Ferguson, MO

[Sen's Revenge]

We. Can't. Breathe.

[Sen's Revenge]

Phi Beta Sigma International President on his experiences in Ferguson.

[KDCat]

Protestors marching from St. Louis to the Missouri state capital have been met along their route with racial slurs, Confederate flags, obscenities and at least one instance of gun fire.

http://www.kansascity.com/news/state...le4273481.html

[als463]

I thought this was interesting. It really makes you think about everything and how the various groups are dealing with it. Did anyone else see this?

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/12/...d-on-protests/

[DrPhil]

That is the least important component of these protests and it is unfortunate that has received such attention.

Delta NHQ is wise in asking members to not wear letters and symbols during protests. It isn't difficult to not wear symbols and letters during protests.

Delta NHQ does not speak out about every social issue and every incident. The membership does not all agree on every social issue and every incident. If individual members want to voice their opinions and stage protests, they are free to do so. Just don't do it as a representation of the "voice of Delta" or do it on "Delta's time".

[als463]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

That is the least important component of these protests and it is unfortunate that has received such attention.

Delta NHQ is wise in asking members to not wear letters and symbols during protests. It isn't difficult to not wear symbols and letters during protests.

Delta NHQ does not speak out about every social issue and every incident. The membership does not all agree on every social issue and every incident. If individual members want to voice their opinions and stage protests, they are free to do so. Just don't do it as a representation of the "voice of Delta" or do it on "Delta's time".

I agree with all that. I might have strong opinions about something but, I should never do it as the voice of my organization. The article was interesting to see how some people felt about it. There were other people that felt their GLO should allow them to do that. I think it makes an interesting topic for people in all GLOs to discuss when it is and is not appropriate to wear apparel with letters or crests during times like this. What did you think of the article, though?

[DrPhil]

The article is saying what many NPHCers are discussing amongst themselves. Those of us who have discussed this issue are familiar with everything said in the article.

I am not interested in contrary opinions regarding Delta's policy. The policy stands regardless of individual opinions and regardless of what other BGLOs decide.

The naysayers should think about how they would feel if someone wore the letters or symbols of their GLO while staging a protest for the opposing viewpoint. Most of these naysayers would probably not only be pissed at the viewpoint but also pissed the members had the audacity to represent the GLO in that manner. That should place this in perspective.

I say all of this as someone who would never participate in a Ferguson-themed protest for reasons I have stated in this thread.

[als463]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

The article is saying what many NPHCers are discussing amongst themselves. Those of us who have discussed this issue are familiar with everything said in the article.

I am not interested in contrary opinions regarding Delta's policy. The policy stands regardless of individual opinions and regardless of what other BGLOs decide.

The naysayers should think about how they would feel if someone wore the letters or symbols of their GLO while staging a protest for the opposing viewpoint. Most of these naysayers would probably not only be pissed at the viewpoint but also pissed the members had the audacity to represent the GLO in that manner. That should place this in perspective.

I say all of this as someone who would never participate in a Ferguson-themed protest for reasons I have stated in this thread.

Really? I didn't realize other people were aware of this article prior to me posting. Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes as this was not meant to be disrespectful. I just saw this as an interesting article to post that others may find relevant to this thread. I agree with you about not representing your GLO (or even university) during certain times.

[DrPhil]

There's nothing wrong with you posting that article. Many GCers may not have heard of this "controversy" (much needed quotation marks).

What is discussed in that article has been somewhat of a hot topic in some BGLO circles. There are some heated people who are taking to media to express their opposition. That's all.

[DrPhil]

@ the Ferguson protestors storming the stage in Washington, D.C.

I am glad their microphones were turned off.

"I started this movement!"
"I was tear gassed...rubber bullets...."
"Young people started this movement so there should only be young people on this stage!"

Get out of here with that competitive, attention whoring bullshit. This is exactly why this "movement" will be a twitter fad and will be gone with the wind once the most vocal militants either tire or have to go back to work-school (or find a job-enroll in school). Fools want to be the center of attention and want to fight over local movement vs. national movement. ME, ME, MEEEE! First of all, Ferguson didn't start the issue and movement regarding police brutality and holding police accountable.

[PiKA2001]

The no letters policy is a no brainer. I think the last thing an org wants is one of their members being filmed being arrested, throwing a Molotov cocktail or assaulting a police officer, etc while wearing letters.

A good example of how using your affiliation can come back and bite you in the ass. These two will be lucky if they are able to keep their job after this-

Two Bronx public defenders made cameo appearances in a graphic online rap video protesting police violence, which urges black people to kill NYPD cops.

The video for “Hands Up,” shows black men holding guns to cops’ heads while rapping the lyrics like, “For Mike Brown and Sean Bell, a cop got to get killed,” the New York Postreported Friday.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...cle-murda-fea/

[Sen's Revenge]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

The no letters policy is a no brainer.

It's a no-brainer for your kind of fraternity, not for mine. Alpha Phi Alpha has tweeted support for brothers peacefully protesting in fraternity gear.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

I think the last thing an org wants is one of their members being filmed being arrested, throwing a Molotov cocktail or assaulting a police officer, etc while wearing letters.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...cle-murda-fea/

It's actually *not* a no-brainer, as there are plenty of people who feel that the extreme violence perpetrated against people of color in this country deserves an extreme response.

I'm not one to run around advocating for bombs or assaults, but I also wouldn't think less of a D9 organization if their members did that. In fact, I think it's a sort of "tone policing" to say otherwise.

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I'm not one to run around advocating for bombs or assaults, but I also wouldn't think less of a D9 organization if their members did that. In fact, I think it's a sort of "tone policing" to say otherwise.

Do you mind clarifying what you mean here?

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

Do you mind clarifying what you mean here?

I mean that, if I were a D9 organization, I wouldn't really give a f*ck what you or I think.