Wearing your letters?

Originally Posted by BabyBlueVegas

Absolutely. There's no pride in wearing letters if you didn't bust ass to get them.

Bust ass = haze the shit outta your pledges?

Even better.

[BabyBlueVegas]

Originally Posted by OTW

Bust ass = haze the shit outta your pledges?

Even better.

Not nessecarily. It's just that none of the greeks at my school simply GIVE you a jersey because you show interest and are a fun person. You have to have heart, drive, and intelligence to get in a sorority/frat there.

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

That stems from the thinking that your fraternity affiliation is just a "college" thing. That also means you may place way too emphasis on what other people (may) think.

For those of us whom consider our fraternal bond a lifetime committment, we don't judge people that way, and those of us who come from that type of "greek" (read, fraternity) culture recognize that. We reserve the right to wear letters when and wherever we want.

That being said, I don't go around sporting paraphernalia all the time like it's the only stuff I own, either. We look at Greeks who do that and immediately think, "neo" (neophyte). I don't wear letters often anymore (except when I'm working in an official capacity with my org or in a service-related event). But I do have the license place/keychain/etc, and I do have a couple of jackets/sweaters that I may wear to specific events when appropriate.

Bottom line: My fraternal bond is for life. Many of us look at it that way, while others may not. In any case, I don't let other people's opinions affect whether I "wear letters" or not. Some of those same people will tell you that you're a "loser" to have joined a fraternity/sorority in the first place.

I do think that fraternity bonds last a lifetime. My close pledge brothers will be my friends for life..........I don't need to wear an SAE lettered article of clothing to show that. I will always donate money and be a contributor to my fraternity just as any normal alum would when they graduate. I just simply believe that when you are done with college and working....it is a little silly to wear greek letters......and I also think it makes you look less mature. You are an adult now, time to dress like one. Same goes for license plates, stickers, key chains, etc. Like I said before, the only think I will probobly have out that people can see would be my certificate of initiation in a nice frame.......hanging next to my undergrad and law school graduation certificates.

[blkwebman1919]

Originally Posted by macallan25

I do think that fraternity bonds last a lifetime. My close pledge brothers will be my friends for life..........I don't need to wear an SAE lettered article of clothing to show that. I will always donate money and be a contributor to my fraternity just as any normal alum would when they graduate. I just simply believe that when you are done with college and working....it is a little silly to wear greek letters......and I also think it makes you look less mature. You are an adult now, time to dress like one. Same goes for license plates, stickers, key chains, etc. Like I said before, the only think I will probobly have out that people can see would be my certificate of initiation in a nice frame.......hanging next to my undergrad and law school graduation certificates.

Then you better throw out any sweatshirts/t-shirts/caps/etc. with college logos, or better yet, don't wear anything that could be remotely considered "immature". That probably goes for shorts/sandals/t-shirts,etc., even in a casual setting...

...Oh, and no cheering or waving flags for your alma maters at sports events. Wouldn't want anyone to think you were "less mature", since you're supposed to leave that all behind when you graduate...

I say again, it's a matter of opinion, and of differences in the "Greek" culture of various campuses/orgs. For a great number of us, it is OK (and customary) to wear letters (at appropriate times) after graduation. We don't NEED to wear letters (again, we don't wear them all the time), but we reserve the right to wear them IF and WHEN we choose. And we don't get perceived negatively for it...

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

I say again, it's a matter of opinion, and of differences in the "Greek" culture of various campuses/orgs.

Exactly. For some people, it would be weird and inappropriate to wear sorority/fraternity, or even college gear, after graduation. For others, it would be a foreign concept not to do so. This is based in the cultural issues. Live and let live ... this is a pointless argument; no one's going to change anyone else's mind, and it's not really very important to do so. Save it for the big stuff

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

Then you better throw out any sweatshirts/t-shirts/caps/etc. with college logos, or better yet, don't wear anything that could be remotely considered "immature". That probably goes for shorts/sandals/t-shirts,etc., even in a casual setting...

...Oh, and no cheering or waving flags for your alma maters at sports events. Wouldn't want anyone to think you were "less mature", since you're supposed to leave that all behind when you graduate...

I say again, it's a matter of opinion, and of differences in the "Greek" culture of various campuses/orgs. For a great number of us, it is OK (and customary) to wear letters (at appropriate times) after graduation. We don't NEED to wear letters (again, we don't wear them all the time), but we reserve the right to wear them IF and WHEN we choose. And we don't get perceived negatively for it...

Well, you should learn to dress appropriately long before you leave college, so the t-shirt thing and sweartshirts are taken care of. I'll wear a sorority function or SAE party t-shirt every once in a while......very rarely though, maybe to class or if . Shorts aren't immature........thats stupid. Sweartshirts are about as cool as fanny packs.

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

[AGDLynn]

Originally Posted by macallan25

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

I wear my Alpha Gamma Delta letters, in various ways, almost every day. I have 1 small alma mater sticker on my car. They just changed mascots so I haven't gotten a new shirt to wear to the new games; they are talking about building a stadium. Maybe I'll wear an UWG hat and AGD letters.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

i will wear letters until the day i die because:

A) I'm an initiated member of my fraternity and want to represent "the meaning, spirit, and reality of Phi Mu"

and

B) DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THIS STUFF COSTS! I have $80 jerseys and $50 shirts!

