*The Machine* Won't Let Sorority Vote For Its Own Member For Homecoming Queen

[DubaiSis]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

Before we all get all indignant about the sisterhood of it all, let's remember that if she (or any other sister) transferred to another campus, that her "lifelong sisterhood" there -- that she (and they) have vowed to uphold -- could vote not to even affiliate her. And no one would think a thing about it, because that's just how it's done.

Not for every sorority. In Alpha Xi Delta, if you are a sister, you are welcomed into any chapter.

This isn't an election for POTUS. I can't imagine the scenario where a chapter would support another sorority's member over their own. If she is not worthy of their support then they may need to put her in front of standards. And if she hasn't done anything so heinous as to justify that, then she should have the support of her sisters.

These girls REALLY need to start exerting their power on campus. Maybe we should be providing free copies of Lysistrata to every pledge to see the power of women across boundaries and what they can do when they are motivated. Deny one or two fraternities any parties with the sororities and see how long they last. Panhel on every campus should be a feared and revered organization. Because that many women can accomplish ANYTHING. And do it in heels with full makeup.

[amillionlights]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

These girls REALLY need to start exerting their power on campus. Maybe we should be providing free copies of Lysistrata to every pledge to see the power of women across boundaries and what they can do when they are motivated. Deny one or two fraternities any parties with the sororities and see how long they last. Panhel on every campus should be a feared and revered organization. Because that many women can accomplish ANYTHING. And do it in heels with full makeup.

I agree. I would also say this is more a case of internalized sexism than anything intentionally going against vows of sisterhood. They want to be popular with the fraternities, they want to be popular on campus with the boys - it's a shame that they don't realize they don't need them!

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

This is not directed to you specifically -- just an observation about the vows/bonds of sisterhood (that bugs me sometimes):

Before we all get all indignant about the sisterhood of it all, let's remember that if she (or any other sister) transferred to another campus, that her "lifelong sisterhood" there -- that she (and they) have vowed to uphold -- could vote not to even affiliate her. And no one would think a thing about it, because that's just how it's done.

Originally Posted by 3StringedLyre

Who are you to make such "observations?"

Just an alum on an internet message board. Like you.

NPC chapters voting on affiliating transfers is actually fact rather than observation. I don't know how many chapters other than Alpha Xi have a blanket acceptance policy, but I'm not sure why my pointing that out makes you angry.

[jolene]

IMO, the boys need the girls at the parties more than the other way around. Sorority events don't revolve around guys anyway, but frat events mostly do.

It's been ages since I was active, but I think we have to vote on an affiliate, but she'd have to have done something absolutely heinous for us not to let her in.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by amillionlights

I agree. I would also say this is more a case of internalized sexism than anything intentionally going against vows of sisterhood. They want to be popular with the fraternities, they want to be popular on campus with the boys - it's a shame that they don't realize they don't need them!

Good point -- all that and they fear losing a broad Greek support for candidates (for whatever) they wish to put up in the future.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by tcsparky

I don't think that is what was meant. It was more that she knew going into this the entire reality of the situation- she went in with her eyes open, and wasn't surprised when it shook out like this. It's not a matter of "she should have known better," implying that she did something wrong. It is a matter of "she knew what would happen, and moved forward with her candidacy." In my opinion, this implies that she is a strong, confident woman who is willing to make her own choices, in spite of what others may be thinking or planning.

Thanks, yes, exactly.

[lake]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

Not for every sorority. In Alpha Xi Delta, if you are a sister, you are welcomed into any chapter.

This isn't an election for POTUS. I can't imagine the scenario where a chapter would support another sorority's member over their own. If she is not worthy of their support then they may need to put her in front of standards. And if she hasn't done anything so heinous as to justify that, then she should have the support of her sisters.

These girls REALLY need to start exerting their power on campus. Maybe we should be providing free copies of Lysistrata to every pledge to see the power of women across boundaries and what they can do when they are motivated. Deny one or two fraternities any parties with the sororities and see how long they last. Panhel on every campus should be a feared and revered organization. Because that many women can accomplish ANYTHING. And do it in heels with full makeup.

Oh Amen!! Just Amen!!

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

her boyfriend is SGA President (defeated the machine-backed candidate).

SHOTS FIRED.

[33girl]

I'm going to ask this and please know I'm not trying to offend anyone.

