D9 stereotyping..

[Little32]

^^I know, I have a friend who recently crossed into a graduate chapter of her organization, and before she even crossed she was trying to beef with me when I had my letters and she didn't. I thought that was hilarious. Not only that, but I ran into her and some of her would-be sorors at a community service event, and they were all giving me the stank-eye (I had a shirt with my letters on). I just thought it was funny that they didn't even have their letters yet and they already had beef.

Funny thing too, she said they had learned all about "us" during their process. That made me laugh too.

[Wolfman]

It seems as though most people on this thread have taken this phenomenon in solely a negative manner. We all know the "dark side" of this, even erupting into physical violence among fraternities at times. But mostly, in my experience, it manifests itself as "friendly rivalries" which serve to help maintain a sense of group cohesion and enhance a feeling a specialness to Black Greek Life. From my perspective, historically white NIC/NPC Greek life (a majority of NPHC fraternities are NIC-member groups also) lacks that sense of enthusiasm, on the whole, because it's so homogenized. I can't count the times in everyday life I've ran into other Greeks (usually Nupes) who make comments about Omega upon seeing me in some paraphernalia. It cements a type of bond that we all share; it leads to further relationships. And it's fun! Last year I was hurrying to get through security at Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta on my way home after I had put my shoes on and collected my cell, keys wallet and my bags. The security officer at the gate then told me I couldn't go through. He then told me the reason:'You have the wrong hat on (referring to my purple Que cap)' and then he stated that he was a Kappa. We had a good laugh out of that one after we traded a couple of Greek barbs.

[Little32]

Friendly barbs are one thing, but some folks take it to a whole nother level sometimes. I have seen it already, and I am only 6 months in.

For me, it was somewhat unexpected that I would see such behavior at the graduate level.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by Little32

Friendly barbs are one thing, but some folks take it to a whole nother level sometimes. I have seen it already, and I am only 6 months in.

For me, it was somewhat unexpected that I would see such behavior at the graduate level.

There are some people whose identity formation is lacking and Greek affiliation fills in a hole in their self esteem. These people will typically fall into the negative aspect of this phenomenon. I've counseled people like this who want to become Ques that they are "barking up the wrong tree." They don't need Omega (or APhiA, KAPsi,Sigma,Iota or whatever); they need Jesus!

[IncontRHOllable]

Originally Posted by Little32

Friendly barbs are one thing, but some folks take it to a whole nother level sometimes. I have seen it already, and I am only 6 months in.

Exactly.