Depositions Underway In AKA Drowning Lawsuit

[h2omoccasin]

Well said Blackwatch.

[DELTABRAT]

Hey all:

I personally feel like folks are comin' down on frat because he isn't saying what is politically correct and basically he is saying what a lot of folks out there are pretty much feeling, but don't have the balls and/or ovaries to say so.

That doesn't take away from well articulated statements such as Blackwatch's which pose a different point of view and a very good strong one. I hear this brothah as well.

I can't say what the solution is. I personally don't think there is one that will sit well with folks. Sentiments here in Los Angeles are that basically no matter what is done, folks are going to just basically go deep...deep underground if need be. Because no matter what, no one just wants to start processing people into their organizations (i.e. fill out the paperwork and it's all good). No matter what, people are going to WANT to be part of a process that they deem to have instilled some sense of bonding between them and their line sisters/brothers. Sure, the real work comes after, the bonding continues AFTER one crosses, but some of the bond is not ONLY with your own respective line, it is with the sorors in your city, region, etc. And whomever said they didn't care about respect from whomever else...that is you! I don't know too many people who feel that way. Again, we can say what we want on this e-mail but representing when face to face is an entirely different story. When you don't get certain things "on line" you can feel very much removed, whether conscious or unconscious.

I have to agree with whomever said that the solution may be to go above ground again. Those who went straight intake, I don't expect to agree. I only say this because it does indeed hold everyone accountable for the safety of the pledges. No, that doesn't mean that people weren't hurt or didn't die when the process was above ground. But this situation is so faulty on the behalves of all parties involved.

If the national organization has no record of the ladies who were pledging the girls or the pledgees thatn whose fault is it? I do not think it is the sorority's. If the only people who knew those girls were doing x,y, and z were her family and friends, then they are partially responsible. That chapter has been suspended for so long that it was the last thing on people's minds to think that illegal activities were going on.

I say bring it all to light. Let the professors, teachers, family, classmates, chapter advisors, everyone know that xyz are pledging abc sorority. In addition to revisiting our process (because the one in place now isn't working). That was if pledgee shows up tomorrow with a missing tooth then everyone knows and everyone is accountable. The way it is now, everything is speculation and heresay. As of yet, this story hasn't even been unfolded to tell the entire truth.

Anyway, just my $19.13. And before anyone makes any assumptions, YES! I am active and financial and have been since DAY 1! Have a meeting to go to now as a matter of fact.

Check y'all later.

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by knowledge1


Believe it or not, that feeling of inadequacy comes from what you deem respect. People decide to undergo pledgeship because they feel that they need to be respected. I say hats off to your 4 LB's who decided to drop. It takes a stronger mentality for you to be ostracized and ridiculed for not being able to "take the heat" and retaining your self-respect as opposed to being stupid and undergoing a considerable amount of humiliation and degradation to get respect....
I'm sorry, but I personally weigh respect as something relative to who you are as a person, not how much stuff you can take off of me. You said you wouldn't embrace someone who had a "weak, watered down, CAT, paper" process. Well, believe me, for as many of those that you wouldn't embrace for lack of a process, there are just that many that wouldn't give a flying phuck about YOUR RESPECT.
Respect is immaterial and so relative. The inadequacy isn't on the part of those that didn't do what you did, that inadequacey lies in you wanting to get on the net to blast people for not doing what you did.

Did it ever occur to you that there are some, such as AKA2D91, who do feel adequate in their process?

I feel you knowledge....but don't you kind of have to come up with some type of EXCUSE as to why you allowed others to smack you around?? It's just a shame that this is what some men need to embrace their manhood...Everytime a brother calls someone else CAT, paper, etc... it is a little re-assurance that the abuse they allowed themselves to endure was worth it. And if that's what it takes for them to celebrate their manhood, that's fine, just keep it in-house though......cuz when you allow allow yourself to sucuumb to a lot of -ish to be "down," in the hood you're called a gangmember or another word that I can't say here.

I'm glad that I don't have to belittle others to feel good about myself, my process, and my letters!!

