*The Machine* Won't Let Sorority Vote For Its Own Member For Homecoming Queen

[NinjaPoodle]

When will it ever end Alabama? *smh*

Article 1 http://www.cw.ua.edu/article/2015/10...begins-at-home

Article 2 http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/..._must_add.html

Article 3 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/...b022a4ce5fa05d

[lake]

Originally Posted by NinjaPoodle

When will it ever end Alabama? *smh*

Article 1 http://www.cw.ua.edu/article/2015/10...begins-at-home

Article 2 http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/..._must_add.html

Article 3 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/...b022a4ce5fa05d

*Smh*, indeed. It all seems so silly to the rest of the world. It sounds like things may be slowly changing, though, and that's good.

I feel for the Alpha Gam homecoming candidate who doesn't have a banner or any support at her own chapter house! That is just weird and wrong. I would feel so hurt and disappointed and let down.

It's also frustrating to know how controlled by the boys these young women are. I get it, I know it happens, but I wish they could just realize how much power they do have, collectively. Instead they're letting the boys assign their value and popularity. Again, very frustrating since these are groups that are supposed to strengthen and empower women.

[AnchorAlumna]

Originally Posted by lake

...I wish they could just realize how much power they do have, collectively.

I agree...there are MANY more sorority members than fraternity members. The sororities ought to be taking over the Machine and running it.
Rest assured, though, that not everyone votes the way the Machine dictates.

[33girl]

The references to the "first class of black women" (they're not all in the same pledge class so what on earth does this mean) and "first four black women to join" are wrong, there were African-American members in the NPC groups previously. Do your research people.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by 33girl

The references to the "first class of black women" (they're not all in the same pledge class so what on earth does this mean) and "first four black women to join" are wrong, there were African-American members in the NPC groups previously. Do your research people.

There are a number of inaccuracies and misleading omissions in that article. As Greek-centric as the Bama campus appears, there is (and always has been) a strong anti-Greek sentiment among many on campus (even beyond objection to machine activity).

Wishing Halle Lindsay the best -- I won't be surprised if she wins (which might be an awkward congrats banner situation for Alpha Gam). No one can actually dictate how individuals vote, and Halle does have some public support of sisters -- here is a blog by an AGD supporting Halle for HQ:

https://herunpopularopinion.wordpres...-fights-alone/

[ARKTTKA]

It's also frustrating to know how controlled by the boys these young women are. I get it, I know it happens, but I wish they could just realize how much power they do have, collectively. Instead they're letting the boys assign their value and popularity. Again, very frustrating since these are groups that are supposed to strengthen and empower women.[/QUOTE]

THIS^^^^

The sorority women at Alabama need to take charge and realize that the fraternities need them more than they need the fraternities. What would the fraternities do if all the NPC sororities boycotted swaps for a semester? I imagine if only a few groups went against the machine they would lose their perceived status/tier level.

Shame on the machine for bullying and that's exactly what this is.

Southern women are exceedingly strong "Steel Magnolias" and if they unite they can create change.

To steal from Alpha Chi Omega, "Real.Strong.Women"

<stepping off soapbox>

[Sciencewoman]

My mind is boggled by the statement that Alabama doesn't have an inclusion/diversity office. My university has a Vice President of Inclusion, who serves in the President's Cabinet and heads a whole division of various offices, centers, initiatives, etc. To not have anything like this at a major university speaks volumes.

[TriDeltaSallie]

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

My mind is boggled by the statement that Alabama doesn't have an inclusion/diversity office. My university has a Vice President of Inclusion, who serves in the President's Cabinet and heads a whole division of various offices, centers, initiatives, etc. To not have anything like this at a major university speaks volumes.

I agree. Completely mind-boggling.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

My mind is boggled by the statement that Alabama doesn't have an inclusion/diversity office. My university has a Vice President of Inclusion, who serves in the President's Cabinet and heads a whole division of various offices, centers, initiatives, etc. To not have anything like this at a major university speaks volumes.

Bama has the Crossroads Community Center instead of a diversity office. There is a director, program assistant, and student staff, though no cabinet position:

http://crossroads.ua.edu/


*ETA: Checked for a strategic plan of some sort -- this falls under the Office of Equal Opportunity -- the Strategic Diversity Plan:

http://eop.ua.edu/

[NinjaPoodle]

She has her campaign page on fb -->https://www.facebook.com/halle4queen

[NinjaPoodle]

The candidates --> http://theodysseyonline.com/alabama/...didates/185064

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by NinjaPoodle

The candidates --> http://theodysseyonline.com/alabama/...didates/185064

The candidates were narrowed to the 5 finalists yesterday:

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/articl...news/151009819

[NinjaPoodle]

Thanks!

[NinjaPoodle]

So, I scoured GC for 'Machine' threads and found this in one:

Originally Posted by hoosier

Alabama's Machine may be the longest running/best known, and the secret to their success was secrecy, political skills, maybe a little money from alumni, and organization.

If almost all of Alabama's Greeks can vote for the Machine's candidates, they win.

And if an outstanding dedicated non-Machine candidate runs, he might find he's also opposed by several attractive non-Machine-ites, and the non-Greek vote is split - Machine wins.

And if the non-Machine guy happens to win, he faces a student govt. already filled with Machine allies, and few real changes are possible.

At UGa, it is said that the (Gridiron?) machine Student Body Pres. is promised a seat in the state legislature as soon as he gets a law degree.

from this thread http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...hlight=machine

[carnation]

This makes me crazy. I have seen it happen over the years when a sorority ends up with more than 1 Homecoming candidate and can you imagine the pain of the candidate(s) who don't get their sorority's backing.