Greek Celebs

[AXO Alum]

No this isn't another "So-and-So is a member of XYZ" thread, but rather a curious thought that's been rolling around in my head:

Why don't celebs that were/are greek really ever make mention of their group or the greek life?

For instance, in US a few months back, an article about Sela Ward mentioned that she was a Chi Omega, but it was never mentioned in the context of the interview by either the magazine or her. It just seems to me that when (*yes I'm living a fantasy here - LOL*) I become digustingly rich and famous, that I will want to use my stardom as a platform for domestic violence awareness (the AXO national philanthropy), The MacDowell Colony, Easter Seals, etc. Plus, I would want to say what a positive and life-enriching experience being greek has given to me. I think its wonderful that Star Jones gives credit to the system. I must have missed that because I'm not home during the day. But where are all the others?


[This message has been edited by AXO Alum (edited June 28, 2000).]

[Corbin Dallas]

They may fear that people would get a bad image of them being a "frat boy" or "sorority slut". It could be bad for their career or some such crap.

------------------
-------------------------
Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Zeta Chapter
Ros-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

[ManndingoNUPE]

Brother Hardaway (Afernie "Penny" Hardaway)of the Phoenix Suns, always gives a shout out to the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. when he finishes an interview. Also, Johnny Cochran is quite vocal about his membership in Kappa.

[Manders]

I completely agree. When I became a tri delt I found out there were SO SO many famous sisters out there. We could really use their support for kids with cancer (our philanthropy)

[AXO Alum]

Originally posted by ManndingoNUPE:
Brother Hardaway (Afernie "Penny" Hardaway)of the Phoenix Suns, always gives a shout out to the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. when he finishes an interview. Also, Johnny Cochran is quite vocal about his membership in Kappa.

Once again I must commend members of BGLO's for ALWAYS being proud to be greek and displaying their pride outwardly for others to see. I hope the rest of us can catch up someday!

Shaquille O'Neal is often seen on TV wearing paraphanelia and I've even heard him give shout-outs to the Q's.

[AlphaChiGirl]

"Why don't celebs that were/are greek really ever make mention of their group or the greek life?"
--I've wondered this myself...it seems as if so many actresses, politicians, etc., are Greek, and we often don't hear about it, at least not until we go out and do research. I certainly don't know what it is. Is it that they become ashamed of their Greek affiliation, or do they think that the media will portray them as party animals or snobs?

[ManndingoNUPE]

I guess my question is, "Why sweat celebrities who are members of our respective organizations?" To me, I have more love for an individual that is working to uphold the principles of my Frat, than someone who is famous and does nothing for the frat.

This is not ment as a slap at celebrities, {I forgot to mention Tavis Smiley (Alpha Chapter) in my last post.} but they are no more important to Kappa than me.

Peace and Luv

[This message has been edited by ManndingoNUPE (edited June 29, 2000).]

[AXO Alum]

Originally posted by ManndingoNUPE:
I guess my question is, "Why sweat celebrities who are members of our respective organizations?" To me, I have more love for an individual that is working to uphold the principles of my Frat, than someone who is famous and does nothing for the frat.

I'm not trying to "sweat" anyone - I just think that as celebs they could be using their status to promote the causes of their organization. Celebs use their status all the time to promote one cause or the other, so why not the national philanthropy of their group? I do work hard for my organization, but I don't exactly have the resources or pull that a celeb does.

[ManndingoNUPE]

AXO Alum,

My last statement was not directed at you or anyone in particular, rather I was trying to call attention to the fact that I believe we place way to much emphasis on people who are in the public eye.

I got mad luv for every member of my frat, regardless of who they are.

Peace and Luv

Originally posted by AXO Alum:
I just think that as celebs they could be using their status to promote the causes of their organization.

You're right, AXO Alum, celebrities do have a lot of leverage, thanks to their fame.

On another note, I would interested to know if any "infamous" or high-profile people who may have been in sororities/fraternities:
-Darva Conger
-Rick Rockwell
-Dennis Rodman
-Martha Stewart (some people love her, some people don't)
-Any of the stranded people from that show, "Survivor"

[1Babygirl2000]

I do know that Ramona that was on the show "Survivor" is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

------------------
#1 Baby Girl
Spr. 2000
Alaska Alumnae

[This message has been edited by 1Babygirl2000 (edited June 29, 2000).]

I gues that's just another difference between BGLOs and other GLO. I was DRILLED about who my famous sorors were/are, and now that I know that they are sorors, I see them give respect to the orgainzation by wearing elephants here, or they may say something I recognize. Most of the time I knwo the famous members of other BGLOs too. And they do contribute to there sorority's or fraternities causes.

[12dn94dst]

I think whether or not a celebrity acknoledges his/her affiliation can be accredited to different things. Certainly the organization's overall public image is one. People already have the notion that all fraternity and sorority members want to do is drink, party and have a good time (if I see the ad for the "Spring Break caught on film" video featuring "sexy sorority girls" ONE MORE TIME...but I digress). We all know how some reporters are. They'll dig deeper to find the "real" story and the next thing you know there will be headlines all over saying "huge celebrity was a sorority slut or fraternity drunk" (and you know it will happen too) and they and the organization will have to deal with the negative press. Neither party wants that.

The other thing it can be credited to is the commitment level. Fifteen years after you graduate college (assuming you pledged undergrad) are you going to say "I am a member of ABC" or "I was a member of ABC?" In some cases it may be the latter and they feel they've moved on and since the organization is not a part of their present lives, there's no need to mention it. Or it could be like Intriguing said, they are a member and showing it in a way that other members will recognize.

------------------
Kelli
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
12-Delta Nu-94
MAL, Southern Region
Savannah State University c/o 1997

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by 12dn94dst:
Fifteen years after you graduate college (assuming you pledged undergrad) are you going to say "I am a member of ABC" or "I was a member of ABC?" In some cases it may be the latter and they feel they've moved on and since the organization is not a part of their present lives, there's no need to mention it

Very well said. I am a member of a BGLO but since I attended college at a PWI (predominantly white institution) I am affiliated with a lot of people who were members of GLO. I think for GLO members (and this is based on the people I know) their membership is a campus thing. Some continue to do philanthropic work after graduation but there is less involvement with a GLO. I had a roommate who was a Delta Zeta and is now in Alumni status but she is not actively involved with the sorority.

Back to the heart of the matter, I appreciate having celebs as sorors and look forward to meeting them. I cannot wait to meet some who I have looked up to and admired but I love the sorors who are out in the trenches working and furthering the work of the sisterhood as well as our world at large.