Why do multicultural GLOs/organizations exist?

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by susan314

Hey, I received the Huey Lewis and the News cassette tape for my birthday in the 4th grade, just like pretty much everyone else in my class did. I was just unaware that his popularity had been resurrected.

I still listen to him. His music is the kind that just never goes out.

[susan314]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

I still listen to him. His music is the kind that just never goes out.

Were you born yet in 1984? Just curious. (Mac - that question is for you too.)

Now I know how my older relatives must have felt when we started resurrecting 70s classic rock while I was in college.

(And some day, I suppose, you'll know that feeling too. )

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by susan314

Were you born yet in 1984? Just curious. (Mac - that question is for you too.)

Now I know how my older relatives must have felt when we started resurrecting 70s classic rock while I was in college.

(And some day, I suppose, you'll know that feeling too. )

Says the woman who was in 4th grade in 1984!!!!!! I was INITIATED in 1984 chickie!

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by susan314

Were you born yet in 1984? Just curious. (Mac - that question is for you too.)

Now I know how my older relatives must have felt when we started resurrecting 70s classic rock while I was in college.

(And some day, I suppose, you'll know that feeling too. )

Not even born yet.

[Drolefille]

Wow, Younguns today. Ok wait, I was born in 1984 so what does that make me

[BabyPiNK_FL]

Originally Posted by macallan25

Huey Lewis is the shit. If you say otherwise.........kill youself.

I've loved that stuff ever since I was old enough to tell my mother:
"Eye" (points at eye) can see, that you're happy to be stuck with me!"

(She told me I used to do that all the time! - Of course this was in the eighties! But I still have them on my Mix CDs)

I was also born in 1984!

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by MsDGP007

I believe that the main reason that MCGLOs were started we because when you pledge; you are joing a sisterhood or brotherhood -- not just an organization. Therefore, you and your sister/brothers essentially share some common ideals.

Most MCGLOs were formed from the 1980s forward. American society during that time changed. American neighborhoods became more multicultural and more accessible to people of diverse backgrounds. It is in that environment that "some" people grew to acknowledge that while their own culture is important...they saw the profound effect that functioning in a multicultural environment had on them as people. Of course, this is not the case always; MCGLOs DO have some members who grew up in more culturally homogenous environments...but they probably possess a desire to place themselves into that sort of environment eventually.

In my case, if there were no such thing as a MCGLO, I would not have pledged a social sorority. My father is Jamaican and my mother is African-American; but I grew up in a very small town where the population was probably 30% Black, 60% White, and 10% everything else (but no Hispanics). The surrounding areas seemed about 80 to 90% White. Therefore I was involved in a lot of activities and situations where I was the only Black person. And in my school...which did have a sizeable Black population, no one was West Indian/Carribbean. I remember when I had to go to Jamaica for 3 weeks because of my Grandmother's funeral and a subsequent wedding; classmates and even teachers acted like I went on an expedition to Anartica or something -- some even commented that they were surprised I looked the same! (WTF? ). So I've ALWAYS had to explain either myself, my family to others who weren't familiar with my culture. To make things even more interesting, I converted to Judaism when I was 16. That opened up a whole new can of worms I must say...especially in college (where I was the only Black member of Hillel...surprise, surprise).

So for me to join a historically Black organization wouldn't have fit me; not because that is not my culture; but because that is not my ONLY culture. I am Black, West Indian, Jewish, and Female and I wanted to be a part of something where all of that would not only be accepted...but celebrated. I could have also joined a historically White sorority, but I needed something with more flexibility in it's membership (most MGCLOs work a bit differently with their membership types).

What a fascinating story! I'm interested to know how you became interested in Judaism....jewish friends? As for the culture thing, I think white people don't understand minorities' need for maintaining their cultures because we don't think we do the same thing. I once commented to a gay friend of mine that my family's culture was just american...we don't have any real traditions or cultural identity. He gently reminded me that American culture is white culture. Everything we do is based on our traditions. We don't have to perserve it because it's so pervasive. If you don't live in an area that has neighborhoods for the Italians, Polish, German, etc, you probably don't remember that those "white" people hold hard to their traditions and culture. I think there is plenty of room under the Greek umbrella for all groups....shoot it's not like we have a one size fits all situation in NPC since there are 26 of us!

P.S. AOII may have been founded by a group of women including a Jewish woman, but our traditions are Christian in origin. Just thought I'd set the earlier discussion straight. Stella (our Jewish founder) is my favorite...I'm sure she's a lot of AOIIs' (how should I make this pleural possessive?) favorite!

[DaemonSeid]

I have been reading thru the threads and one thing I find is a common tie is that most people have done this to BREAK tradition.

While my fraternity is not necessarily a MCGLO, we are an independant organization set apart from the NPHC.

And most have joined because we were seeking something different than what was already established.