C) My big sister made me most of my shirts and i love her to death...DUH!

D) There is no feeling in the (greek) world like slipping on/wearing a representation of your chapter and/or org for me.

[blkwebman1919]

Originally Posted by macallan25

Well, you should learn to dress appropriately long before you leave college, so the t-shirt thing and sweartshirts are taken care of. I'll wear a sorority function or SAE party t-shirt every once in a while......very rarely though, maybe to class or if . Shorts aren't immature........thats stupid. Sweartshirts are about as cool as fanny packs.

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

Humor me --- explain this "huge" difference.

There may be a huge difference to you (e.g., your motivation for doing so), but we're talking about the perception of other people (since the issue seems to concern whether or not one looks "less mature" and what someone "sees on your wall").

I don't see any difference between the two (but then, I don't have a problem with either in any case). If you're dressed like a college student might dress (which would be the case with either situation), then who's to say that someone might not perceive you as being "less mature"? In the old days, the "stereotype" of a college student was of a person wearing "college logo" gear (the university sweater, the logo flag, etc.).

You maintain that there's a big difference between the two, and I see no problem with wearing letters after graduation.

It's a matter of opinion --- no more, no less.

Reading your post, I am hearing that you deem wearing college sweatshirts as inappropriate after college as well (since that issue should be taken care of "long before leaving college"). If so, then it is pointless for me to further argue the point, although many people (including successful working attorneys) would likely disagree with you. If I am interpreting your post incorrectly, then you have my apology in advance.

Originally Posted by macallan25

Shorts aren't immature........thats stupid.

Oh really? Consider this: There used to be a time when shorts were considered appropriate only for children. You got your "long pants" when you became an adult.

Again, it's about perception, and differences in perception.

But --- DSTRen13 is right, the argument (in general) is pointless, and one should "pick their battles", so I will let it go --- I've said my piece.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by macallan25

Same goes for license plates, stickers, key chains, etc.

Originally Posted by macallan25

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

Actually, I'm not sure why there's a "huge" difference. I see and pretty much agree with your take on clothes (although I also agree with those who have said that it's a matter of opinion and of differences in the cultures of various campuses and orgs). You and I have similar opinions here, although I think the "huge" difference is nothing more than what is common/traditional in our cultures.

I don't, however, see a "huge" difference at all with some other things -- decals, plates or plate frames on cars, for example. Why is a having an SAE alum decal or license plate frame on your car hugely different from having a Texas-Exes decal on your car?

I know an SAE alum in his early 40s who has a small (2x4 or so) decal of the SAE flag on the window of his SUV. I know a Sigma Chi alum (late 40s) who has a small decal of the Sigma Chi coat-of-arms on the window of his SUV, opposite the decal of the Clemson Tiger paw print. I know a KKG alumna who has a license plate frame that says "ALUMNA -- KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA." A decal for her undergrad school is nearby.

I'll readily admit that decals or plates of alma maters are much more common -- around here they're almost a requirement. But it's not so unusual to see something Greek on an alum's car that I would see any huge difference.

[Tom Earp]

Hm, I only have a license plate on my car.

LXA 1.

When I find the proper letters, I will add those in the window.

While I do not wear t-shirts, I wear polo or sweat shirts or a cap on the weekend.

Amazing how many nice fellow Greeks I have found and had a few froths with! Isn't that the point?

Finding fellow LXA Brothers is always even better!!!!!

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by macallan25

I do think that fraternity bonds last a lifetime. My close pledge brothers will be my friends for life..........I don't need to wear an SAE lettered article of clothing to show that. I will always donate money and be a contributor to my fraternity just as any normal alum would when they graduate. I just simply believe that when you are done with college and working....it is a little silly to wear greek letters......and I also think it makes you look less mature. You are an adult now, time to dress like one. Same goes for license plates, stickers, key chains, etc. Like I said before, the only think I will probobly have out that people can see would be my certificate of initiation in a nice frame.......hanging next to my undergrad and law school graduation certificates.

I agree with pretty much all you've said in this thread. I would like to add one minute thing to your list though. It's okay to have your greek letters on a class ring. Otherwise, unless you're serving in some sort of official capacity where you need to be recognized as a member of your organization, if you're in the professional world, dress professionally.

I still wear party shirts to the gym, but that's about it.

[KSUViolet06]

I'm an alumna now and just got my first "real" job. My job requires me to be dressed professionally and I work almost every day, so I defintely don't wear letters as much as I did as a collegian just because I'm working somewhere that doesn't allow me to do so.

I gave most of my letters away at Senior Wills because I had alot and I wanted to share it with other younger members instead of letting them sit in a box at home or something. I did keep 4 or 5 hoodies to wear to run errands and things when it's cold or maybe to places where I don't need to be dressed up.

Honestly, not wearing letters 24/7 as an alumna doesn't mean you're not as dedicated. It just means you don't want to wear letters all the time.

