LXA-
I understand where you were coming from on the aspect of "paper". But it's a negative term that I hate seeing used,
especially when you're trying to defend anti-hazing.
I'm a member of Order of Omega and
that's paper. Literally, I signed, paid my dues, and that was that. Which is fine and appropriate for that kind of organization. I'm sure the professional organization you joined was similar... maybe some community service, too. But basically just something to recognize your achievements in that field + put on your resume.
The GLO I'm an alumnae of, however, is different. True, it's "professional" (and a member of PFA). But it's also very service oriented. It's other ambitions are developing scholarship, leadership, and brother/sisterhood. Doesn't this sound like the ideals of
most GLO's to you? Social, service,
or professional?
You're right when you say that BGLO (and some non-BLGO) members use the term "paper" to describe someone who didn't "earn" their letters (usually meaning going through pledging). So by calling members of service and professional GLO's "paper", you're saying that they didn't "earn" their letters. It's already been stated that those members who go through a new member ed or pledging period
minus the hazing often have a lot more to prove and a lot more work than those who do experience pledging centered on hazing. If I remember correctly, you agreed with this basic statement. So by calling these Greeks "paper", you're saying they
didn't earn their letters, when in fact, as you already know, they most likely
did.
I guess I'm just asking you to use discretion when using negative comments/phrases (or words that can be percieved that way) when discussing others' GLO's. I think you would be offended if I said "I heard LXA's paper... they don't even call their pledges 'pledge'..!" (And I
don't consider you guys paper because of the associate member program.. I call that leadership and forward thinking and an example.)
I hope that explains my view + why I
was offended... and apology accepted
thank you!
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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter