Latinamerican joining Fraternities

[Elephant Walk]

I'm not sure why you're so troubled.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

I'm not sure why you're so troubled.

Perp.

[BAE]

Originally Posted by DTD Alum

To both posts, I don't think this is remotely what he meant. I think he chose his words poorly, but to me it seems like he is looking for a particular experience, not a particular ethnic group. He wants to join a fraternity that offers the stereotypical American experience: the big parties with elaborate props and bands, the sorority exchanges, living in a house, the intramurals, etc. I think the number of chapters outside the IFC/Panhellenic umbrella groups that can offer this experience are extremely limited (if they even exist), and frankly many schools can't offer this experience even with their IFC/Panhellenic GLOs.

Yes, thank you. This is exactly what I meant. However now I see that my ideas were filled with misconceptions. And looking back at my posts, they do seem very stupid and ignorant. Specially where I classify african americans (or ethnic minorities in general) as "non american". Please understand that I just had trouble expressing myself. Nonetheless, as your discussion has stated, NPHC organizations as well as other multi cultural organizations will not give me this fraternity experience I'm looking for. It is not to sound racist, or to, as other posters stated, be ashamed of my own heritage. What I want to know (and a few of you have already answered) is if race will be a setback if I want to get a bid from IFC groups

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by BAE

Yes, thank you. This is exactly what I meant. However now I see that my ideas were filled with misconceptions. And looking back at my posts, they do seem very stupid and ignorant. Specially where I classify african americans (or ethnic minorities in general) as "non american". Please understand that I just had trouble expressing myself. Nonetheless, as your discussion has stated, NPHC organizations as well as other multi cultural organizations will not give me this fraternity experience I'm looking for. It is not to sound racist, or to, as other posters stated, be ashamed of my own heritage. What I want to know (and a few of you have already answered) is if race will be a setback if I want to get a bid from IFC groups

In some chapters on some campuses it might be, in others it wouldn't be. That's what we mean when we say we can't necessarily tell you. Pick a school, go through rush and you'll know. And hell, you might even get all the girls because of your accent you never know. Whether you join a fraternity or not you'll be able to learn a lot and have a lot of fun wherever you go.

FWIW I got that you were not necessarily meaning what you said the way it sounded.

[BAE]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

In some chapters on some campuses it might be, in others it wouldn't be. That's what we mean when we say we can't necessarily tell you. Pick a school, go through rush and you'll know. And hell, you might even get all the girls because of your accent you never know. Whether you join a fraternity or not you'll be able to learn a lot and have a lot of fun wherever you go.

FWIW I got that you were not necessarily meaning what you said the way it sounded.

Thanks, all I wanted to know

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Nobody here can tell you what chapter will or won't give you a bid, but you can get an idea by doing some research. When you go to the websites and look at the photos, are there any non-white dudes?

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

When you go to the websites and look at the photos, are there any non-white dudes?

That wouldn't apply here since the OP claims he's Caucasian. The OP should search the forum for threads relating to international students rushing/joining IFC Fraternities.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

That wouldn't apply here since the OP claims he's Caucasian.

I don't know how I missed that completely. When you said he was a white Latino, I thought you were speculating and inferring from his posts.

Doh!

***
I'm glad the OP realizes that he was (not just sounded) ignorant and is now owning up to and challenging his ignorance. I know that people have a difficult time expressing themselves and their words (in real life and Internet) can be misinterpreted. But, I also firmly believe that people often say exactly what they mean the first time they say it. It is only after others' responses that they might regret what they said, considering the tone and meaning. People like to think of themselves as progressive, polite, and whatever else. They may regret that they expressed their prejudices and a particular tone and meaning but that doesn't mean that it isn't exactly what they meant the first time. Such is life.

