Why do multicultural GLOs/organizations exist?

[moe.ron]

I will admit, I would have not been invited into my organization back in the days. However, SigEp has evolved from having a policy that was racially restrictive to one that not only outlaw discrimination due to race, religion, creed, but we have also outlaw discrimination due to sexual orientation. I'm not comfortable calling my organizatio WGLO. If you prefer to to call it that, there is nothing that I can do. However, I would request that you call my organization a NIC fraternity.

[SapphireSphinx9]

Originally posted by Wolfman
It is good to know a bit of history;this always makes it easier to contextualize and make sense of this terminology. If I'm not mistaken, in the early part of the last century,in the realm of Greek life and exclusionary policies, withinin the "caucasian" system,the real issue revolved around the exclusion of Jews. Groups like Phi Sigma Sigma, I believe(correct me if I'm wrong!), came into existence in light of this reality. There seems to be an analogy to the present day development of the MCGLO, of which some are partially Latino-based. Similarly, there developed GLOs that had a mission as Jewish groups and those that were more ecumenical in focus,like Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity and Phi Sigma Sigma. So in a sense, both sides are right:blacks and Latinos basically weren't in the mix in the development of groups like Phi Sigma Sigma, and they did have open admission policies.


The value of our Fraternity is not in numbers, but in men, in real brotherhood."--Bro. Walter H. Mazyck,Esq, The Oracle 1925,Omega Psi Phi.

I'd have to agree.

[diane8284]

as an asian american, i had to decide whether to join a MGLC or a NPC chapter and I chose an NPC because I wanted to diversity of women as well as the formality of it. Also, I didn't want to suffer the incessant hazing that goes on within Asian-American interest sororities on my campus. Not only does hazing occur, but it is accepted because they use the excuse that it is for "cultural reasons" of which my campus's greek life refuses to argue against for fear that we are discriminating against them. In addition, to my knowledge, i find that they do not help advance asian-american interest or expand the knowledge of others. what i do notice is far too much underage drinking from them while they are wearing their letters because it is supposedly cool to be drunk and representing their chapter.

i am not saying this is representative of all chapters, but i have yet to see what these asian-american interest sororities have done for asian-american men and women. all i see are underage drinking parties and women who were already friends joining the same sorority so they can create a formal clique that others cannot be a part of.

i am not trying to offend any other multicultural glos, because i am not sure what those are like, but i just wanted to share what goes on at my campus.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally posted by diane8284
as an asian american, i had to decide whether to join a MGLC or a NPC chapter and I chose an NPC because I wanted to diversity of women as well as the formality of it. Also, I didn't want to suffer the incessant hazing that goes on within Asian-American interest sororities on my campus. Not only does hazing occur, but it is accepted because they use the excuse that it is for "cultural reasons" of which my campus's greek life refuses to argue against for fear that we are discriminating against them. In addition, to my knowledge, i find that they do not help advance asian-american interest or expand the knowledge of others. what i do notice is far too much underage drinking from them while they are wearing their letters because it is supposedly cool to be drunk and representing their chapter.

i am not saying this is representative of all chapters, but i have yet to see what these asian-american interest sororities have done for asian-american men and women. all i see are underage drinking parties and women who were already friends joining the same sorority so they can create a formal clique that others cannot be a part of.

i am not trying to offend any other multicultural glos, because i am not sure what those are like, but i just wanted to share what goes on at my campus.

I could disagree with you on quite a few points, but I'll choose to disagree with the point that they "create formal cliques for themselves". I gather the same could be said about your sorority or any other sorority for that matter.

[TheEpitome1920]

Is it really necessary for people to go into why they joined NPC or IFC over a MGLO,etc and vice versa? It doesn't matter.

DO YOU. How many times do I have to say that unless there are individuals willing to pay your dues then who cares what they think!

[KSUViolet06]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920


DO YOU. How many times do I have to say that unless there are individuals willing to pay your dues then who cares what they think!

I *heart* TheEpitome1920

[33girl]

Originally posted by JocelynC
I could disagree with you on quite a few points, but I'll choose to disagree with the point that they "create formal cliques for themselves". I gather the same could be said about your sorority or any other sorority for that matter.

Just to play devil's advocate, I think the point she is trying to make is that the women who join all already know each other and hang out together - as opposed to meeting new people in rush and asking them to join. Kinda like if everyone on the seventh floor of a dorm would start calling themselves 7 Delta or something.

[preciousjeni]

It seems as if this conversation is about cultural interest glos and not actual multicultural glos??

[diane8284]

i think i am confused by what you mean by multicultural, and how we are discussing cultural? i guess what i see it as is that there are multicultural glos, however, they all represent one culture only (either african american, latino, asian, etc).

to clarify, i mean that on my campus, basically, an entire pledge class will be of people who all knew each other before, decided to rush the same house together and pledge together. i have been told that due to the hazing, they create great bonds with each other, but not with the upperclassmen in the chapter who did the hazing on them.

also, the mission statements of most MGLOs is to unify people of the same culture while expanding the interest and knowledge of others regarding their culture. However, i have failed to see this occur.

yes, NPC sororities are similar in that they create cliques, however, the cliques are naturally created by people who have met each other while pledging and then became friends. i agree that there are NPCs that are solely social, but there are also many who do a great deal of what their mission stands for.

i am just trying to see what the purpose of MGLOs are. i think its very important to have cultural-interest groups, however, i am unsure the purpose of having multicultural greek groups are for. in the real world, we are put into environments filled with people of all races and cultures, and MGLOs do not prepare people for that situation.

i am sure there are mglos which do prepare their men and women for the future, but how? what do they do? i am just curious regarding that. and by preparation, i mean in ways other than creating networks with alumns.

