Quote:
Originally posted by NinjaPoodle
Based on your answer, I realized something. You don't understand the American Greek system because you are NOT culturally American {as in grew up here} To understand it [our Greek system], you need to understand America, her history and the nuances that come with it. I don’t have the energy to explain it so I won’t but I’m sure my fellow GC’ers may decide to.
Our Greek system plays a large part in our politics, history, social areas, etc. And for all the flaws that it has, we find it quite useful as many of my fellow GCers have attested. No, our system is not perfect, but we are always seeking ways to make it better and more useful during college and after college.
Please don’t put something down you really have no knowledge of. We are happy to help you try to understand the reason/s behind our fraternal ideas.
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NinjaPoodle,
I never stated that I didn't know what the American greek system is like. In fact, I did not join a Swedish fraternity. I was in an American fraternity at a school in the south, below the dixie line.
I perfectly well understand America's history, social and economical history, as well as it's political history. In fact, most Europeans know more about America than most Americans themselves. For example, most Americans cannot name each president that has passed through the executive office from George Washington to the current Bush, despite the short History of the U.S. and some of it's presidents being Greek themselves. Also, few can name each branch of government and what their primary role and functions are, as well as who is the head of each without looking it up or asking someone.
I tried something one time, I asked 4 friends who are Americans to write down each of the 50 states and gave them 10 minutes to do it, I offered them 15$ each if they could. None of them could get all 50, most missed 1 or 2 states. I also popped the question as to what type of Economy the U.S. has, do you realize that everyone I asked, with the exception of one person, all said Democracy.
One other thing that baffles me is that Americans show little interest in foreign nations. I was in a library and I told somone that I am living in Sweden, his respnose, " Is that by Michigan or something?". I'd be willing to be that most of you on this board couldn't name the presidental succession order down to the 5th in line should the others be killed. Knowing these things and they're like doesn't make one more American than the other. Not knowing things like the ones mentioned and trying to tell someone they don't understand America, it makes you and your kind look stupid. Now, not caring whether or not you know them is ignorance and makes you a hippocrit for trying to tell one they don't understand how things are in America. Don't try to turn this conversation into an American vs. Non-American ordeal. I can already see it coming. Since many here claim to hold dear to ideals and beliefs, one ideal and belief is not making yourself and what you represent look bad. That said, go out and learn a new foreign language, be more open minded, quit always thinking everyone else in the world hates you. I am trying to have a simple conversation with you and some of you are making this into a greek hating message.
I know how the greek system is in the U.S., thats why I came onto this board to discuss such matters and get the opinions of those within the system, those who have already graduated. I never once said I didn't have a positive or good time being in a fraternity. I never once stated that GLO's= Evil. I had much fun and many memories. But one day should my children ask me why did i join a fraternity, I wouldn't want to lie and say it was because of it's ideals and beliefs, obviously the members in my organization did not live up to them and hold them steadfast. However, I do realize that each and every chapter is different and my experiences might have been different had I joined one of the other orginizations. I don't regret doing what I did, it's just my organization painted one picture but was actually different beneath the outer layer. A good comparison would be like the paintings in the movie " The thomas crown affair" with Pierce Brosnan. On the surface they showed one thing, but after a little water, it was actually a joke.
To dutchGirl-
I understand that joing a GLO would help you meet more people and bring in friends to those who don't have any. However, thats called paying for your friends and it is something most people look down on. In Europe we don't look at it that way. Most Europeans love meeting new people. But many people in America look at being apart of a GLO as paying for friends, which is fine if you don't plan on living in America. I'm just trying to say that the perception within the minds of many individuals in the U.S. is that being in such an organization is "paying" for people to like you. Once in the organization one does not look at it that way, but, if you stop paying your dues try and see how long you'll be allowed to come into the fraternity house and visit with your pledege brothers and others. Yes, the dues are for good reasons and are the reason why the GLO has it's functions and parties, but if they were all true friends, they would still like you regardless of whether or not you quit paying the dues and are no longer active. It is stupid to think that depsite ones financial short comings, all the members within his/her organization would still love to have that person come by and visit or hang out with from time to time. Usually that person goes either inactive or is blackballed, this inturn makes it easier for it's members to then turn thier backs on that one individual and label him/her as an outcast. In my view that is not true friends. Let me point out though, this did not happen to me, I just realize thats how it works and I think it stinks.
Now, for those of you who already have a prejudice against me:
Below is one reason why Americans are portrayed the way they are:
This message was sent to me from aopinthesky:
"I have to tell you, I think you are a real ASS. If you don't know the AMERICAN slang meaning of that, let me know and I will explain it to you. I agree with Tom's post, it always helps if you know your subject matter before you post something that shows your total ignorance. In this case, your ignorance of AMERICA (that's with a C) is showing. If you are interested in our point of view, I am sure you can get it, and get it in a nice way. If you are interested in flaming the Greekchat Board, please go away. I wouldn't dare go on a foreign message board and post things that degraded Europeans. Why do you think it is all right for you to do that to what is largely an AMERICAN message board. It does not show your intelligence, LACK OF LAZINESS, or dominance over AMERICANS. It shows that you are stupid and bigoted."
A few things, I know a lot about what I write. I'm not a bigot nor am I ignortant to American life, greek and non greek. I'm not degrading anyone or anything. I'm merely asking for opinions. The problem here began when some of you just assumed certain things and made responses to what your mind conjured. My use of a K instead of a C was simply a way to see which of you don't like me. Most could have cared less whether or not I used a K or a C, that is irrelevant to what we are supposed to be talking about. In no way was I trying to show any sort of dominance over any nationality, it appears some people have a reading comprehension problem.
I knew coming into this converstaion it would strike up a few flames, however we are all adults here and please remember to try and act like one. You should be able to talk about things without getting so defensive. All you have to do is show you're point of view, there's no need to call someone an Ass if they don't see things as you. Calling someone ignorant is much better than calling someone an ass, if that were not the case do you think it would be ok to call someone a bitch? If I called you a bitch it would only raise the wall even higher and you're opinion of me would only sink, what do you think my opinion of you is after calling me an ass since you cannot intelligently express your point of view? If you think I'm ignorant, fine. I don't care. But I doubt many of your fellow GC'ers would care to engage in a profanity battle.
I guess the best comparison to being greek and not being greek is easily put like this:
Being greek is like being married. You put your time, money and heart into it, and sometimes in the end you find that it wasn't really for you. It has it's ups and it has it's down. Depending on who you made your bed with determines what type of experience you'll have.
For those of you who asked about GLO's in Sweden, there are none. The closets thing to a GLO would be like something modeled after the Amerikan Kiwanis club, Elks Lodge or Shriners Club, they are merely groups of men who gather for social reasons. Thats it. Also, I'm the only person who writes under this name, but there are 3 others who browse this forum under the name as well.
Also, DutchGirl- Are you going to the festival in Denmark in 1 1/2 weeks? If you are planning, it has been sold out. Over 1 million tickets are sold. It has not sold out in over 7 yrs. Surely it will be fun. I have 5 tickets, i need to get rid of 1 extra. Myself and 3 girls will be going.
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