[BAE]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I'm glad the OP realizes that he was (not just sounded) ignorant and is now owning up to and challenging his ignorance. I know that people have a difficult time expressing themselves and their words (in real life and Internet) can be misinterpreted. But, I also firmly believe that people often say exactly what they mean the first time they say it. It is only after others' responses that they might regret what they said, considering the tone and meaning. People like to think of themselves as progressive, polite, and whatever else. They may regret that they expressed their prejudices and a particular tone and meaning but that doesn't mean that it isn't exactly what they meant the first time. Such is life.

In this case, I did mean what I said the first time, however, I wrongly gave a slightly racist aura to it, which was not at all my intention. So yes, after seeing the others responses, I saw the stupidity in parts of my posts. But other parts were just expressed incorrectly.

As for not being able to give me information on houses because you do not know where I will be studying, chances are, I will be going to the University of Michigan to study if it is any help. I have looked at a few of the pictures from the fraternities like another poster said, but I still could not find out how each fraternity's members would be in person, or their views.

[lucgreek]

Originally Posted by BAE

In this case, I did mean what I said the first time, however, I wrongly gave a slightly racist aura to it, which was not at all my intention. So yes, after seeing the others responses, I saw the stupidity in parts of my posts. But other parts were just expressed incorrectly.

As for not being able to give me information on houses because you do not know where I will be studying, chances are, I will be going to the University of Michigan to study if it is any help. I have looked at a few of the pictures from the fraternities like another poster said, but I still could not find out how each fraternity's members would be in person, or their views.

You'll be fine at Michigan, provided you aren't a generally unlikeable person. Rush at Michigan isn't competitive and people are very accepting.

[28StGreek]

I know this is a bit late to the debate. And the OP seems to now have his questions answered. I am just wondering if perhaps there was a misunderstanding over the term 'Latino'. Someone described as Latino in the US would mean something to Americans, but since the OP is actually from Latin America perhaps he thought joining a 'Latino Fraternity' meant joining a fraternity started and for (international) Latin American students. That may just sound like a National Society club to the OP, i.e. The Peruvian Students Association. Which is why he may have specifically said "American" fraternity experience.

From my experience, I think America is quite unique in ethnic minorities saying they are "Ethnic Group-American". In the UK people would say they are English, Irish, Welsh or Scottish rather than say they are British. And in Asia, I have heard people say they describe themselves as Chinese or Indian (meaning their race) rather than their nationality. People didn't say I am Indian-Singaporean or Chinese-Singaporean, etc.
I may never have been to the OP's country of origin (forgive me if he mentioned it and I missed it), but that may very well be the case there.

(to the OP, please don't take this comment as if I am insulting your intelligence in not knowing the difference in terminology, I am genuinely interested in knowing the extent of the (mis)understanding)

This is purely a question of interest. I have noticed international students asking questions about rush, and saying they are international students when they are actually international exchange students (on a semester-abroad). Which would be quite different from an international student who was going to be at their American university for 3-4 years.

[bold text: edited to improve wording]

[JohnnyCash]

Why is it so hard to believe that the OP, someone born and raised in Latin America, would not want to be part of a latino fraternity?

LGLOs have very little to do with the actual customs and cultures of Latin countries and more with imitating the traditions and customs of NPHC organizations and Black culture in general. Often times their members don't even know Spanish. Someone coming from Latin America wouldn't understand it and would not feel comfortable in such an organization.

I am not trying to belittle the history of these organizations but let's be honest here.

If latino fraternities were really all about their culture they would be sending their members to do service in less fortunate Latin countries, donating money to charitable Hispanic organizations, teaching English to inner-city Hispanic children, things of that nature. Not using their time to step and stroll in the student union.

Before you try to rip me a new one and label me racist, I'm Hispanic.

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCash

Why is it so hard to believe that the OP, someone born and raised in Latin America, would not want to be part of a latino fraternity?

LGLOs have very little to do with the actual customs and cultures of Latin countries and more with imitating the traditions and customs of NPHC organizations and Black culture in general. Often times their members don't even know Spanish. Someone coming from Latin America wouldn't understand it and would not feel comfortable in such an organization.

I am not trying to belittle the history of these organizations but let's be honest here.

