Why do multicultural GLOs/organizations exist?

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Uhhhhh.... contradiction? Are you a South Asian Fraternity or are you a Multicultural Fraternity?

Generally speaking, I feel this might be more applicable to NIC members, but does it need to be "either/or"? I'm not sure I understand how it might be a contradiction when the two identities might be appropriate. Especially when an organization self identifies as such.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by TSteven

Generally speaking, I feel this might be more applicable to NIC members, but does it need to be "either/or"? I'm not sure I understand how it might be a contradiction when the two identities might be appropriate. Especially when an organization self identifies as such.

I think the difference is when an organization says "we are a {insert ethnicity here} organization" it means even thought the members don't all have to be that ethnicity, they are going to do activities and support philanthropies specifically geared to that ethnicity. Multicultural groups, I would guess, tend to "spread it around" a little more and not support one particular ethnicity (i.e. they are just as likely to volunteer at a benefit to help sickle cell victims as they are to put on a workshop about Asians in the media).

Sorry if those examples weren't the best, but I hope you got what I was trying to say.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by TSteven

Generally speaking, I feel this might be more applicable to NIC members, but does it need to be "either/or"? I'm not sure I understand how it might be a contradiction when the two identities might be appropriate. Especially when an organization self identifies as such.

I think that a member of a Multicultural GLO can better answer this.....but I will try.

It's basically like Migma Pambda Shamma being a Multicultural Sorority only situationally, and a Latina Sorority when it's convenient.

As has been defined on GC by MCGLO members, a Multicultural GLO is not the same as a GLO with a multicultural membership. If Sigma Beta Rho evolved into something else, then I think it needs to get away from being labeled South Asian.

Just my opinion.

ETA: Yeah, what 33girl said, too.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I think that a member of a Multicultural GLO can better answer this.....but I will try.

It's basically like Migma Pambda Shamma being a Multicultural Sorority only situationally, and a Latina Sorority when it's convenient.

As has been defined on GC by MCGLO members, a Multicultural GLO is not the same as a GLO with a multicultural membership. If Sigma Beta Rho evolved into something else, then I think it needs to get away from being labeled South Asian.

Just my opinion.

I agree with you and 33girl.

It reminds me of the observed increase of nonblack members in NPHC orgs over the years. That frightened some initially until it was realized that our founding principles and objectives don't change just because there are chapters where people of the African diaspora are in the minority.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

It's basically like Migma Pambda Shamma being a Multicultural Sorority only situationally, and a Latina Sorority when it's convenient.

You are killing me many times over in this thread. Where should I send the bill for the coffin?

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

You are killing me many times over in this thread. Where should I send the bill for the coffin?

lol..... i missed this.....

You can bill APO

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by TSteven

Generally speaking, I feel this might be more applicable to NIC members, but does it need to be "either/or"? I'm not sure I understand how it might be a contradiction when the two identities might be appropriate. Especially when an organization self identifies as such.

It's the difference between description and purpose that is in question. An organization may have multicultural membership (most do). But, a "Multicultural Greek Letter Organization" is one whose sole or primary purpose is to promote multiculturalism, support social justice as it relates to multiculturalism, address life as a multicultural person/in a multicultural world, continue bringing discussion of multiculturalism to people's attention (what defines multiculturalism, how does one engage a multicultural world while maintaining his/her identity), etc.

Consider it this way: Would consider an NPC sorority with members who studied engineering to be an engineering sorority? Or is it a social NPC sorority?

Same with multicultural Greeks. We are about multiculturalism just as engineering Greeks are about engineering. The comparison isn't exact, but I hope you get the point.

Sigma Beta Rho began with the express purpose of addressing the needs of individuals from South Asian culture(s). They are now calling themselves multicultural because their membership is diversifying, not because their purpose has changed.

ETA: Y'all post too daggone fast for me.