Unfortunately, in a free-enterprise system combined with the wonders of the World Wide Web, badges and pins will be available to the person with the most $$$. I used to get a lot more upset about it, but these days the only ones who get under my skin are the nasty ones, ya'll know what I mean?
There actually are people who collect them for the beauty and symbolism to them (member or not). Many of the collectors are GLO members themselves, and do have respect for the badges (but want a full collection!) There are also those who collect whatever, and decided for whatever reason to collect GLO pins/badges. WE know what our badge stands for, they don't, and they're never going to know. To most of them, it's a pretty bit of gold and stones that you can't buy in stores. Exclusivity and all that. To us, it's everything. It means more to us because we know and we care. And trust me, we do!
I collect a lot of things, including a baby collection of sorority history books (one AOII and two non-AOII.) I love reading the other ones even though I'm not in that sorority. Maybe one day I'll have a shelf filled with sorority history books, and I promise you all will be read and loved. I'll also have a provision in writing to ensure these items are sent to our HQ when I die.
I have a
much bigger problem with a member or former member selling her badge instead of turning it over to the appropriate party. It's so infuriating to see something like "like new, for sale by former member" or whatever...or have an alumna in good standing sell her badge on ebay. Both have happened in recent years, and that truly bugs me, because THEY know and WE know. Make sense?
Roses,
Christin
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