OO-OOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!!!!!!

But really, after Blackwatch....is there anything else left to be said??

[Peace]

I like to start by saying I don't think AKA is at fault, there is to much information regarding hazing and how the org stand on it...for those girls to not know they were doing something wrong. I see that some of you have come up with solution to this problem. MCCoyred....I thought your solution were good ones.
However, if all else fails, I feel that NO intake on alumnae and collegiate levels would be a solution to the whole matter, and yes this is coming from a non-bglo member. How do some of you feel about that being a solution? or if that is where it is headed.

Originally posted by mccoyred
The elimination of undergraduate chapters will not eliminate hazing. In my opinion, three things are required internally:

1) more rigorous screening process, ie background checks, 2 letters of rec, multistep interview process, etc

2) more indepth certification process for those responsible for conducting the intake

3) reinstatement of a longer, more aboveground pledge process w/ severe penalties (expulsion, criminal prosecution) for those who are proven to recklessly or maliciously endanger a candidate

By taking these steps, we can eventually eliminate hazers within our ranks and screen the orgs from this type of liability. The corporate entities of our org cannot be responsible for those who are unrecognized. Unfortunately, non-Greeks are just as much to blame for this whole 'respect' aspect of intake.

[snuggles12]

"I feel that NO intake on alumnae and collegiate levels would be a solution to the whole matter, and yes this is coming from a non-bglo member."

Having no intake at all levels will not stop hazing. For example, in the drowning incident, suspended members of the organization were pledging others. There will always be members or ghost members who will be able to find people to pledge.

Hazing will always exist because we have some sick people in our organizations who get off on physically assaulting others or putting someone's life in danger. I define hazing as a person who has received a serious injury or putting someone's life in danger (i.e., kidney damage from repeated hits, need surgery to repair skin from buttocks due to repeated hits, making a person eat a food item that contains an ingredient that is deadly to that person and the BGLO member is aware that the food item is deadly to that person, etc).

I think to minimize these harmful and deadly incidents is to bring the pledge process back with improvements. First of all, BGLO's need to be train on how to conduct pledging activities that are challenging, that will enable the line to work as a unit and to do things for the greater good of the line. Pledging activities should encompass the entire line and to make each person grow individually and to unearth hidden abilities that usually come out during stressful situations. Also, there should be elements of stress and surprise during the pledge process. The training right now is inadequate because it focuses on what not to do. The training needs to emphasize that the members are responsible for their line. They are responsible to make sure that the entire has mandatory study time and that their grades should not drop. They are responsible to make sure everyone on line is safe and is presentable in public.

2nd, the sponsoring alumni chapter of the collegiate chapters needs to be more involve to supervise. The collegiate chapter should conduct the pledging activities but the alumni chapter should also be there only to step when absolutely necessary. Also, instead of the alumni chapter vetoing certain pledging activities, the collegiate and alumni should work on compromise that is still challenging but safe.

Thirdly, the entire process before pledging should be redeveloped. There should be multiple interviews, activities for potentials prior to rush that would allow the members observe potentials, etc.

Fourthly, the pledge process should be extended and should have surprises.

Just my opinins.

BJ

[DELTABRAT]

Originally posted by snuggles12
"I feel that NO intake on alumnae and collegiate levels would be a solution to the whole matter, and yes this is coming from a non-bglo member."

Having no intake at all levels will not stop hazing. For example, in the drowning incident, suspended members of the organization were pledging others. There will always be members or ghost members who will be able to find people to pledge.

Hazing will always exist because we have some sick people in our organizations who get off on physically assaulting others or putting someone's life in danger. I define hazing as a person who has received a serious injury or putting someone's life in danger (i.e., kidney damage from repeated hits, need surgery to repair skin from buttocks due to repeated hits, making a person eat a food item that contains an ingredient that is deadly to that person and the BGLO member is aware that the food item is deadly to that person, etc).

