Theta Nu Xi?

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

Okay here's a quick question...

what exactly do you do (if you can say), that makes it "multicultural", besides taking people solely on the color of their skin? Do you have events where you go out to eat Chinese food...or?

By "taking people solely on the color of their skin" are you suggesting that multicultural sororities do not have white members?

I'll only speak for Theta Nu Xi on this issue, but we actively ferret out the issues that have been brushed aside by mainstream society in the interest of comfort for all. Programming depends on what our chapters perceive as issues on their campuses. For instance, if they see the Greeks are segregated to the point that they don't interact, they'll put together an event that incorporates all Greeks and encourages them to get a better understanding of each other. Theta Nu Xi is also currently tackling issues of gender identity and sexual orientation on a national level. We're very serious about "setting the record straight" and understanding the truth behind the way people act when they are confronted with situations that make them uncomfortable. We are a socially and politically active group of women. Our programming centers around our five tenets: Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, Leadership and Multiculturalism.

The composition of membership at each chapter is often reflective of the areas in which the chapters operate. For instance, our Atlanta, GA chapters have a higher percentage of African and black women, whereas our southwestern chapters have a higher percentage of Latina women. Members find that, while they may have thought they understood what a multicultural sisterhood should be, they are constantly challenged to see through the eyes of others. We debate each other and occasionally it gets heated. Our conversations often sound a lot like what you hear in general society (particularly regarding race). Membership in Theta Nu Xi is difficult but rewarding.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

I'll only speak for Theta Nu Xi on this issue, but we actively ferret out the issues that have been brushed aside by mainstream society in the interest of comfort for all. Programming depends on what our chapters perceive as issues on their campuses. For instance, if they see the Greeks are segregated to the point that they don't interact, they'll put together an event that incorporates all Greeks and encourages them to get a better understanding of each other. Theta Nu Xi is also currently tackling issues of gender identity and sexual orientation on a national level.

So there's no actual program that creates multiculturalism? That being said, it's very unlikely that even just the white Greeks would come together, so what makes you think that the WHOLE campus would come together? Wouldn't this be off better as just a regular RSO? The campus has tons of diversity initiatives.

The composition of membership at each chapter is often reflective of the areas in which the chapters operate. For instance, our Atlanta, GA chapters have a higher percentage of African and black women, whereas our southwestern chapters have a higher percentage of Latina women.

At what point does this become "multi-cultural"? Isn't it just like the other fraternities and sororities on campus that have alot of one race and perhaps a few of another? Historically black sororities allow hispanics in (I'm told at least, though I've never seen it)...would this not be the same thing?

We debate each other and occasionally it gets heated. Our conversations often sound a lot like what you hear in general society (particularly regarding race). Membership in Theta Nu Xi is difficult but rewarding.

Couldn't you do that in an RSO?

In all your defense, you haven't shown how it's "multicultural" other than it's based mostly on the color of the participants skin, which doesn't seem like a good way to define a sisterhood/brotherhood.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

So there's no actual program that creates multiculturalism? That being said, it's very unlikely that even just the white Greeks would come together, so what makes you think that the WHOLE campus would come together? Wouldn't this be off better as just a regular RSO? The campus has tons of diversity initiatives.

At what point does this become "multi-cultural"? Isn't it just like the other fraternities and sororities on campus that have alot of one race and perhaps a few of another? Historically black sororities allow hispanics in (I'm told at least, though I've never seen it)...would this not be the same thing?

Couldn't you do that in an RSO?

In all your defense, you haven't shown how it's "multicultural" other than it's based mostly on the color of the participants skin, which doesn't seem like a good way to define a sisterhood/brotherhood.

I don't know that I was defending my organization. Theta Nu Xi can stand on its own feet without my comments. I was simply responding to your question. Anyway, to answer your question about being an RSO, you know full well why one would join a Greek organization over an RSO.

[SWTXBelle]

Thank you, preciousjeni. That clarifies a great deal.

Tnxbutterfly, I don't know that anyone has played the "my glo is better than yours" card - the "my glo is more multicultural/diverse card" has been played, but I believe at this point everything has simmered down. We need to be able to discuss issues if we are ever going to reach a point where we aren't constantly misunderstanding one another.

From my perspective it would just be nice to have our (NPC groups) efforts to be inclusive acknowedged, and not be subjected to this belief that we are all white glos. From yours, I imagine you would like to be taken as a glo who has more to offer than just a variety of races and cultures represented. The best way to achieve that goal is by dialogue, which is hampered when someone or some group feels disrespected.

So rather than just agree to disagree, I think we should ALL take the time to admire what we can about the other GLOs, and bear in mind that ultimately we are all interested in developing members of character. Is that fair?