NPHC Secretiveness, Insularity, Etc.

[ladygreek]

Something that I think has been lost here is the fact while there are certainly first time college attendees in families, in many there are not. Because of the alumni/alumnae system in the NPHC many attendees are already quite aware of the NPHC orgs--either through family members, school teachers, neighbors, family friends, etc. And the latter four categories quite often apply even to first time college goers in a family.

My Mom joined Delta as an alumnae initiate the same month I graduated from high school. But I had been exposed to all of the D4 from my Godmother, teachers, advisors counselors, etc. And even from the events that were held in the community.

To be honest I haven't been approached by anyone who knew absolutely nothing about my org or others. So when it does happen I suspect it surprises folx. And again not to mention that some of our orgs have strict rules about engaging in conversation with a prospect about the org. Not because of secrecy, but because of legal liabity. And yes we have had young ladies try to sue when they were not accepted on the grounds that the sorority member they talked to led them to believe that they were qualified and would be accepted.

[AKA_Monet]

The Original Poster stated a bias we in the NPHC hear all the time. Basically judging us because he or she feels that we do not have our act together and we ought to be competing against all GLO's to jock for members.

The irony is that someone on the outside of the NPHC would indirectly pay us a compliment to think that we can "steal" potential members away from other GLO's. The FACT is most in the NPHC could give a crippa-crap about "jockeying" for members who choose not to be a part of us. I don't want to accept a girl who rushed ALL the NPC's, then migrated to the MCGLO's talking out of both sides of her mouth, then finally decides and wakes up on day that she wants to be a member of my Sorority. OH HAYLE NO!!!

We need decisive members. Preferably those who came to college to wish they are fine and unique and so petit to those who want to be greek. If one chooses to pursue membership it will be "written in his or her heart".

But I guess, nowadays EVERY kid wants things handed to them on a platter...

Boy, are they in for a rude awakening...

[ChildoftheHorn]

Also - I am not clueless on Greek Life. Every woman in my family who is of age is in a sorority. I knew, and still know, my grandmother's sorority sisters better than some of my cousins or other relatives.

I grew up with them ALL telling me exactly what it was like and what it entailed.
On top of that, most of my closest friends are greek in other organizations. My BFF is in another sorority; I knew what exactly happened and goes on (mostly some of the stupid fights that go on - sometimes just over the color of someone's wall decoration - not a joke).

Off topic: When did proper grammar account for anything on GC? I see you down-play my argument because my typos on a FORUM! If you need to make that excuse for making my argument invalid, then you really cannot find a real reason to prove it wrong. That goes for any topic here -- not just mine.

BTW: I'm not stupid...just absent minded... and cannot type as fast as my mind runs. Proof reading for grammar and spelling does not make sense for an online forum. I give it a glance over because this is a discussion and once something is said....it will have been said.

**A recent study came out that says a person is physically unable to use the logical part of their brain before the age of 24. If you are under 24... BEWARE...and you now have an excuse...**

[barbino]

Originally Posted by ChildoftheHorn

Also - I am not clueless on Greek Life. Every woman in my family who is of age is in a sorority. I knew, and still know, my grandmother's sorority sisters better than some of my cousins or other relatives.

I grew up with them ALL telling me exactly what it was like and what it entailed.
On top of that, most of my closest friends are greek in other organizations. My BFF is in another sorority; I knew what exactly happened and goes on (mostly some of the stupid fights that go on - sometimes just over the color of someone's wall decoration - not a joke).

Off topic: When did proper grammar account for anything on GC? I see you down-play my argument because my typos on a FORUM! If you need to make that excuse for making my argument invalid, then you really cannot find a real reason to prove it wrong. That goes for any topic here -- not just mine.

BTW: I'm not stupid...just absent minded... and cannot type as fast as my mind runs. Proof reading for grammar and spelling does not make sense for an online forum. I give it a glance over because this is a discussion and once something is said....it will have been said.

**A recent study came out that says a person is physically unable to use the logical part of their brain before the age of 24. If you are under 24... BEWARE...and you now have an excuse...**

Deep, very deep. What is the source of this amazing study on the logical part of the brain? I'd like to think that I'm not stupid, too-every time I post I try to type everything just right- if I'm off by even one letter it bothers me. But sometimes I can look over a post several times and still not catch little things, and I'm over 24, so I guess that I really don't have a valid excuse.

[Animate]

Wow this thread is so fun...

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by barbino

Deep, very deep. What is the source of this amazing study on the logical part of the brain? I'd like to think that I'm not stupid, too-every time I post I try to type everything just right- if I'm off by even one letter it bothers me. But sometimes I can look over a post several times and still not catch little things, and I'm over 24, so I guess that I really don't have a valid excuse.

It is known that it it is hard for people to proof read their own writing. The mistakes don't always stand out to you, because you wrote them. That is why authors use proof readers. It takes another objective person to do so.

It is silly to condemn someone for their spelling and grammar mistakes on a message board unless they are so extensive that the message is lost and the writer's credibility is questioned.

