnt have to worry about leaving my friends behind. Since I've joined this house I've met so many more friends of every different race. Joining a GLO meant assimilating into a world society. That will be important since the planet does extend past North America. And it is bigger then the greek system.
However, when you get older, decide to marry within your group, interact with your neighborhood you will have a very tough time in being understood as trustworthy.
Strange, because I didnt join a BGLO, I'm a traitor. I go home now, and people dont treat me any different. These are people who I'll grow up with. If they accept me now, if they accepted me 10, 15, 20 years ago, why wont they accept me in the future. I think you're taking this WAY too serious and should have your head examined.
I say this because I know. I am 30-something, I've seen how it is with those who wish to reintegrate back into their heritage after they have denied it in their youth. Some people don't want you back...
Glad to know you dont have better things to do then tell those of us who joined GLO's that we dont have a future...in anything.
and Back? again...when did I ever leave?
Not to mention that BGLO's have a very close network and when you meet someone in a BGLO several years after graduation, it is like you share this common interest, a common bond. Professional men of BGLO fraternities speak to me just because I am a member in my sorority... That is how I met my boyfriend who is a member of a BGLO fraternity. I met him outside of a resturant, just because I wore my 'nalia. I bet the same goes for my other fellow culturally based greek organizations.
Then, would you think a fortune 500 company CEO will readily recognize you as a member in their organization when you apply for that corporate high paying job? Can that attitude be guarenteed? I know it is for the BGLO's... What do you think the talented 10 meant? Or do the little old caucasian ladies huddle in a corner, clutching their purses because you got into the elevator?
I'm neither naive nor stupid. I dont think that by joining a GLO, I will completely be immune to racism. And as for business, nationally there are a lot of black guys in my fraternity. And besides that, I've met some great contacts. Honestly, I'm a genious. I'm smart and I have a great personality. I dont NEED to depend on my fraternity to make all of my contacts. I've learned how to network on my own. And besides, I'm still networking with black people, as well all of the different peoples who I have met since becoming greek. And the talented 10th meant the the few of us who have the talents and resources to be successful should use it to help ALL of our brothers, not just those in the "phat nine".
Ask yourself, is that the life you truly desire? Then from there, in the future, how fun will your experiences have been when you find yourself around all these "Buppies" that are talking about how the Step Correct Show went off and who won and whether you would truly really feel a part of that discussion? Or would you just prefer drinking beer every weekend with your "buddies" for the rest of your life with no "game"?
Actually my buddies do have game. I have game. Your dad probably drank beer, does that make him a loser? I'll admit, I like to drink beer. Is that the end of my social existence? I go to step shows and neophytes and have a good time. I date black women, I have plans to marry one. I get on Devistating DST's, Royal SGRho's, Finer zPHIb's and those lovely, lovely women of AKA. I invite them to our parties and I go to theirs. Besides, you're the one who probably doesnt have any game if you have to wear your letters to get a boyfriend.
Sure, some of my fellow undergraduate members may seem to have lackluster in your eyes. Are you sure your eyes are not jaded?
I think very highly of the divine 9. In fact, two of my friends are presidents of their respective organizations. I will admite, the historically black greek system has accomplished so much for our community.
Recently, 4 traditional GLO fraternities got suspended from the university where I teach because they caused their pledges to be alcohol poisoned. Not to say the BGLO's don't do that ever. However, our mission statements are very clear what we do internationally. So, there would be no reason to make our pledges drunk for fun... Just got too many issues goin' on in our communities that we cannot let falter--high crime rates, poverty, infant mortality and these bad things are happening in the most industrialized nation of the world... Why? If not now, then when? If not me, then who? MLK...
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If we have so many issues, then why add another one by excluding people who didnt join a BGLO? A lot of us have the same goals, your fraternity/sorority shouldnt necessarily be what decides them.
And dont get me started on hazing, drinking, etc. It happens everywhere. Since the NPHC forced the divine nine to pledge underground, hazing has REALLY been a problem on the yard. You may have good intentions, but really, you dont need to beat the hell out of somebody to see if their worthy of seeing your "light". Yeah, people should have to work hard to join a fraternity/sorority (I did, WITHOUT hazing), but they shouldnt physically suffer.
You truly have my sympathy aka_monet. It's people like you who cause this trauma. Going greek is an important decision that people should think deeply about, but in all seriousness, the world doesnt revolved around fraternities and sororities. What about people who never joined? Ever heard of Oprah? She didnt need to be greek to succeed. In fact, she turned down honorary membership. Why? What does she has to gain, she made it on her own. Or Spike Lee. He leans on the entire black community for support, not just BGLO members.
good luck on finals to all and everyone have a nice holiday.
XP2k
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