Alabama recruitment fall-out

[LXA SE285]

LDF's perspectives may or may not be valid as regards general observations about Greek life, but to be fair I don't think she's ever specifically given anyone recruitment advice.

[AZTheta]

I'm making room on the sofa.

[DrPhil]

AZTheta: No need for that. Nothing groundbreaking and profound happening in this thread.

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

AZTheta: No need for that. Nothing groundbreaking and profound happening in this thread.

Well hell, I just put a heavy mix on, was ready for some entertainment while getting in the groove.

[DubaiSis]

The long and short of it is only time will tell. I personally believe that there was probably some (albeit probably not overwhelming) support for integration in the chapters over the last 10+ years. It wasn't until there was one spectacular candidate who really clearly, black and white (excusing the pun) deserved it and was not allowed in based entirely on race did it come to a head. It's time, and I think the chapters at Bama know this and will adapt on varying schedules. Putting on my psychic hat, next fall some (read: fewer than 10) black girls will rush and all of them will get bids if they complete the process, but not all of them will accept their bids, or they'll drop out before the process is complete. I'm gonna go with 6 will accept their bids. There will be no way for the chapters who offer the bids to NOT look like tokenism, because there simply weren't enough girls available to make it any different. The chapters will welcome them with open arms and there will be some awkward moments where some girl will say something stupid like "I don't see color" or "some of my best friends are black." But those girls will learn over time, and the black girls will adapt into this cloistered environment and will be generally happy with their decision, with moments of massive regret. Just like most sorority women. Now, let's see where I'm wrong, which will probably be all over the place.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

The chapters will welcome them with open arms and there will be some awkward moments where some girl will say something stupid like "I don't see color" or "some of my best friends are black." But those girls will learn over time,

True -- I know sometimes people inadvertently say things to those with disabilities, for instance, that can be construed as rude or ignorant. This isn't necessarily ill-intended or a reason to ship them off to a reeducation camp, however. Most people wouldn't purposely offend.

[DubaiSis]

And that embarrassing moment when you find out that you said something totally stupid, insensitive or rude? Priceless where it comes to repeating said stupid comment.

[pattyPNM123]

Not that this matters, but I just wanted to put my two cents in. I'm a PNM from the south rushing at Alabama next year and I'm African American. I live in an affluent area and all of my friends are white. That's how it's always been. All the girls in my class going to Alabama are all rushing NPC sororities, many of which are my friends. We all live in the same kind of neighborhoods, our parents work side by side in the same jobs and we've all gone to the same schools, been on the same cheerleading team and have really been together all our lives. No one even so much as looks twice at me because I'm black and I'm treated the same way they are treated. I'm interested in the same sort of things they are interested in, and I want to be in an NPC sorority. It's not hard for me to find letters of recommendations or information about recruitment because my friend's parents, parent's friends, teachers, activity leaders and older friends are all sorority alumni, some of which even attended Alabama. Whenever I've asked for a recommendation I've been welcomed with open arms and they are happy to write me one. I'm scared about recruitment next year, and whether or not (if I even am so lucky to be a part of one of the sororities at Alabama) I received a bid due to the fact they didn't want to seem "racist" or if they actually liked me will haunt me forever. But if the main problem is truly with the alumna and not with the actives, I will not be embarrassed or ashamed to participate in a sorority. It's what I want to do and if other people think I am a "sell out" that is their business. All I can hope is that the race scandal is overplayed, my hopeful sisters and the fellow fraternities will treat me as an equal and things will run smoother than they did last fall. This is what I hope for.

I hope I didn't overstep anything or offend anyone, I am trying to sound as humble as possible because I realize that being in any house at Alabama is better than not being in one at all. I realize being chosen to join one of these sororities is a privilege, and I can only hope I am given that privilege on the basis of my character. Once again I hope my post doesn't offend anyone.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by pattyPNM123

[redacted, because my intention is NOT to QFP]

If your post offends anyone, they are utterly tone deaf. I hope you have a great recruitment and an awesome time at Bama.