Me, myself, it was a greater challenge that I gladly accepted to plant seeds and watch grow rather than to be one of te many faces who simply goes out in the garden for maitnenance.

It's never been easy but after a decade plus for service, I would'nt trade this in for anything else.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by MsDGP007

I believe that the main reason that MCGLOs were started we because when you pledge; you are joing a sisterhood or brotherhood -- not just an organization. Therefore, you and your sister/brothers essentially share some common ideals.

Most MCGLOs were formed from the 1980s forward. American society during that time changed. American neighborhoods became more multicultural and more accessible to people of diverse backgrounds. It is in that environment that "some" people grew to acknowledge that while their own culture is important...they saw the profound effect that functioning in a multicultural environment had on them as people. Of course, this is not the case always; MCGLOs DO have some members who grew up in more culturally homogenous environments...but they probably possess a desire to place themselves into that sort of environment eventually.

In my case, if there were no such thing as a MCGLO, I would not have pledged a social sorority. My father is Jamaican and my mother is African-American; but I grew up in a very small town where the population was probably 30% Black, 60% White, and 10% everything else (but no Hispanics). The surrounding areas seemed about 80 to 90% White. Therefore I was involved in a lot of activities and situations where I was the only Black person. And in my school...which did have a sizeable Black population, no one was West Indian/Carribbean. I remember when I had to go to Jamaica for 3 weeks because of my Grandmother's funeral and a subsequent wedding; classmates and even teachers acted like I went on an expedition to Anartica or something -- some even commented that they were surprised I looked the same! (WTF? ). So I've ALWAYS had to explain either myself, my family to others who weren't familiar with my culture. To make things even more interesting, I converted to Judaism when I was 16. That opened up a whole new can of worms I must say...especially in college (where I was the only Black member of Hillel...surprise, surprise).

So for me to join a historically Black organization wouldn't have fit me; not because that is not my culture; but because that is not my ONLY culture. I am Black, West Indian, Jewish, and Female and I wanted to be a part of something where all of that would not only be accepted...but celebrated. I could have also joined a historically White sorority, but I needed something with more flexibility in it's membership (most MGCLOs work a bit differently with their membership types).

If you chose another org, that's great for you but saying that you wouldn't have fit in an NPHC sorority because you are not only Black, but mixed with different things is totally off and shows that you did not do adequate research if you were at one time considering one of the NPHC sororities. Since there are many different people of African descent (Black) living in the U.S. now the African American community is expanding to include all Black people (those of African descent); hence my marriage to a Ghanian 3 years ago. And since very few of us (if any) are 100% African, being mixed is no big deal...and never was. Also, many of the NPHC sororities have chapters in the Virgin Islands, Liberia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, etc. and some of these have been established for many years. We also have programs which extend to Africa and other places where Black people are in need. As a matter of fact, in recent years my sorority has seen an increase in members from Africa and the Caribbean. You obviously felt that your sorority was the best for you and I'm happy for you because I believe that everyone has a right to their decision and shouldn't have to justify it to anyone but I just want to make it clear that yes, our focus is on the African American community because we believe that not many will focus on it (on an ongoing basis) if we don't and we have to take care of ourselves but this does not mean that other people of African descent are not a part of our community.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

If you chose another org, that's great for you but saying that you wouldn't have fit in an NPHC sorority because you are not only Black, but mixed with different things is totally off and shows that you did not do adequate research if you were at one time considering one of the NPHC sororities. Since there are many different people of African descent (Black) living in the U.S. now the African American community is expanding to include all Black people (those of African descent); hence my marriage to a Ghanian 3 years ago. And since very few of us (if any) are 100% African, being mixed is no big deal...and never was. Also, many of the NPHC sororities have chapters in the Virgin Islands, Liberia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, etc. and some of these have been established for many years. We also have programs which extend to Africa and other places where Black people are in need. As a matter of fact, in recent years my sorority has seen an increase in members from Africa and the Caribbean. You obviously felt that your sorority was the best for you and I'm happy for you because I believe that everyone has a right to their decision and shouldn't have to justify it to anyone but I just want to make it clear that yes, our focus is on the African American community because we believe that not many will focus on it (on an ongoing basis) if we don't and we have to take care of ourselves but this does not mean that other people of African descent are not a part of our community.

First, I want to say you made some really good points in your post.

I think the core issue I have is with the bolded (see above). I have no problem with our orgs catering to the African American communities; but not exclusively. OTOH, perhaps that is hence the need for MCGLOs; to embrace all cultures, both within the organizations as members, as well as the tapestry of communities they serve.

That is my platform as a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi, for brothers to think outside the box by catering to those outside the African-American communities.

