NPHC Greeks - how do you feel about this?

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

I don't think anyone said that the Founders of our orgs did not create our rituals, but maybe the rits were influenced by other orgs such as the Masons, OES, or even other GLOs. Unless you talked to your Founders personally how would you know this didn't happen?

The entire fraternal movement in America began with the Masons so I'm sure their influence is all over the things we all do as GLO's and BGLO's were definitely influenced by GLO's that came before them. But I think the reason why some do not like the copying that other orgs are doing regarding what we do as NPHC orgs, is because these "unique" practices that our orgs created or put a spin on have a history and a meaning behind them no matter when they started exactly. Most people who are copying don't even know or care about that history. I think this is why some people have such a problem. For some it goes really deep and they feel like they're being robbed of something, just as we have been of many things in this country, in the world. I've noticed in working with Black youth especially that we are very protective of the things we create or add uniqueness to...our style, our slang, our traditions, etc. I think this is the deeper issue for some...this is the "real" issue.

[Rudey]

I think it's something you'll see in community service organizations, music/glee clubs, honor societies although I'm sure it turns up rarely in a social fraternity.

-Rudey
--Zing

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

The entire fraternal movement in America began with the Masons so I'm sure their influence is all over the things we all do as GLO's and BGLO's were definitely influenced by GLO's that came before them. But I think the reason why some do not like the copying that other orgs are doing regarding what we do as NPHC orgs, is because these "unique" practices that our orgs created or put a spin on have a history and a meaning behind them no matter when they started exactly. Most people who are copying don't even know or care about that history. I think this is why some people have such a problem. For some it goes really deep and they feel like they're being robbed of something, just as we have been of many things in this country, in the world. I've noticed in working with Black youth especially that we are very protective of the things we create or add uniqueness to...our style, our slang, our traditions, etc. I think this is the deeper issue for some...this is the "real" issue.

The only history or meanings I recognize are the ones in our offical tools. Shoot, other folx collected elephants way before Deltas did. And yes I lived "stepping" being derived from dance steps, marching bands, drum and bugle corps, etc., and other precision step avenues. So yes, we may have put a spin on them, but we did not create them, not were they that unique.

So please enlighten me and tell me the deep meaning behind it, as well as calls, hand signs, and crossing jackets--to the point that we are offended at others doing these things. Somehow I missed that in my 38 years as a continually active Delta.

Lastly, if there is such a deep meaning behind stepping, why are there lewd gestures included in some shows, and women pay "tributes" to frats with tongues hanging out, grit faces, copying the lewd gestures of frats, ape walking, etc.? This to me negates any deep (and assuming positive) meaning behind stepping.

[PM_Mama00]

Originally Posted by cuteASAbug

I'm glad you posted this, because I was looking at facebook photos of one of our nearby chapters, and they take line pictures and pictures of them making handsigns wearing crossing jackets. I just don't get it. Your school has both NPHC and multicultural sororities. If you like the way they do things, why did you try to join one of those instead?

And another note, after going through the ASA group, I have found at least four different handsigns- each one from a different chapter. Why are some of them so intent on having one?

The handsigns could be a joke. My chapter used to have one that started as a joke. One of the sororities always does a "woo woo" thing with one of their chants. One of my sisters noticed that when you watch sports games, it looks like people are saying "woo, woowoo" so we started doing that. They don't always start because of NPHC, some just start as a joke.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

What's wrong with having it in that style?

Nothing, I just don't understand why you would want to do something that makes you look like you're biting off another group.

NPC/NIC groups have had jackets and such for years, but the things I'm talking about are fairly recent - they're not long-held traditions for them or something. I was under the impression crossing jackets were so correct me if I'm wrong.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Nothing, I just don't understand why you would want to do something that makes you look like you're biting off another group.

NPC/NIC groups have had jackets and such for years, but the things I'm talking about are fairly recent - they're not long-held traditions for them or something. I was under the impression crossing jackets were so correct me if I'm wrong.

I understand what you're saying.

NPHC organizations have shared ideas and practices with NPC and NIC orgs for a long time. Sure, crossing jackets as we now know them may have been around since the 70s. But to me, it's just a jacket.

And don't forget.... just because one org in the NPHC does things doesn't mean it was truly meant to be shared by the entire NPHC. Ten years ago, I only knew the Ques to wear painted boots and it was more or less a national thing. Ten years later, I've seen Alphas with one black boot and one gold boot, Sigmas with blue boots, APO members at HBCUs with gold boots with blue laces....

I know that was a long tangent to just say that it doesn't matter, lol.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

And don't forget.... just because one org in the NPHC does things doesn't mean it was truly meant to be shared by the entire NPHC. Ten years ago, I only knew the Ques to wear painted boots and it was more or less a national thing. Ten years later, I've seen Alphas with one black boot and one gold boot, Sigmas with blue boots, APO members at HBCUs with gold boots with blue laces....

Very true!

People borrow, steal, adopt, adapt, and all sorts of stuff.

What's funniest is when people debate over who REALLY started certain traditions. Like who stole the cane from whom. Wake me when that debate is over.