So one of our national consultants came to visit my chapter, and of course everyone who had an important position had to meet with him. I am the New Member Educator, and I gave a presentation about the program.
Within that program (a really sweet PowerPoint, I must say
) I used the term "pledging". I recieved a few angry eyes from my brothers during this, and afterwards I was told that I should've used the word "New Member Educational Period". I asked them why, and they responded by saying "pledging" or "pledges" brings up thoughts of hazing, and sounds very informal.
Another time, when I speak to my other Greek friends at school (we have nearly zero rivalries at my school in GL....GL is more like one big health club with letters). When the ask me what is new with me, I'll answer them that I am the "pledgemaster" (actually Associate Member Counselor to DX....but I am speaking to non-DXes so I don't want to confuse anyone). Pledgemaster is a common term here, and once I refered to myself as that in front of the Greek Advisor and a Dean. I was scolded afterwards by a few IFC and PHC members because once again, it brought up thoughts of hazing and was informal.
I ask now, what is REALLY wrong with these terms? I see nothing wrong with a "pledge". After all, they are pledging an allegiance to a certain group. We do not haze, and I do not feel that I need to be politcally correct around faculty members of my school.
So are these terms really bad, or should I get with the times more?
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