GDI...does it bother anyone else?

stargirl725 · #1 06-20-2002, 07:53 PM

This is one of those "Is it just me?" type posts.

Has anyone else found the term GDI (when used to describe an unaffiliated person) offensive? It's just never sat well with me. Partly, that's because I have a lot of Christian friends who think that "GD" in general is really, really bad.

Also, it looks like we have some sort of disdain for unaffiliated people, which we all know isn't the case.

It just seems like the use of "GDI" only helps to perpetuate the very false view a lot of people have of Greeks -- that we're snobby, elitist, what have you.

I'm curious to hear what other people think.

XOcrlstln · #2 06-20-2002, 07:59 PM

Being a former GDI myself, I felt I should let you know that most GDIs use that term to describe themselves. It is not typically viewed as an elitist term that the greek system assigns, but rather a description of just how NOT greek a person is.

Second of all GDI can lots of meanings. For example, gosh darn independent, so that would not be offensive to people of a religious background.

Once again, I have heard this term used significantly more often by the people in this category than by others to describe them.

Now you've got at least one opinion. Hope others give you good thoughts as well.

~C

Honeykiss1974 · #3 06-20-2002, 08:15 PM

GBI
GOD BLESSED INDIVIDUAL

YOU COULD USE THAT ONE

Eirene_DGP · #4 06-20-2002, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stargirl725
This is one of those "Is it just me?" type posts.

Has anyone else found the term GDI (when used to describe an unaffiliated person) offensive? It's just never sat well with me. Partly, that's because I have a lot of Christian friends who think that "GD" in general is really, really bad.

Also, it looks like we have some sort of disdain for unaffiliated people, which we all know isn't the case.

It just seems like the use of "GDI" only helps to perpetuate the very false view a lot of people have of Greeks -- that we're snobby, elitist, what have you.

I'm curious to hear what other people think.

Although alot of Greek jargon has slipped into the non-greek vocabulary, some people don't even know they are GDI or what GDI is. I know at my school that term is not used.

DG*FSU*Jenn · #5 06-20-2002, 10:13 PM

In my mind, GDI stands for Gosh Darn Independant. But then, to me T.G.I.F. stands for Thank Goodness it's Friday!

dzrose93 · #6 06-20-2002, 10:16 PM

The first time I ever heard the term "GDI" was from someone who wasn't Greek. He was using it to describe himself, and he was using it proudly.

I've never found it offensive, because I've always heard independents use the term themselves. If they think it's okay, then it's fine with me.

SATX*APhi · #7 06-20-2002, 10:18 PM

I'm rather clueless. What does GDI mean? You can PM me if you'd rather not post here.

Kevin · #8 06-20-2002, 11:12 PM

GDI = "God Damned Independant"

I've heard it used back as far as the late 60's when my father was in school.

Peaches-n-Cream · #9 06-20-2002, 11:34 PM

It bothered me until I read DZrose's post and realized that I've only heard Independants use it to describe themselves.

PsychTau · #10 06-20-2002, 11:35 PM

I've seen people wearing traditional sewn letter shirts with the letters GDI on them.

Our swim team at HSU (which traditionally didn't go greek at the time, except for one or two members) got shirts that said HZO (for H2O). I thought that was kinda cute.

Thrillhouse · #11 06-20-2002, 11:37 PM

I've never heard it used

#12 06-20-2002, 11:52 PM

I dont find it offense either, b/c as many said its a term that derived from those who were Greek. And the term is not limited to Greek jargon either. Before I was Greek and gave my own definaition of the word, I called myself a GDI at times. Here's how I see it. You have....

Greeks: People who are members of Greek lettered organizations (generally social/service)

Non-Greeks: Those who are not members of Greek lettered organizations and who may not agree with Greek Life, but are opened minded and do not bash it, will listen to the positives of it, and then move on with their day.

GDI's: ANTI-GREEKS. Only negative comments about Greek Life come out of these peoples mouthg and they base their opinions on some true but mostly false facts and fictional TV movies. They often use the argument, "I don't have to buy or pay for my friends". Instead of trying to see the good that Greeks do all they see is Negative. These are people who will dump their sig. other or friends because they went Greek. People who like to be close-minded and plain old Ignorant.

And if they want to be this ignorant, then I am in no way offended that someone would call them a GDI. After all they label themselves that.

My 0.02 cents

#13 06-21-2002, 12:46 AM

I find the term offensive, and despite the fact that I have a POTTY MOUTH, I take offense any time I hear the words "G*D Damn" together. I can handle words like "shit" and "fuck"...but not G*d Damn. Weird, don't you think?

Personally I've never used the term GDI. When referring to a non-Greek, I've always just used 'non-Greek.'

XOcrlstln · #14 06-21-2002, 01:18 AM

Ok now I find that offensive.

Quote:

GDI's: ANTI-GREEKS. Only negative comments about Greek Life come out of these peoples mouthg and they base their opinions on some true but mostly false facts and fictional TV movies. They often use the argument, "I don't have to buy or pay for my friends". Instead of trying to see the good that Greeks do all they see is Negative. These are people who will dump their sig. other or friends because they went Greek. People who like to be close-minded and plain old Ignorant.

As I said before, I am a former GDI. And I was not ignorant, close minded or bashing the greek system. I was just not affiliated, and just as proud to be not affiliated as I am now to be affiliated. I come from a greek family and even am a legacy at my own campus. I just wasn't ready for greek life for a few years.

So in the future, please refrain from making generalizations. Just as we (the greek community) hate it when people generalize us, generalizations for non-greeks are also much hated. And also remember that there are more than a few non-members who chat on this board, and probably would not like this comment much.

And btw- I am offended when you use this term because you are using it in an elitist and judgemental way. Thanks for being the first to ever offend me with this term.

ThielGirlie · #15 06-21-2002, 01:23 AM

People have shown up for greek sings and greek week events at my school wearing GDI letter shirts. They were there cheering on the competators, too. I've never refered to myself as a GDI, because I think it is disrespectful (that and I don't like the "GD" part of it.) Anywhere on campus that you see any greek graphiti (elevators, desks, etc) you will also find GDI graphiti. It's usually only used by the people that either got rejected during rush, or had a bad experiance with someone who was greek. I know a lot of people that claim to be a GDI, and once a greek shows them any kindness or attention, they drop the title. I really don't know what to think... *shrugs*

Interesting side note: there is a group of 3 Russian girls at my school I know that made themselves letter shirts with GDPhi on them, standing for God Damn Forigners. I have to admit, it was kinda cute