FYI:
I believe that using the term "probate show" when describing the presentation of new initiates is incorrect. From listening to older folks, I've learned that a probate show was a show put on by pledges of a greek organization. These shows weren't always positive experiences for the pledges performing, from what I understand. A better term would be "coming out show," "neophyte" (a term we use in the Midwest to describe both new members and the step show/party given to present them and give gifts), etc.
divinerose:
I think that what gets many NPHC members riled up about non-NPHC organizations is the appropriation of NPHC-founded symbols, imagery, language, and behavior, all the while saying that these things (hand signs, calls, steps, terms: sands, ship, line brother/sister, crossing the burning sands, etc.) are not imitations of the original. True, no one organization owns these things, but it is clear that NPHC organizations created them/brought them to prominence (be that good or bad).
Personally, I feel no ill will toward non-NPHC groups, but I do wonder if we are diluting our community service, financial, and political strength by adding more groups with similar aims. Having spent much of my professional career in nonprofit organizations, I have seen service-duplication create resource drainage, and it gets frustrating to compete with similar orgs. for talent, money, and other resources. I see the same thing with GLOs whose primary aim is to serve African American communities.
|