But then on the other hand who can explain Earpisms? LOL

[PhDiva]

As a former aspirant who became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho by gleaning information from these boards, I recommend not only using discretion but also take time to read and absorb FIRST before you blab, blab, blab. When I joined GC a few years ago, I never made a "I wanna be an SGRho post as my introductory thread". Hell, SisterGreek Crimson Tide (of DST) even remarked that I keep my interest real quiet when she congratulated me on becoming a member. That is because (1) I read the stickies so based on that I knew most membership inquiries were frowned upon and (2) I could actually learn alot about how members interacted with sorors, fellow Greeks and non-affliated folks without screaming "Hey pick me, pick me!!!".

I think the frustration alot of BGLO members on GC feel is when an aspirant not only doesn't read the stickie threads which guide them to membership information via IHQ websites but there is this general disregard for learning how to properly become apart of an online community. Though online, it's still a community and there is a general vibe and it takes time to learn personalities, what's appropriate and to learn which member might be open to answering membership questions via PM. You wouldn't walk up to a group of Greeks on the yard and say "I'm gonna be your frat or soror soon!!!" so why do you think that's remotely okay online? I know online communication has retarded some of our abilities at social interactions but the least you can do is read the STICKIES and sit back and feel things out before you put your foot in your mouth.

PhDiva

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by PhDiva

As a former aspirant who became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho by gleaning information from these boards, I recommend not only using discretion but also take time to read and absorb FIRST before you blab, blab, blab. When I joined GC a few years ago, I never made a "I wanna be an SGRho post as my introductory thread". Hell, SisterGreek Crimson Tide (of DST) even remarked that I keep my interest real quiet when she congratulated me on becoming a member. That is because (1) I read the stickies so based on that I knew most membership inquiries were frowned upon and (2) I could actually learn alot about how members interacted with sorors, fellow Greeks and non-affliated folks without screaming "Hey pick me, pick me!!!".

I think the frustration alot of BGLO members on GC feel is when an aspirant not only doesn't read the stickie threads which guide them to membership information via IHQ websites but there is this general disregard for learning how to properly become apart of an online community. Though online, it's still a community and there is a general vibe and it takes time to learn personalities, what's appropriate and to learn which member might be open to answering membership questions via PM. You wouldn't walk up to a group of Greeks on the yard and say "I'm gonna be your frat or soror soon!!!" so why do you think that's remotely okay online? I know online communication has retarded some of our abilities at social interactions but the least you can do is read the STICKIES and sit back and feel things out before you put your foot in your mouth.

PhDiva

Thank you for your wisdom and discretion but a central fact that needs to be considered in this forum GC is this: it is NOT the "real world." Nor should it be. People come here evidently b/c they feel they can voice their opinions and interact with and ask questions of those people in organizations they don't have access to or may not feel comfortable in doing so in the "real world." That's the point--and the genius of GC. The fact that we have these tete-a-tetes should be seen as the fulfillment of the goal of a real type of community, where you have a real diversity of people according to Greek affiliation, ethnic/racial group, Greek councils, geographic location,vocation, age, life and Greek experience, political affiliation, sexual orientation and religious commitment. Basically,you don't find this type of interaction in the real world! It's refreshing and gives me hope! If it's messy and frustrating at times, then so be it. This is a healthy alternative to Greeks and non-Greeks being reinforced with all kinds of prejudiced and preconceived notions about other Greeks, and harboring ways of thinking that don't consider other's opinions and how other organzations operate,etc. b/c they are only interacting with like-minded people whom they feel comfortable with or have a particular Greek council affiliation with.

Until we can get ourselves together off line and accomplish this in the "real world," we should not try to enforce a type of uniformity of engagement on GC. Our experiences are different! If I would err, I would err on the side of generosity.

[Animate]

[quote=DSTRen13;1496326]

Originally Posted by nwu43

So basically the only way to be unified is to all be the same???

In some crazy upside down world yes!

Originally Posted by kathykd2005

The whole purpose of this thread is lost to me. All of our organizations are secretive, and all members of our organizations I'm sure, get defensive when there is negative press associated with the sisterhood or brotherhood that is near and dear to our hearts. That isn't weird--that just means that the people in the organization want to guard it from harm. Do we go around telling everyone how to get into our organizations? No. Is that odd? No. Only people within the organization should know everything about it.

Excellent.

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

The Original Poster stated a bias we in the NPHC hear all the time. Basically judging us because he or she feels that we do not have our act together and we ought to be competing against all GLO's to jock for members.

The irony is that someone on the outside of the NPHC would indirectly pay us a compliment to think that we can "steal" potential members away from other GLO's. The FACT is most in the NPHC could give a crippa-crap about "jockeying" for members who choose not to be a part of us. I don't want to accept a girl who rushed ALL the NPC's, then migrated to the MCGLO's talking out of both sides of her mouth, then finally decides and wakes up on day that she wants to be a member of my Sorority. OH HAYLE NO!!!

We need decisive members. Preferably those who came to college to wish they are fine and unique and so petit to those who want to be greek. If one chooses to pursue membership it will be "written in his or her heart".

But I guess, nowadays EVERY kid wants things handed to them on a platter...

Boy, are they in for a rude awakening...

I love your posts. It's really that simple.