Perps: Why do it? Why Become One?

[prayerfull]

Originally posted by FuzzieAlum
I hope ya'll don't mind if I insert myself into your thread and ask an ignorant question ... I've never heard much about folks masquerading as members of NPC sororities, except occasionally for someone who was unhappy at being kicked out. Is this a common problem for NPHC sororities?

FuzzieAlum - There's nothing wrong with your question. It's not ignorant at all. There is a distinctive cultural difference between the black and non-black community. Our Divine 9 greek letter organizations are icons of leadership and social status in our community. Our cultural heritage is deeply rooted in these organizations. Membership in our organizations does not end in college. For many of us, membership may not even begin until after college. Our memberships are life-long. So, as our orgs are icons of leadership and social status, much of one's acceptance in our community is dictated by the org that you belong to.

(I want to make sure that I don't say that the wrong way, because there are a number of people who will argue with me that membership in a greek letter org does not dictate one's "status" or "acceprtance", however, I beg to differ with that opinion - I don't necessarily agree that it "should" be that way, but it's just the way it is.)

So, much of this is why we have so many perps. Some people out there are dying to belong - and will go to whatever extreme necessary to do so.