[als463]

Originally Posted by pattyPNM123

Not that this matters, but I just wanted to put my two cents in. I'm a PNM from the south rushing at Alabama next year and I'm African American. I live in an affluent area and all of my friends are white. That's how it's always been. All the girls in my class going to Alabama are all rushing NPC sororities, many of which are my friends. We all live in the same kind of neighborhoods, our parents work side by side in the same jobs and we've all gone to the same schools, been on the same cheerleading team and have really been together all our lives. No one even so much as looks twice at me because I'm black and I'm treated the same way they are treated. I'm interested in the same sort of things they are interested in, and I want to be in an NPC sorority. It's not hard for me to find letters of recommendations or information about recruitment because my friend's parents, parent's friends, teachers, activity leaders and older friends are all sorority alumni, some of which even attended Alabama. Whenever I've asked for a recommendation I've been welcomed with open arms and they are happy to write me one. I'm scared about recruitment next year, and whether or not (if I even am so lucky to be a part of one of the sororities at Alabama) I received a bid due to the fact they didn't want to seem "racist" or if they actually liked me will haunt me forever. But if the main problem is truly with the alumna and not with the actives, I will not be embarrassed or ashamed to participate in a sorority. It's what I want to do and if other people think I am a "sell out" that is their business. All I can hope is that the race scandal is overplayed, my hopeful sisters and the fellow fraternities will treat me as an equal and things will run smoother than they did last fall. This is what I hope for.

I hope I didn't overstep anything or offend anyone, I am trying to sound as humble as possible because I realize that being in any house at Alabama is better than not being in one at all. I realize being chosen to join one of these sororities is a privilege, and I can only hope I am given that privilege on the basis of my character. Once again I hope my post doesn't offend anyone.

With an attitude like that, any house would be blessed to call you a sister. I truly hope recruitment goes well for you. You have such a positive outlook and I love that you would be open to join any house.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by pattyPNM123

I realize being chosen to join one of these sororities is a privilege, and I can only hope I am given that privilege on the basis of my character. Once again I hope my post doesn't offend anyone.

Nothing whatsoever offending about your post -- thanks for sharing your perspective. You have a great outlook!

All the best to you -- hope you enjoy the process and are hugging sisters on a lawn you love in August. :)

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by pattyPNM123

I live in an affluent area and all of my friends are white. That's how it's always been. All the girls in my class going to Alabama are all rushing NPC sororities, many of which are my friends. We all live in the same kind of neighborhoods, our parents work side by side in the same jobs and we've all gone to the same schools, been on the same cheerleading team and have really been together all our lives.

Good luck and I sincerely hope you do well.

This part that I quoted are things that differentiate some racial and ethnic minorities from other racial and ethnic minorities. These things can potentially buffer some of the effects of race. If people can believe "you're just like me" then they are more likely to relate to you and accept you. I trust you won't be chosen as the token "Black member/friend who isn't TOO Black."

[LAblondeGPhi]

Originally Posted by pattyPNM123

I am trying to sound as humble as possible because I realize that being in any house at Alabama is better than not being in one at all. I realize being chosen to join one of these sororities is a privilege, and I can only hope I am given that privilege on the basis of my character.

I'm so glad that this thread has veered off in such a positive direction.

pattyPNM - You sound like an amazing young woman with just the right attitude for anyone going through Alabama recruitment to have. Lots of luck! Let us know how it goes (after bid day, of course)!

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by pattyPNM123

I hope I didn't overstep anything or offend anyone, I am trying to sound as humble as possible because I realize that being in any house at Alabama is better than not being in one at all. I realize being chosen to join one of these sororities is a privilege, and I can only hope I am given that privilege on the basis of my character. Once again I hope my post doesn't offend anyone.

Patty, I know that we will ALL be pulling for you during rush! I hope that you will come back to us with a very honest perspective of the recruitment process AFTER it is over. It would be especially enlightening for those that are involved as alumnae to see if things at UA are changing from a first hand perspective.

[FSUZeta]

Patty, welcome to GreekChat. I love your attitude! I wish you the best of luck at Alabama, and with rush.