White men in NPHC

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

From reading the websites

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I do not see anything that says a complete understanding of what it is to be black is required. Understanding the goals is an entirely different matter.

You may have a narrow understanding of what "understanding what it is to be black" means.

To many, that means understanding our rich history and all those things that go into the uniqueness of the African diasporic cultures. Also understanding the diversity of experiences in the cultures. You don't have to be of the African diaspora to grasp this and being of the African diaspora doesn't mean that you grasp it. However, more often than not, I encounter whites (since we're talking about whites in the NPHC) who reduce "black" to oppression and discrimination or music and sports.

So, NO, you can not understand the goals of organizations that serve the larger society through a focus on the black communities without understanding what it is to be black.

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I would expect members of an organization to be looked at with equal respect and not to have their motives questioned after they are already members. Isn't that the purpose of a pledge period/membership process or whatever?

No, that's not the purpose. Motives are always questioned, regardless of the race of the person. And we always have to prove ourselves. Not only as members based on having a membership number but as members based on living out our lifetime commitment.