If latino fraternities were really all about their culture they would be sending their members to do service in less fortunate Latin countries, donating money to charitable Hispanic organizations, teaching English to inner-city Hispanic children, things of that nature. Not using their time to step and stroll in the student union.

Before you try to rip me a new one and label me racist, I'm Hispanic.

I don't think anyone found it unbelievable. It was him referring to non-IFC fraternities as un-American that upset people.

[FIA1931]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCash

Why is it so hard to believe that the OP, someone born and raised in Latin America, would not want to be part of a latino fraternity?

LGLOs have very little to do with the actual customs and cultures of Latin countries and more with imitating the traditions and customs of NPHC organizations and Black culture in general. Often times their members don't even know Spanish. Someone coming from Latin America wouldn't understand it and would not feel comfortable in such an organization.

I am not trying to belittle the history of these organizations but let's be honest here.

If latino fraternities were really all about their culture they would be sending their members to do service in less fortunate Latin countries, donating money to charitable Hispanic organizations, teaching English to inner-city Hispanic children, things of that nature. Not using their time to step and stroll in the student union.

Before you try to rip me a new one and label me racist, I'm Hispanic.

Nobody in the thread mentioned having a problem with his desire to be a part of a mainstream fraternity. They were just clearing up a few misconceptions evident in the way he expressed himself. Everyone has a preference in the type of org they seek and it should be respected.

Your post on the other hand, is filled with ignorance and assumptions. Yes, LGLO have borrowed traditions from NPHC orgs; that's a fact. I'm not sure how you jump to the conclusion that they have "very little to do with Latino culture and only seek to emulate NPHC and Black culture in general." The statement alone shows a lack of knowledge on what the organizations do on campuses across the nation.

Are there members who don't speak Spanish? Yes...and? This doesn't mean that they can't relate at all to Latin Americans. I have MANY brothers who were born and raised in Latin America. You can find people that would love this and experience and others who would not.

As one of my older bros who pledged in the 50s said: "We essentially, have a mission; to serve Latin America. However, today the United States is part of that mission." http://bit.ly/hmvDGx ...There are Latin Americans and Latinos who agree with this concept across most/all LGLO. I based that assertion on programs and community efforts we all engage in.

Speaking on my org alone; we DO have brothers/chapters that engage in service work in Latin America, donate to charitable Latino AND non-Latino organizations, teach English to recent immigrants, etc. I've never came across a LGLO that does not engage in some type of endeavor within the Latino community. Many of our orgs(not mine) do step/stroll and embrace the practice as a way to honor their African heritage. I hope your not dismissing the fact that the majority of enslaved Africans went South of the United States. Yes, it is an NPHC tradition, but again this is where LGLO have borrowed from established traditions. An organization can step/stroll and serve the community at the same time.

Belittling our organizations is exactly what you attempted to do with that post. Identifying as Latino doesn't get you a pass. Wrong is wrong regardless of who says it.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCash

Why is it so hard to believe that the OP, someone born and raised in Latin America, would not want to be part of a latino fraternity?

Read before you post.

LGLOs have very little to do with the actual customs and cultures of Latin countries and more with imitating the traditions and customs of NPHC organizations and Black culture in general. Often times their members don't even know Spanish. Someone coming from Latin America wouldn't understand it and would not feel comfortable in such an organization.

Because IFC fraternities are overflowing with Central/South American culture? We all know that the litmus test for respecting cultures is speaking the language. That's why all African-Americans speak African.

I am not trying to belittle the history of these organizations but let's be honest here.

Fail.

If latino fraternities were really all about their culture they would be sending their members to do service in less fortunate Latin countries, donating money to charitable Hispanic organizations, teaching English to inner-city Hispanic children, things of that nature. Not using their time to step and stroll in the student union.

Are you in an LGLO?

Before you try to rip me a new one and label me racist, I'm Hispanic.

Oh, OK. Disregard my previous posts. This makes it OK. Also -- some of my best friends are black.