I think to minimize these harmful and deadly incidents is to bring the pledge process back with improvements. First of all, BGLO's need to be train on how to conduct pledging activities that are challenging, that will enable the line to work as a unit and to do things for the greater good of the line. Pledging activities should encompass the entire line and to make each person grow individually and to unearth hidden abilities that usually come out during stressful situations. Also, there should be elements of stress and surprise during the pledge process. The training right now is inadequate because it focuses on what not to do. The training needs to emphasize that the members are responsible for their line. They are responsible to make sure that the entire has mandatory study time and that their grades should not drop. They are responsible to make sure everyone on line is safe and is presentable in public.

2nd, the sponsoring alumni chapter of the collegiate chapters needs to be more involve to supervise. The collegiate chapter should conduct the pledging activities but the alumni chapter should also be there only to step when absolutely necessary. Also, instead of the alumni chapter vetoing certain pledging activities, the collegiate and alumni should work on compromise that is still challenging but safe.

Thirdly, the entire process before pledging should be redeveloped. There should be multiple interviews, activities for potentials prior to rush that would allow the members observe potentials, etc.

Fourthly, the pledge process should be extended and should have surprises.

Just my opinins.

BJ

Ditto, Soror!

AS I stated earlier, I feel the only, and really most obvious, solution, is to bring the process back. And as Snuggles stated, with intense training of members on how to pledge incoming members and what that really means because it does NOT mean hazing. Sure, we all have crazy men and women in our respective organizations who will, undoubtedly try to get in a little "extra." But if everyone is on the same page about then I think the circumstances will be less dire. There are ways to pledge people without killing them...it has been done...currently and in the past.

What we have now is a situation where line after line of so and so chapter of whatever sorority/fraternity is coming in through straight intake and feeling inadequate for whatever reason (and people do feel inadequate...whether they want to admit it or not). Like a mother who wants better for her child, she is willing to let grandma (read: renegade members) come back and raise her babies.

Also, again, graduate advisors need to be put up on game as well. I know people are busy with family career, etc., but again, if the process is brought ack thenothers are accountable as well...not just the advisor and the inner circle of people who know the pledging is happening but EVERYBODY!!!

Just my opinion.

[h2omoccasin]

I, like a few of you on this thread, would very much like to see the BGLO pledge process brought back above ground and lengthened, in addition to being conducted with dignity, respect and intelligence. But before we get ahead of ourselves let's do a little soul searching.


DO WE REALLY DESERVE IT?

The NPHC issued a decree on hazing in light of a hazing related death in the Spring 1990. Here we are almost 12 years later and there has been a hazing related death at South East Missouri State and alleged hazing related hazing deaths Tennessee State University and in California*note* I use alleged with the later 2 incidents due to pending court cases, the first one was resolved. Not to mention hazing incidents that led to hospitalizations at Cornell, Mississippi State University, Norfolk State University, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, West Virginia State University, Lincoln University and Southern Illinois University. That's just the list that made the news---- who knows how many have suffered in silence. Let's face it, the pledge process was taken away due to irresponsibility.


I believe that being a member of BGLO is a privilege and that membership should be based on merit and effort. But with that privilege comes responsibility. We cannot blame it all on "ghost", because if that's the case, someone "legit" made them. We cannot blame it all on inactives, because at some point they were active and acquainted with the rules and regs of their respective organizations. I'll admit while I'm am onlyk nowledgeable with the rules and regulations of my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, I'll go out on limb and say, that none of the NPHC organizations advocate, pledging people to death.


Before any of the members of the NPHC can even think of bringing back "pledging", we need to see if we can get thru a year without a pledge going to the hospital or worse, dying. We can cannot blame it on the " new process" because this was going on well before 1990.


In short with rights come responsibility.

[AKA2D '91]

We do have a forum for members and sisterfriends of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. We (Sorors) would like to welcome you to GC. If you'd stop by and let us know who you are, we'd really appreciate that. (If you know what I mean )

(New to GC thread)

[AKA_Monet]

I am sitting here thinking why someone would haze and all I can come up with are these two thoughts:

"Do not worship any false idols, for I am a Jealous God..."