[MsDGP007]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

If you chose another org, that's great for you but saying that you wouldn't have fit in an NPHC sorority because you are not only Black, but mixed with different things is totally off and shows that you did not do adequate research if you were at one time considering one of the NPHC sororities. Since there are many different people of African descent (Black) living in the U.S. now the African American community is expanding to include all Black people (those of African descent); hence my marriage to a Ghanian 3 years ago. And since very few of us (if any) are 100% African, being mixed is no big deal...and never was. Also, many of the NPHC sororities have chapters in the Virgin Islands, Liberia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, etc. and some of these have been established for many years. We also have programs which extend to Africa and other places where Black people are in need. As a matter of fact, in recent years my sorority has seen an increase in members from Africa and the Caribbean. You obviously felt that your sorority was the best for you and I'm happy for you because I believe that everyone has a right to their decision and shouldn't have to justify it to anyone but I just want to make it clear that yes, our focus is on the African American community because we believe that not many will focus on it (on an ongoing basis) if we don't and we have to take care of ourselves but this does not mean that other people of African descent are not a part of our community.

It is unfortunate that you took my post the way that you did; if you feel insulted, then I spologize for that. I only look into one NPHC sorority (it was not yours...I realize Sigma Gamma Rho was founded at a non-HBCU...but they did not have a chapter at my school). Despite what NPHC GLOs are now....they have a lot of history behind them. I did not see any way to reconcile what I am into the established system of NPHC and their histories. OF course I respect African/African-American culture and history; it is a part of me....but only a part. To join an organization that holds the establishment of sisterhoods and brotherhoods that advance mainly Black culture would be wrong for me on so many levels.

But that is me. Many young women and men of ALL backgrounds feel at home in NPHC orgs. for various personal reasons. But they also must hold the utmost respect for the specific issues facing the African diaspora. On the other hand, I WOULD consider a Jewish sorority; simply because I live as an observant Jew and it's a HUGE part of my personal culture (but there are no national Jewish sororities...except Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi and they are on the west coast)

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

First, I want to say you made some really good points in your post.

I think the core issue I have is with the bolded (see above). I have no problem with our orgs catering to the African American communities; but not exclusively. OTOH, perhaps that is hence the need for MCGLOs; to embrace all cultures, both within the organizations as members, as well as the tapestry of communities they serve.

That is my platform as a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi, for brothers to think outside the box by catering to those outside the African-American communities.

I hear you on this and I can agree to an extent but Sigma Gamma Rho encourages its chapters to serve the communities in which they reside. We have predominently latino chapters for example that are serving the latino community and other non-Black members who are serving their communities. And if a Black soror wanted to serve a non-Black community, there would be no problem. You can serve many without taking the focus off of the Black community. Overall it is important that we stay true to our founders' visions. For example, Sigma Gamma Rho's founders felt very strongly about educating Black youth and empowering Black communities through education because there was a need...and this need still exists.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

I hear you on this and I can agree to an extent but Sigma Gamma Rho encourages its chapters to serve the communities in which they reside. We have predominently latino chapters for example that are serving the latino community and other non-Black members who are serving their communities. And if a Black soror wanted to serve a non-Black community, there would be no problem. You can serve many without taking the focus off of the Black community. Overall it is important that we stay true to our founders' visions. For example, Sigma Gamma Rho's founders felt very strongly about educating Black youth and empowering Black communities through education because there was a need...and this need still exists.

I feel you wholeheartedly on staying true to our founders' visions. I just feel that our founders' visions doesn't necessitate a requirement to be [mutually] exclusive in the process. Trust, there will be plenty of brothers and sisters in Black Greekdom who will insure that the Black communities' needs will be addressed, leaving an abundance of opportunity for other communities to witness firsthand what we are really all about besides a means of entertainment.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

I hear you on this and I can agree to an extent but Sigma Gamma Rho encourages its chapters to serve the communities in which they reside. We have predominently latino chapters for example that are serving the latino community and other non-Black members who are serving their communities. And if a Black soror wanted to serve a non-Black community, there would be no problem. You can serve many without taking the focus off of the Black community. Overall it is important that we stay true to our founders' visions. For example, Sigma Gamma Rho's founders felt very strongly about educating Black youth and empowering Black communities through education because there was a need...and this need still exists.

I want to reiterate the bolded. I beleive that if we as NPHC orgs take our focus off the AA community, we ALL will suffer. Of all the populations in the US, Black folks are more likely to be poor, uneducated, imprisoned, etc. Until the needs of our primary community are adequately met, we have no business focusing on anyone else! If others benefit from our activities, fine, but that should be secondary.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by mccoyred

I want to reiterate the bolded. I beleive that if we as NPHC orgs take our focus off the AA community, we ALL will suffer. Of all the populations in the US, Black folks are more likely to be poor, uneducated, imprisoned, etc. Until the needs of our primary community are adequately met, we have no business focusing on anyone else! If others benefit from our activities, fine, but that should be secondary.

I wasn't even going to go there sistergreek but you went there (and I'm so glad you did!) so I have to cosign.