Yes, doors have been opened for us, but that only because someone had to KICK them open. Don't think that we got any favors. And while you are sitting around thinking that things are soooo different these days, NPC/IFC orgs. are still having parties where its members show up in blackface. Oh, and let's not forget those off the hook "ghetto fab" parties, but I'll digress from that for a minute.
Why would any minority want to be a part of orgs. that make fun of them?
As gphiangel stated, no, Alexander didn't directly express interest in an NPHC org., but he never expressed interest in a "traditionally white" fraternity either. More or less, he was caught up in the moment/excitement of it all and decided to go for it. If you look at the article, he stated that he "accepted Phi Psi's bid on the assumption that if he didn't like the fraternity, he could just drop out." He wasn't trying to break barriers and claim a bid on behalf of all African-American men, he was just doing something that he thought would be fun.
I don't see a problem with what the family of this young man said. The problem is that everyone that is NOT a minority is quick to jump up and say how "racist" his family seems to be or what you would do if your child decided to "think outside of the box" (my selection of words). However, unless you have been/are a minority, you have NO earthly idea what it is like. I don't know about IFC/NPC orgs., but NPHC membership is a lifelong commitment. You would want to make sure that you make the right choice. Automatically everyone is attacking his family for what they say/feel, but some of you know that your families would act the same way. It's the same as if you dated/married outside of your race. And please don't trip because I HAVE read the interracial dating thread.