[Tom Earp]

Doesnt Multicultual GLOs = People who are from different Cultures just as say LGLOs or AGLOs are= trying to find people that they feel comforable with? Is this any different than any Greek Organization is trying to do?

So, I am trying to figure out what the big deal is!

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by diane8284
i think i am confused by what you mean by multicultural, and how we are discussing cultural? i guess what i see it as is that there are multicultural glos, however, they all represent one culture only (either african american, latino, asian, etc).

"multicultural glos, however, they all represent one culture only" is a contradiction, don't you think? I am the first to say that ALL glos are multicultural because they are composed of many different cultures and sub-cultures. My point is that a multicultural glo's mission statement includes the intention to bring together many different cultures and sub-cultures. Asian-interest, African-American-interest, Latin-interest are cultural interest orgs, so I can understand why, to the outside, they might look cliquey since so many members are from the "same culture." But, the entire point of multicultural glos is to avoid that. (Let me also say that I disagree that cultural interest glos particularly breed cliquiness.)

also, the mission statements of most MGLOs is to unify people of the same culture while expanding the interest and knowledge of others regarding their culture.

Again, the truth is just the opposite. Multicultural organizations attempt to unify ALL cultures. Cultural interest organizations "unify people of the same culture while expanding the interest and knowledge of others regarding their culture."

in the real world, we are put into environments filled with people of all races and cultures, and MGLOs do not prepare people for that situation.

Thus why multicultural orgs are becoming so popular.

**From what you have written, I'm afraid that 1) you are buying into the "white glo" myth and 2) you are saying that caucasians are not multicultural.

[Wolfman]

Aside from the terminological problem in using the the term "MCGLO" that the young lady who decided not to pledge a Asian American-interest sorority, this simply reflected, as she states, the realities on her campus that she disagreed with. But if you take a historical look at the development of all Greek groups,you will find a commonality:the mushrooming of GLOs due to social class and other similar factors that can be subsummed under the umbrella of "petty cliquishness" and the reaction against this often in forming other groups. For example, Sigma Chi developed out of problems like this. Among the NPHC-members groups, this was a factor in the development of several BGLOs. One of the founders of my Fraternity,Omega Psi Phi, once talked of his impressions of the "other fraternity" on campus at the time. He characterized it as a "social club" not a fraternity, and that the members were "bigots." (This is among African Americans,mind you!) Thus, however this dynamic is played out, among NPC,NIC,NPHC,MCGLOs,etc., it's "American as apple pie.")

"The value of our Fraternity is not in numbers, but in men, in real brotherhood."--Bro. Walter H. Mazyck,Esq. The Oracle,1925,Omega Psi Phi

[diane8284]

thanks everyone for their commenting to help bring to light on this issue.

but once again, my main concern is: are the multicultural organizations fulfilling the purpose that is argues for?

For example, one asian-interest sorority states the following mission:

Our mission is to provide sisterhood among women, scholarship, leadership and Asian awareness in the University and community.

Based solely on my campus and the fact that I know many women within this chapter, I am still quite confused as to where the awareness comes about. Yes, greek life is supposed to help unite people and give them a place they can call a second home. However, it should also provide something beyond sisterhood and brotherhood - that is to help each other raise awareness for their chapter's cause as well as support each other not just emotionally, but give each other opportunities for leadership and scholarship.

I do understand that many MGLCs have historically been created because they could not find a place for themselves within the NPC and IFC. However, isn't the problem with America is that there is too much segregation and not enough unification? I think that for MGLCs to promote their missions, NPC, IFC, etc need to work with them as partners in created awareness for a need to diversify Greek Life.

Back to my confusion, what is the purpose of MGLC? I just hope that the formal mission statement is something that is achieved and not just words written on a website or in a book. It is easier to say something that it is to actually do it.

Based upon my campus, it truly bothers me that the depiction of Asian-American women are women who constantly are drinking, partying, and showing very little effort in their supposed philanthropies and causes. What upsets me the most personally is the hazing I hear from my friends within these chapters, who remain in the chapter for fear of alienation from their peers, and deal with the hazing because they want to have the letters associated with the organization - not because it strives to show others the ambition, scholarship, and leadership of Asian American women everywhere - but because its "cool."

As college organizations, we need to work harder to diversify Greek life. Bring multicultural orgs and historically "white" chapters together, and have them work to provide better awareness of such issues onto their own campus.

I am very interested to what goes on with regards to what goes on across the country. I just hope that ALL Greeks can get a better reputation for themselves on their campus and across the country.

[TheEpitome1920]

This horse is dead. Let it rest in peace.

Organizations exist to fill a void that the founders felt was significant. If you don't agree or don't understand, don't become a member.

[TheEpitome1920]

Originally posted by JocelynC
I *heart* TheEpitome1920

Thanks precious! *hugs*