"Worship thy God and only thy God..."

Now, I call myself a Christian, and I say to myself that I love Christ for He died on the cross for my sins and was resurrected to reconcile me before God. What would possess me to strike a fellow human being (my future Soror, nonetheless) and still call myself a Christian?

Well when I think about it, all of us joined our illustrious organizations because it made us feel good, made us want to be a part of something greater than ourselves--I know it did for me. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. served my needs and gave me a purpose at the time I signed my name on the dotted line... Then we had a indoctrination period, a ritualistic period then we made vows to our organizations... And we will defend the presence of our organizations in perpetuity--forever, hopefully--God willing...

Well see, some folks don't say the name of Jesus when great things come their way... I ain't talking 'bout those other religions, I'm talking 'bout those who call theysefs Christians, and don't praise God when they see His Glory... And they take the belief the actually building, housing their beliefs, more than they love the Word of God... How else to these "cults" start--within the Church? How did Jim Jones get all those folks to move to Guyana and drink that nasty Kool Aid? How did David Koresh, get those "Wacko" folks in the compound to have children with him? How did "Do and Dot"--or whatever the Heaven's Gate people--convince those other folks to give up they lives to catch a UFO behind some comet?

I just think these hazers, have that exact same psychosis. Psychologically, they demonize the true meaning of our organization's creeds and mottos, twist them to suit their demonic deeds, and lie, like the snake in the Garden of Eden, to interests and prospectives as to the purpose of organizations... Moreover, this all fits because the ultimate evil doer, Satan, "possesses" these folks to believe that what they are doing is right, a "rite of passage"--even if it says on paper and by authorities it is wrong...

NO, it ain't just about "the Devil made me do it" mentality--it is more about a level of a psychiatric disorder that can only partially be tempored by medication and therapy... It is akin to a "rapist" or a spouse abuser trying to maintain a dysfunctional codependent relationship based on overpowering and dominating others with brutality and submission... The oppressed become the oppressors... A warped sense of humanity, lovingkindness, faith, hope and love.. But not in God, in their idol they have illegitamately propped up and fabricated with our grand designs made over 90 years ago...

I actually am repulsed when I fathom the sheer justification of one's actions to enslave another human being into submission... If one feels that strongly about it, they should just become a part of the S&M crew and beat folks to sexual pleasure outta of it... Of course, they can't be in our organizations... But, at least everyone participating in it knows that they will be prostituting and pimpin' theysefs...

Really, though, we will be unable to change the culture simply because the manifestation, prevalence and dominance of violence in our society to solve our problems... Just ask Saddam and Iraq... Look at the Catholic Church and pedophile priest... Hey, just look at the snipers...

On a Marimba Ani tip in Yurugu and several other texts: A new age is on the horizon. We are witnesses before it. There are always birthpangs before a new life comes into this world. We may see more ugliness before we see the grand beauty before us. Unfortunately, lives are lost needlessly. However, I think this event HAS change my Sorority indefinitely... Grad vs. UG? I really don't think so. Eliminate UG chapters? No, that would be too unwise right now...

However, if I call myself a Christian, then it is my duty to lovingly mend and correct the actions of my fellow faltering sisters. I am compelled reach toward them with a response of Love. No, I detest their actions. But I find when you reach toward them in Love not only is it longer lasting, it is permenant... To this day, I doubt the perpatraitors recognize the wrongness of their actions... To this day, a jail term may not make a difference to these afouled demonic spirits... But, with God's Love, spiritual armor, all things are possible in Christ... Ideally, I know I would want these perpatraitors to come forward and turn themselves in for their wrongdoing and accept the fate, take responsibility for their actions--be a woman about it and step up! At least that what I was taught when I pledged--without one hand striking me...

[UDZETA]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
New info: ALL people involved have NO CURRENT ties to AKA. The girls participating were not eligible/not involved in a formal process & the girls "leading the process" were FORMER members of a suspended chapter...this means that they have no rights/priviledges pertaining to the Sorority.