AGD is the group that caused the furor over rush a short while ago - correct? I'm speaking of the deal where they wanted to bid the African-American girl and their alum advisors took her off the bid list. Could any of those alumnae have their hands in the Machine (or even in BLEND) and be doing this to teach the chapter a lesson?

If this makes no sense or I got the group wrong please let me know and I'll delete this ASAP. I find this Machine business fascinating,.in the same way I find the Mafia fascinating.

[Jill1228]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I'm going to ask this and please know I'm not trying to offend anyone.

AGD is the group that caused the furor over rush a short while ago - correct? I'm speaking of the deal where they wanted to bid the African-American girl and their alum advisors took her off the bid list. Could any of those alumnae have their hands in the Machine (or even in BLEND) and be doing this to teach the chapter a lesson?

If this makes no sense or I got the group wrong please let me know and I'll delete this ASAP. I find this Machine business fascinating,.in the same way I find the Mafia fascinating.

You are correct...

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I'm going to ask this and please know I'm not trying to offend anyone.

AGD is the group that caused the furor over rush a short while ago - correct? I'm speaking of the deal where they wanted to bid the African-American girl and their alum advisors took her off the bid list. Could any of those alumnae have their hands in the Machine (or even in BLEND) and be doing this to teach the chapter a lesson?

AGD was one of the publicized groups involved in the situation you reference, though for accuracy's sake, the allegations against any of these chapters did not involve removing anyone from a bid list.

But no, I don't think there would be any plausible reason (or way) for any alum to "teach the chapter a lesson."

Originally Posted by 33girl

If this makes no sense or I got the group wrong please let me know and I'll delete this ASAP. I find this Machine business fascinating,.in the same way I find the Mafia fascinating.

The Machine is basically the Greek system's method of block voting. It has been around as long as I remember -- when the Greek numbers were far fewer than they are now. Numbers + organization = influence/political power.

It's really not a secret, or as fascinating as the Mafia, even if often portrayed as such. Almost every sorority and fraternity participates -- they decide who among them is the best candidate from the Greek community and all chapters support them.

This situation would be the same regardless of the chapter or candidate involved. I think what is most bothersome is the prospect of retribution (snubbing by other fraternities and sororities) if a chapter doesn't support the chosen Greek candidate.

No one forces individuals to vote for a specific person. Since the current SGA President was not the machine-backed candidate, it appears that people probably vote for whomever they choose (even sorority and fraternity members).

[Nanners52674]

One thing I found interesting is that The Machine backed candidate is out of state from Illinois.

From what I've read about The Machine they are/were mostly Alabama residents and a pipeline to post college government and society.

Is having an OOS homecoming nominee unusual?

[Alpha O]

Originally Posted by Nanners52674

One thing I found interesting is that The Machine backed candidate is out of state from Illinois.

From what I've read about The Machine they are/were mostly Alabama residents and a pipeline to post college government and society.

Is having an OOS homecoming nominee unusual?

If you watch the interview with the Alabama's current (non-Machine-backed) SGA president (embedded in the AL article that Ninja Poodle posted), he says that, in his experience, a lot of The Machine's representatives are from out of state. I found it very interesting that out of staters seem to be so involved in The Machine.

Here is the video directly: http://videos.al.com/al/2015/04/univ..._sga_pres.html

Originally Posted by NinjaPoodle

So, I scoured GC for 'Machine' threads and found this in one:

from this thread http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...hlight=machine

This is exactly what seems to have happened to Bama's SGA president with regards to them blocking his Chief of Staff nomination, based on the video embedded in the AL article. It's completely disrespectful and appalling. The SGA president seems like such a nice, intelligent young man and I really hope that he is able to connect with them and make some real change on their campus.

I didn't go to a SEC school, but I had friends at UF, and, based on what they told me, it seems like they may have a similar situation with their student government, in which Greeks are expected to band together and and vote as a block in order to maintain control and their interests.

[BlueCarnation]

Originally Posted by Nanners52674

One thing I found interesting is that The Machine backed candidate is out of state from Illinois.

From what I've read about The Machine they are/were mostly Alabama residents and a pipeline to post college government and society.

Is having an OOS homecoming nominee unusual?

I noticed that too. Her high school is one of the more prestigious private schools in the Chicago area, but still I thought that was very interesting.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

Just an alum on an internet message board. Like you.

NPC chapters voting on affiliating transfers is actually fact rather than observation. I don't know how many chapters other than Alpha Xi have a blanket acceptance policy, but I'm not sure why my pointing that out makes you angry.

I know of at least two others that forbid a vote.