Minority members of IFC and Panhellenic

[Taualumna]

Originally posted by Phasad1913
An example of what I was getting at through my question is this:

I was in CVS pharmacy the other day and I was looking for hair products. I looked up at the aisle signs and the listing was "Ethnic" for the black hair care products. That sparked my curiosity. Why was the aisle titled Ethnic for that? Also, this doesnt square too well with the dictionary or text book definitions that Rudey posted.

"Of or relating to a sizable group of people sharing a common and distinctive racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage.
Being a member of a particular ethnic group, especially belonging to a national group by heritage or culture but residing outside its national boundaries: ethnic Hungarians living in northern Serbia.
Of, relating to, or distinctive of members of such a group: ethnic restaurants; ethnic art.
Relating to a people not Christian or Jewish; heathen. "

I mean, based on this definition, shouldn't the white hair care products have been titled ethnic too?

In addition, note the part that says "Being a member of a particular ethnic group, especially belonging to a national group by heritage or culture but residing outside its national boundaries". So, are they saying that somehow black women live outside the national boundaries of America? If so, than that says a lot.

I have an inkling of an answer, but I would really like to see other ideas and viewpoints on this to get a better feel for other perspectives and explanations.

The same thing happened in the grocery store, by the way. In Chicago one of the predominant food stores is called Dominick's In Dominicks, an aisle is called "ethnic foods" and in the aisle are basically just Mexican food. Now, I can sort of see this according to the definition that Rudey posted since Mexicans are "foreign" or of a group of people not native to America, but I still don't understand why there only being Mexican food in that aisle constituted the assignment of such a broad and segregative (not sure if that is a word) term like "ethnic".

I'm wondering if this is just "PC-ness" gone too far. I've never seen grocery store ailses say "ethnic" foods here. They're usually more specific.

[blkwebman1919]

"Ethnic" has become a buzzword, a watered-down euphemism, if you will. Much like the word "urban" in radiospeak...

[Sistermadly]

Only by Americans. Canadians have never asked, mostly because many Canadians don't know much about the NPHC or other greek councils.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by Taualumna
I've never seen grocery store ailses say "ethnic" foods here.

I have.

"Ethnic foods" and "ethnic haircare."

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by epchick
Tri Delta COULD be construed as a "cultural organization" just for the fact that "white" people are not excluded from having a culture.

So, this fact alone trumps what other people have to say about this issue.

The only difference between what I'm saying and what others are saying is "implicit" versus "explicit."

[Taualumna]

Originally posted by DSTCHAOS
I have.

"Ethnic foods" and "ethnic haircare."

Perhaps your area isn't very diverse? In Toronto, you'll most likely find products like soy sauce in the Asian foods ailse. Of course, if you REALLY want to get a good selection, you go to a supermarket that specializes in Asian foods. There are a few that are actually just as big as a mainstream store and just as clean.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by Taualumna
Alpha Gam and other NPCs in no way emphasize "white culture", whatever that means.

Of course there are more non-NPHCs than NPCs. That's why I emphasized PERCENTAGES. A non-Asian woman is not likely to rush an Asian interest sorority, while an Asian woman might very well go NPC, even if there are Asian interest groups on her campus.

First paragraph: Of course, they don't. They just "do whatever sororities do," whatever that means. This supports my point perfectly.

Second paragraph: When comparing groups that vary so much in size, you can't emphasize PERCENTAGES without emphasizing PROPORTIONS. A percentage can seem extremely high or extremely low when the total size is not taken into account. If you want to discuss probability (which is what you are doing now) then that is fine. Does this higher probability significantly change the proportion of Asian women such that these are no longer predominently white GLOs?

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by Taualumna
Perhaps your area isn't very diverse?

Incorrect.

I have seen this in 3 different states where there are high concentrations of minorities, particularly in low economic areas.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by DSTCHAOS
I have.

"Ethnic foods" and "ethnic haircare."

Ditto. I've seen it here in Minnesota.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
Well, You can argue for any side of the coin you want to!

Many times Your points are not well taken as there is no points to be taken.

So speak your peice and let GCers see what You are all about. Sad, too sad to say it leaves a lot to be desired.

Speak Your venom and people will see what you seem to attemt to be.

I and others are not really sure what that is?

Oh, I have My Iron Jockey Shorts on to see the Tripe You will next propose.

What is wrong with being posotive? Not Your Style?

Tom, Chaos was basically agreeing with you (or you with she .)

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by Taualumna
Of course, if you REALLY want to get a good selection, you go to a supermarket that specializes in Asian foods. There are a few that are actually just as big as a mainstream store and just as clean.

[L.O.C.K.]

Hahahaha, I get asked that question all the time, except the other way around since I'm white and in an Asian Fraternity.

[sigtau305]

Originally posted by Phasad1913
An example of what I was getting at through my question is this:

I was in CVS pharmacy the other day and I was looking for hair products. I looked up at the aisle signs and the listing was "Ethnic" for the black hair care products. That sparked my curiosity. Why was the aisle titled Ethnic for that? Also, this doesnt square too well with the dictionary or text book definitions that Rudey posted.

Interesting. I never paid attention to the aisle signs at the CVS store near my house.

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally posted by ladygreek

I'm not sure what you mean by this? Taualumna was stating a fact of life in Toronto.

[AGDee]

I think ktsnake said it best in the following thread in the chapter operations forum:


Programs thread in Chapter Operations

HWGLO's are not, in my opinion organizations created for the betterment of a community. They are for the betterment of the individuals. For example, we do philanthropies to help our members to understand the value of giving back to the community, not necessarily for the value of the act itself.

For Alpha Gamma Delta, specifically, our focus is entirely on betterment of the individual, rather than betterment of the community. If there is a culture to be attached, it would be a Christian culture, although there isn't a requirement (or expectation)to be Christian either. Our international philanthropy is diabetes, which affects all cultures. Our local chapters do local community projects so it would depend on the culture around them on whether they'd be helping any specific culture. What culture it will help just isn't part of that decision making process.

Some of the other side bars here, about signs in grocery stores, etc. are going to vary so much by state/city/location. Personally, I've not seen a grocery aisle say "ethnic" in years. They are either specific (Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, etc) or say "International foods". (But I moved to an area where it's next to impossible to find fresh ricotta cheese because the Italian culture isn't strong here).