"Pulling Zeta"

JonoBN41 · #1 03-06-2005, 04:41 PM

Although this was touched upon in the Chapter Designation thread, I thought it deserves it's own discussion.

Have any other chapters had a problem with brothers pulling zeta to the extent that the actives resent, avoid, and essentially come to hate the alumni as a group? It seems to be a growing problem, causing both "sides" to lose respect for the other. What can be done about it?

In ZAX,
Jono

GammaZeta · #2 03-06-2005, 04:50 PM

It never was about "zeta," it was always about RESPECT. No one ever cared if you had a higher zeta number or were an alumni, if you acted like an a$$hole you got treated like an a$$hole. If you deserved respect, you got respect.

I remember on many occasions when the actives had to literally throw an alumni out because they were acting like an idiot. I know some brothers who did more in their first semester than others did their entire four years in the house.

If you did try to pull "zeta," you were regarded as acting like a bitch. It's just a number. Just because you were initiated before someone else doesn't make you any better or worse.

If someone tried to boss me around because they tried to pull "zeta," I'd tell them to go screw.

Tom Earp · #3 03-06-2005, 05:24 PM

Normaly, it should be done in Fun.

If it gets so serious, then, there is a major problem for sure.

Agree GZ tell them to screw off!

Last I heard, We all went through the same Initiation and Ritual!

We are all Brothers!

lifesaver · #4 03-07-2005, 08:00 PM

I probably havent called zeta in about 8 years. Also, I dont feel i have too. Youre right, it is a respect issue. I'd do whatever was asked of me by the brothers who came before me.

GammaZeta · #5 03-07-2005, 11:26 PM

"I'd do whatever was asked of me by the brothers who came before me."

I wouldn't care if a brother came before me or not. I would do what is in the best interest of the chapter. Like I said before, just because a brother came before me doesn't mean anything to me. You have to earn my respect. The funny thing is if my chapter actually listened to alot of the alumni, most of us would be brought up on criminal charges!!! LOL!

lifesaver · #6 03-07-2005, 11:52 PM

I meant the "I'd do whatever was asked of me by the brothers who came before me." in a situational way... for example were all hanging out at dinner, or at an alum v-ball tourney. If they wanted another pitcher of beer, and I was the highest zeta there, i'd have no problem getting up to go order it because I respect those guys. Even if one or two of them are assholes, I still respect them, becasue if it werent for their combined efforts, there would have been no chapter there for me to join. Its that simple for me. It really is. Sure there are jackass alums. There are alums I cant stand. But if they asked me to do something (again, situational) that wasnt out of the realm of reason, I'd do it. Remember, you lead by example, and I can set that example for the undergrads by being respectful of those that came before me.

Also, tho, I couldnt see a situation arising where it was a power play to see what someone could get me to do. The three chapters I am involved with (my initiating chapter, my transfer chapter, and the chapter I now advise) arent like that. Also, it being situational, when I am in my role as a High Pi, my FIRST obligation is to the Grand High Zeta and to uphold the laws and traditions of the fraternity. Second is to the undergrads; to assist and mentor.... alumni be dammned. No one is going to zeta me to violate my responsabilities to the fraternity or the undergrads.

GammaZeta · #7 03-08-2005, 12:57 AM

Sounds good.

LCA Pi Iota 026 · #8 06-16-2005, 03:39 AM

As far as calling zeta goes, I always understand that it wasnt to be taken too seriously. Obviously we have a great deal of respect for the alumni, but no one has ever seriously called zeta for anything but like the front seat of the car. Always in good fun, never in a business matter. Calling zeta has nothing to do with rather or not you are correct, it just means you were initiated before I was, big deal...........All brothers, regardless of date of initiation............

JT-EM1920 · #9 06-20-2005, 09:10 PM

I'm one of the younger guys in my house, so I don't get the opportunity to pull zeta (or as we call it: "EMing") very often. But I don't really have a resentment to anyone that does. EMing is usually for skipping ahead in the dinner line and calling shotgun. If anyone tries to EM me into doing something that is not in the best interest of myself, the chapter, or a guest, I'll usually refuse. I've never had a problem with an alum making me do something stupid, either.