Found on another site.

PHAtraveller · #1 06-06-2002, 11:53 PM

I found this on another site. It is by one of my fellow Prince Hall Masons. Thought it might illicit responses.

Post:

CAN YOU LEND ME AN EAR?
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Greetings,

I am writing this post to tell my story.

I was recently approached by a man, I hold to be a very good friend, he was my mentor in grade school and the community, to join your GREAT fraternity. I recently graduated from college and recieved my engineering degree. I had to oppurtunity to move back home and I found a engineering gig within commuting distance.

When he first approached me, I was like,"YEEEAH, when and where?" I went home that night and tried to research all about Omega I could. I was amazed at alot and dismayed by more. I found myself in a situation thinking truly about the things I was reading.

At my school, we had Omegas but they were personally the opposite of me. I am more an introvert then a extrovert. They were wild and, in some instances, known to cause trouble and hostilities. Some of my Prince Hall brothers were Omegas so I have first hand experience. They had a feeling that as long as they did not wear masonic material they could acts as a "dog"! I was into getting my degree (3.5 GPA) and Lodge activities (Office of treasurer). Pledging was not something that I wanted to do.

And now, that I can go grad, I am seeing that I am starting as an outcast from the beginning. I am not in the campus anymore but the real world. I am done with childish things like taking wood and "wrecking". I know that many will say," you "cat", punk, etc..." I understand, but understand the situation that arises for many that want to be invovled and commit themselves to the frat but don't want to put to the "unwritten" activities of most of the members. I wasn't pledged into my Lodge, but if it is in your heart, you will work and commit yourself like I have.

I wanted my son to follow me, in masonry and, hopefully, Omega. I am at a crossroads because I see brothers in the grad chapter that are about their buisiness but then I read more and more of those who have nothing better to do then cause problems. Why is Omega more about "hostility" then "fraternal brotherhood"? Please any responses are welcome.

What do you think?

TLAW · #2 06-07-2002, 01:31 AM

I really don't get what point the writer is trying to get across. It seems he has based his comments on a lot of confusing stereotypes. If he is so "opposite" to the Omegas, what's the point?
If he is so sure that Omega "more about host hostility than fraternal brotherhood", why the heck is he even considering membership? Why would he want to be a part of that? Seems kinda off to me...

DoggyStyle82 · #3 06-07-2002, 05:21 PM

The "uninitiated" will always be perplexed by what they see from the outside because they cannot possibly comprehend, just as I'm sure, Mr PHATraveller, had no idea about the depth of Prince Hall Masonry until he turned eastward.

As TLAW says, if you are unimpressed by the organization, why bother with joining. I generally don't respect anonymous comments or opinions by those who make little sense. Its an "anti-Omega" post disguised as a confused individual. You mean to tell me that these members act straight as Masons but a fool as Omegas. This statement alone is foolish. An Omega is an Omega 24/7, mason, deacon, father, son, he is still a Que!!!

PHAtraveller · #4 06-07-2002, 05:43 PM

I just thought that yall might have some advice for him. I emailed him and told him to check out this site.

Here is what an Omega told him and his response.

Omega:
Omega is not for everyone. And with all due respect, if you are not feeling it, please walk away. The last thing that the brotherhood needs is people easily obtaining the letters of the fraternity without truly embracing its spirit. Lukewarm enthusiasm is not welcome.

While I respect your college achievements, it does not follow that pledging Omega would have taken away from them. It seems that you are overwhelmed by stereotypes derived from a few worms and letting them spoil the whole bunch. Omega is filled with achievers and over-achievers who would balk at your gpa and put your resume of activities to shame.

Further, if you are an introvert, then a fraternity may not be for you in a very general sense. The purpose of a fraternity is the brotherhood itself, and the social interaction of the brothers amongst each other.

Thus, you have no delimma. In fact, you answered the question of your interest in pledging long ago. You are already a happy mason, so just leave it at that.

POSTER:
Reply
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First of all, thank you for the response.

I don't think that I have luke warm enthusiasm. I am very interested in being a part of Omega. I must agree I am letting the SOME brothers from your fraternity taint my feelings. And we all know what pledging does to your GPA, I won't pretend to know it all, but I know for the most part.

I meant my comment in being a introvert, not as I don't like to talk to anyone or be alone all the time. I meant I am not a boisterous in most situations. I keep a low profile.

I would put all my efforts toward the fraternity once I began that journey, but I just needed to see the atmosphere that existed before I entered. What can I bring? I think alot, but I can also learn alot. This was a an occasion I hoped to learn something.

I am sorry if I came across holier than thou, never my intention, just to show that I was not a person that didn't strive for better for self or community. I, now, after your response, think that I should embark on membership. See it from the inside, and how the fraternity can improve me or, I, it.

P.S.

"How do you change the perspectives that the general public have of your fraternity, especially for prospective graduate members and would National agree with it?" END OF MESSAGE

PHAtraveller · #5 06-07-2002, 05:46 PM

I spoke with him over email and he seems ready to go forward. He was more concerned about the "paper" thing and that he was not willing to have confrontations to prove his loyalty to your frat.

I guess we all have to make our own decisions, I hope my square finds his path like we all have.

Swamp Thang · #6 06-12-2002, 06:34 PM

This 'pleadging' wrecks your GPA argument from outsiders is erronious.

All Lamps are 'reQUirEd' to attend every class + a formal study session every day.

My GPA while on line was 3.0 I made 3 'B's the quarter I was out/crossed. You are more less 'forced' to keep you GPA up by the standards of Omega.

Thousands of Men have traveled the shallow road to the gates of Omega. Scholorship is the 2nd Cardinal Principle for a reason. By simple time management and peer pressure, your GPA shouldn't drop while pursuing Omega...

Mine didn't...

the411 · #7 06-20-2002, 04:38 PM

My GPA was its highest ever when I pledged.

There was just no room for procrastination, so I was way more focused and got all my work and papers out of the way long before they were due. Also, there was absolutely ZERO tolerance for skipping classes! My grades didn't slip until the semester after I crossed! I guess I was just so glad to be free and greek, that I fell into my old academic ways! If done correctly, a good pledge process should make you more focued and disciplined than ever. My advice is that you carry that academic discipline over into the post-pledge/neophyte period! Don't let the greek events and road trips keep you from maintaing good grades! Sometimes neo-fever can cause more GPA issues than pledging!