Quote:
Originally Posted by Senusret I
And programming wise, how many multicultural organizations focus on majority culture with the same fervor as minority culture?
Are multicultural organizations truly multicultural, or are they "celebration of minority cultures" organizations?
Why do multicultural organizations probate/emerge/step and not have "Presents" or other traditions from majority cultures?
These are just questions.... I'm not sure that multicultural orgs necessarily include white cultures any more than bicultural orgs do.
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I was debating whether or not to post as a member of a multicultural sorority, but decided I would. I'm speaking only for Theta Nu Xi.
And programming wise, how many multicultural organizations focus on majority culture with the same fervor as minority culture?
Our programming largely centers around two things. 1) The cultural experience of the members at the local level and 2) Topics of import for the local campus or community. You'll find Theta Nu Xi chapters highlighting issues and topics that are relevant to whites.
Are multicultural organizations truly multicultural, or are they "celebration of minority cultures" organizations?
Theta Nu Xi's membership is predominantly African American followed by Caucasian and Latina. The next largest classification is Multiethnic, which includes women who identify as Biracial. We have a sizeable Asian/South Asian representation as well.
The majority of our membership speaks English only, but we also have a large number of women who speak Spanish (20%) as well. Around 40% of us speak at least one language other than English.
Most of us are heterosexual, but around 10% are Lesbian/Bisexual/Questioning/Other. And, a segment of our membership identifies as Gender Queer or other on the spectrum of gender fluidity.
The vast majority of our membership is registered to vote, while some are not. Of those who are not registered, many cannot register.
To ask if multicultural sororities are truly multicultural is to suggest that there is a definition of "truly multicultural," which (despite the debates) there isn't.
To answer in another way, Theta Nu Xi celebrates the particular identities of our members, whatever that means in context. We are also critically aware of the voices of those who are disadvantaged and it is inherent in our mission to speak out for them. These efforts translate into programs that tackle the criminal justice system, the sex trade, the tribulations faced by undocumented citizens, etc.
Why do multicultural organizations probate/emerge/step and not have "Presents" or other traditions from majority cultures?
Theta Nu Xi has adopted traditions from across the spectrum of Greek Life. We "probate" but with a Theta Nu spin called the "Emergence." Our Emergences tend to reflect the cultures of the line/chapter in some way. Most multicultural sororities include a cultural element to their surfacings/coming out shows.
Theta Nu Xi also has Big and Little sisters in the same way that you would expect to see in an NPC organization. These relationships have a very specific function for us.
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