[Krisco]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

But --- DSTRen13 is right, the argument (in general) is pointless, and one should "pick their battles", so I will let it go --- I've said my piece.

I agree with you here 1919, because I know full well I am not immature, stupid, or any other adjective he has used in reference to those who choose to wear greek regalia post-college. So we can just converse to those a bit more open-minded or at least willing to listen. Have you noticed people who assume they are so 'together' and "I am such and such now, bla, blah, blah" talk too much, never listen or positively observe other vantage points...it is sad to think you reign within such a simplistic box.

Anyhoo, it's more than 'wearing' greek letters. Its about showing pride, and exhibiting oneself within a group. In the AA community the 9 are pretty much known EVERYWHERE. No matter where you go, it's the same! AA community leaders are many times members of these organizations, thus an appreciation for what our orgs stand for is obviously not parallel to 'some' npc/ifc org members. When I have on a piece of paraphernalia, I reminisce about my sisterhood, my pledge sisters, etc. It keeps me grounded and in thought of where my Organization came from and where it is going. What big point that "mac'" forgot to mention, which is obviously not a part of their brotherhood is how those so-called stupid license plates and silly sweatshirts can help you out when you are up against the wall. Case in point, I let two friends drive my car about a year after I pledged and it broke down on them in a remote area. They were scared and without a cell phone. They just waited as car after car passed by them. Then a big rageddy truck passed, hit the brakes and bagged up. They said they were like "oooohhhhh shhhh%$!" But then a dainty lil lady got out and yelled "Hey Saaaa-raaah!!!!, Ya'll alright? What's going on with ya car??" They said they looked at each other and whispered "SAA-RAH, who does she think we are?" I later informed then that that wonderful soror who helped them and took them to the nearest autozone, was a little bit country, but she helped them because she assumed they were her sisters in DELTA!!!

Scenarios like this and countless others have led me to KNOW there is not a DAMN thing wrong with wearing nalia. I was never that neo that was dripping in it, nor do I now, but I have and always will PROUDLY wear my sorority's esteemed letters. Period. So if that's stupid or immature, somebody get me a diaper!

And I'm done...

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by Krisco

I agree with you here 1919, because I know full well I am not immature, stupid, or any other adjective he has used in reference to those who choose to wear greek regalia post-college. So we can just converse to those a bit more open-minded or at least willing to listen. Have you noticed people who assume they are so 'together' and "I am such and such now, bla, blah, blah" talk too much, never listen or positively observe other vantage points...it is sad to think you reign within such a simplistic box.

Anyhoo, it's more than 'wearing' greek letters. Its about showing pride, and exhibiting oneself within a group. In the AA community the 9 are pretty much known EVERYWHERE. No matter where you go, it's the same! AA community leaders are many times members of these organizations, thus an appreciation for what our orgs stand for is obviously not parallel to 'some' npc/ifc org members. When I have on a piece of paraphernalia, I reminisce about my sisterhood, my pledge sisters, etc. It keeps me grounded and in thought of where my Organization came from and where it is going. What big point that "mac'" forgot to mention, which is obviously not a part of their brotherhood is how those so-called stupid license plates and silly sweatshirts can help you out when you are up against the wall. Case in point, I let two friends drive my car about a year after I pledged and it broke down on them in a remote area. They were scared and without a cell phone. They just waited as car after car passed by them. Then a big rageddy truck passed, hit the brakes and bagged up. They said they were like "oooohhhhh shhhh%$!" But then a dainty lil lady got out and yelled "Hey Saaaa-raaah!!!!, Ya'll alright? What's going on with ya car??" They said they looked at each other and whispered "SAA-RAH, who does she think we are?" I later informed then that that wonderful soror who helped them and took them to the nearest autozone, was a little bit country, but she helped them because she assumed they were her sisters in DELTA!!!

Scenarios like this and countless others have led me to KNOW there is not a DAMN thing wrong with wearing nalia. I was never that neo that was dripping in it, nor do I now, but I have and always will PROUDLY wear my sorority's esteemed letters. Period. So if that's stupid or immature, somebody get me a diaper!

And I'm done...

I actually never called anyone stupid or immature. Thanks though. I said, in my opinion, that wearing or flashing your letters all over the place when you are out of college is stupid and makes you look immature. Obviously there is a difference between what BGLOs think about it as opposed to how most predominately white fraternity men that I know of in the South think about it.
As far as appreciating what my fraternity stands for.......who the hell are you to say anything about that. I don't need to wear a bunch of fraternity apparel and deck out my car in everything SAE to show appreciation for what my fraternity stands for or that I am proud to be on.

Sorry, but putting a sticker on my car in hopes that it could help me in a bind isn't something that we think about concerning brotherhood.....that is absolutely ridiculous. Frankly, I feel safer knowing that my Tahoe has On Star incase I get in trouble rather than relying on a passerby to notice an SAE sticker and hopefully stop.

I would appreciate it if you wouldn't comment on how we exhibit brotherhood and apprediation for our chapter/fraternity (I'm a fourth generation SAE and an officer in my chapter....my loyalty and commitment to the fraternity speaks for itself). I can assure you it is much deeper than making sure I wear something to let everyone know that i'm an SAE.