Restrictions on wearing letters

[DrPhil]

I see nothing wrong with wearing your letters or symbols to a "Race for the Cure" but I don't see the point in wearing them to voice support or do service for a politician. But, I hate politics and politicians so keep in mind how that is an additional context for my stance.

One thing that I absolutely hated were the "XYZ for Obama" shirts. The shirts annoyed me on so many levels and some organizations made public statements against anything that created the appearance that "XYZ supports a candidate." Wear a shirt that's in the colors of your GLO if you want to. Don't put your GLO's letters, symbols, or any identifying markers on the shirt.

As for the other stuff organizations frown upon their members doing in letters, it does differ for every organization. Moreover, members need to know the difference between personal opinion, chapter traditions, and what their national body actually mandates/protocol and traditions. For instance, some chapters don't wear lettered jackets wrapped around their waists. That's cool, just don't don't try to control what members from other chapters do, even if they are visiting your campus.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Moreover, members need to know the difference between personal opinion, chapter traditions, and what their national body actually mandates/protocol and traditions. For instance, some chapters don't wear lettered jackets wrapped around their waists. That's cool, just don't don't try to control what members from other chapters do, even if they are visiting your campus.

Double triple quadruple freakin' AMEN. (You should have seen my alma mater during the "grunge" era - the jackets around the waists thing was out of control. I thought it was lame, not out of letter disrespect but because it reminded me of doing that with my jacket when I was 10. )

As far as the political question...sometimes that jacket with the letters on is the only weather-appropriate thing you have at college. That's one thing. But you don't need to also wear the letter sweatshirt, the colors, the bag with it, or say when handing out fliers "I'm a member of ASA and we just think Lyndon LaRouche is yummy!"

You also need to look at it in a purely practical fashion and realize that you may be driving away rushees who don't agree with your political ideals. It can also make those in the chapter who don't agree (and who aren't as gutsy as the OP's sister - good for her by the way) fearful of speaking up. This is why I'm also not exactly high on the concept of prayer groups or bible studies sponsored by a particular chapter.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Double triple quadruple freakin' AMEN. (You should have seen my alma mater during the "grunge" era - the jackets around the waists thing was out of control. I thought it was lame, not out of letter disrespect but because it reminded me of doing that with my jacket when I was 10. )

Grunge is grungy enough without jackets around your waist. Although, when it gets too warm to have your jacket on, around the waist is more convenient than carrying it.

Originally Posted by 33girl

As far as the political question...sometimes that jacket with the letters on is the only weather-appropriate thing you have at college. That's one thing. But you don't need to also wear the letter sweatshirt, the colors, the bag with it, or say when handing out fliers "I'm a member of ASA and we just think Lyndon LaRouche is yummy!"

LOL. LOL.

Wearing letters when you hand out fliers could be interpreted the same way.

[ScarletBlueGold]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

One thing that I absolutely hated were the "XYZ for Obama" shirts. The shirts annoyed me on so many levels and some organizations made public statements against anything that created the appearance that "XYZ supports a candidate." Wear a shirt that's in the colors of your GLO if you want to. Don't put your GLO's letters, symbols, or any identifying markers on the shirt.

Amen

[rant/]Actually one of my biggest pet peeves are the "XYZ <3s ZYX" shirts or signs. Most of the time it's not a big deal, but some people actually take that shit seriously and start feeling entitled to friendships/dating opportunities in the other organization. I hear people say it all the time, "Oh XYZ? Yeah, they love us. If you join they will love you too."[/rant]

[33girl]

Originally Posted by ScarletBlueGold

Amen

[rant/]Actually one of my biggest pet peeves are the "XYZ <3s ZYX" shirts or signs. Most of the time it's not a big deal, but some people actually take that shit seriously and start feeling entitled to friendships/dating opportunities in the other organization. I hear people say it all the time, "Oh XYZ? Yeah, they love us. If you join they will love you too."[/rant]

Aren't those usually tied in with a Homecoming or Greek Week pairing?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Aren't those usually tied in with a Homecoming or Greek Week pairing?

Not for the NPHC. They are people wearing shirts reflecting constitutional bonds, unconstitutional bonds, and/or romantic relationships with other NPHCers.

How I feel about that depends on the context. NPHCers generally know the protocol and traditions.