Calling new members "baby"

[gee_ess]

At Arkansas, the use of "baby___" is rampant. It is relatively new (along with the popularity of intricate handsigns, PULEEZE) and I think the pledges kind of like it. It is used endearingly, "We love our baby Kappas" and seems to be a bit of an ego thing for older members to say.

If the use of the word "pledge" and other related terms (pledge mom/pledge daughter) were eliminated because it was derogatory, then I think "baby" just topped that list.

Actually, I do not think the use of the word 'baby' is terrible - because if you do away with it, then older members will still find a word that conveys the relationship of older/newer membership. "Baby" is endearing in their eyes.

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

"Baby" is endearing in their eyes.

When my daughter was a newborn, I would call her my little baby burrito when she was all swaddled up. I don't think that she's going to like that when she's 18.

Then again, it might not be the "baby" part that she would find so objectionable.

[honeychile]

While I was still advising the local chapter, it would amaze me how many rewards, names, and such were extremely juvenile. I can remember the meeting when I knew I wouldn't be an advisor the next year. After quibbling about whether or not Bigelow Blvd should be made student only, the Housing Chair gave out Baby Lion awards for those who did their dishes. Neither had been mentioned during Exec. I asked these 18-22 years old sisters how they expected to cope with life if they couldn't cross a street (oh, the horror!), then the mean advisor, after seeing these goofy awards handed out, asked them if they knew what happens if they do their job once they starting working a real job. They looked at me quizzically, and I responded, "You get to come back the next day!"

And shortly afterwards, I was taken to the detox tank for recovering advisors....

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by honeychile

I asked these 18-22 years old sisters how they expected to cope with life if they couldn't cross a street (oh, the horror!), then the mean advisor, after seeing these goofy awards handed out, asked them if they knew what happens if they do their job once they starting working a real job. They looked at me quizzically, and I responded, "You get to come back the next day!"

I heart you.

There was a training program at a former employer of mine for new college graduates. It was so fun watching them figure out how to navigate the work world. No Baby Lions, Tigers, or Bears (oh my!) were awarded for competence.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

At Arkansas, the use of "baby___" is rampant. It is relatively new (along with the popularity of intricate handsigns, PULEEZE) and I think the pledges kind of like it. It is used endearingly, "We love our baby Kappas" and seems to be a bit of an ego thing for older members to say.

If the use of the word "pledge" and other related terms (pledge mom/pledge daughter) were eliminated because it was derogatory, then I think "baby" just topped that list.

Actually, I do not think the use of the word 'baby' is terrible - because if you do away with it, then older members will still find a word that conveys the relationship of older/newer membership. "Baby" is endearing in their eyes.

If they're using it in that way, it IS derogatory and verging on hazing.

I say officially go back to pledge. I never met anyone who minded it, but I can think of LOTS of my sisters who would have never put up with "baby" and laughed outright at the clinical-ness of "new member." (Bringing out "new member" at the height of Beavis and Butt-Head? Seriously people, not a good idea here.)