Quote:
Originally posted by chAKAlate:
As a Black women I don't see how any Black women would be comfortable joining a non-Black organization unless you're bi-racial or were raised in a predominantly white environment. Even then I would still question it.
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I agree with almost all of your post because with BGLO's, tradition is VERY important. It was all good except for this paragraph and I had to speak on it.
I grew up in an area that was about 70% black, and the rest were white and asian. I attended schools that were predominantly black (both private and public), a black church, and now I attend a white college. I was always taught that I was lucky to grow up in a place that was both well to do AND black, and there would be a time where I'd have to cross the color line to get what I want. To get me used to the idea, my parents sent me to all white overnight summer camps and encouraged me to join Girl Scout troops and other organizations that contained a variety of races. I got used to living my daily life alongside Jews, Whites, Arabic Muslims, Asians, East Indians...you name it, I was friends with one. I learned a lot about their cultures in this way, and saw that we had more in common than we all thought.
My mother's nursing union, my dad's lawyers group, and my sister's swim team are all white organizations, but they are members because they have a common interest. It doesn't define who they are as black people. I’m in a group that studies Japanese Culture here at my school and I’m the only black person. So what? When the meetings start and we are talking about a book we read or a documentary on A&E, people stop seeing a black girl and see someone who is into the same things they are and who has something to say.
I will say that a large reason I am attracted to this sorority is because it uplifts back women, but the fact that it's a black organization does not make me think that I will be better excepted. I am comfortable in any racial environment because my actual color is a small part of me. It is the heritage and culture that follows my color that means a lot to me, and it and can't be threatened by being put with people that are not the same. I don't see why participating in an organization that is not black should be questionable because it really comes down to the security and exposure of the individual. If they have something I want that's where I go. Not everyone is going to like me no matter where I am.
[This message has been edited by Poplife (edited April 27, 2000).]
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