Silver - regarding "paper" - I only used that term because I see too many references to it in this forum - I don't believe there are many "paper" GLO's other than one I belonged to in college (an honorary teaching organization) - I simply filled out an application, paid my fees, and watched the enrollment ceremony, and voila - I was a member.
I don't know why it is, but I see lot's of disparaging remarks about "paper" members, most notably by members of BGLO's - I'm not sure why, maybe it's just coincidence. It may have something to do with the underground pledging vs. normal MIP they are supposed to engage in - maybe it's a way of distinguishing themselves as being more "worthy" of membership. However, I've yet to hear a logically sound argument as to why "hard pledging" (or "non-paper") - in both instances I will make the assumption that a fairly moderate amount of hazing exists - makes a "better" member than a "non-hazing" organization. In fact, I believe just the opposite is true - hazing creates more divisions and problems than the unity and bonding that is professed by those who continue to haze. My experiences and the other posts I have seen here bear this out.
Sorry if I offended you, but I was trying to draw out the distinctions - I hope this clarifies it somewhat.
------------------
Don't be your brother's keeper; rather, be your brother's Brother.
|