Now, with that said, HOW do we stop those not actually affiliated with our organizations from using our name to perform ILLEGAL activities. My opinion, we should sue them on top of what other charges they may face.

NONE OF THOSE WORDS ARE MINE!!!!!

So many people want to jump to conclusion that it was the sorority hazing and they are the ones to blame. When someone experiences a lose like that they want some one to blame and the loved one lost was involved some way with a greek org, so right there is some one to pin it on. What I want to know is why these girls (who are not even part of the the Greek org) are with those girls? Where these girls who passed away really pledge to AKA or did they just think they were? Now my prayers go out to the families but please get all the facts about the situation before pointing the figure somewhere. If I was AKA I would have a big issue with thes girls acting to be apart of your sorority. Now hazing is a big issue and it needs to stop but we must know the facts before we can jump to hazing being the cause.

[CrimsonTide4]

Sacramento Observer
June 9, 2003

Depositions Underway In AKA Drowning Lawsuit

By Lenea Austin | SACOBSERVER.COM WIRE SERVICES


LOS ANGELES (NNPA) - Depositions are underway in a lawsuit filed against Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority by the family of Kristin High, one of two women who drowned at a Playa Del Rey beach during alleged hazing activities last year.

Sam High and Patricia Strong-Fargas, High's parents, and her fiancée, Holman Authurs, on behalf of High's and Authurs' son, Skyler, filed an $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against the organization and the members and pledgees present when she died in September.Angela Reddock, an attorney with the firm Collins, Mesereau, Reddock and Yu, LLP., representing High's family, said potential witnesses in the case are being interviewed by attorneys for the defendants and plaintiffs.

Next month, Reddock said, she will be in Chicago taking depositions from AKA's national officers.This month, attorneys for High's family will be taking depositions from "big sisters" who were present during the alleged hazing and named in the suit.

In a legal victory for Reddock and her colleagues, attorneys for defendant Wykida Casey, who also was pledging at the time of High and Kenitha Saafir's death, lost a motion to strike her name from the case, which, according to Reddock, could mean similar demurs will be removed from the court's calendar.Attorneys for High's family will, however, have to revise some causes of action for a third amended complaint.

According to the lawsuit, High was blindfolded then driven to the beach where she was led into the ocean with her hands tied. The lawsuit calls this activity a "right of passage ritual" that was facilitated by High's "assigned … big sister," one of the sorority members. The women were students at California State University-LA.

Initially, police said there was no hazing involved, but according to the county coroner's autopsy report, released by the plaintiff's attorneys, "the manner of death could not be determined." Police are still investigating the matter.

During a press conference last September, the attorneys said, "Two women who had their futures ahead of them died needlessly at the beach. We do not want this death to be in vain."

Collins said the plaintiffs "want to send a message to fraternities and sororities around the country that pledging and hazing … must come to an end."

The national AKA has suspended all pledging at the undergraduate level until this fall.

This story comes special to the NNPA from the Los Angeles Sentinel.

[KappaKittyCat]

Question:

I've read several references on this thread to "intake" versus "pledging." What is the difference? When and why was the switch made?

I'm assuming that "intake" is underground and somewhat secretive, whereas "pledging" is aboveground, but I may be wrong or only scratching the surface. Simply on the basis of the previous assumption, I would agree that it sounds like a good idea to bring these activities back aboveground so that others, e.g. professors and alumnae, could keep an eye out for the safety of the line.

Feel free to PM me if this is not the forum for such discussion.

Thanks.

[miss priss]

I don't mean to infringe--excuse me hijack---but I found this article
Pledge (plej) n.(1) A person undergoing a trial period before formal initiation into a fraternity or sorority. (2) a) To accept tentative membership in a fraternity or sorority. b) to accept as a pledge. (3) Something promised esp. money to be contributed in regular payments.
Haze (haz) vt. hazed, haz'ing [< ? OFr haser ] 1) Naut. to punish or harass by forcing to do hard, unnecessary work. 2) to initiate or discipline (fellow students) by forcing to do ridiculous, humiliating, or painful things.



Taken from Webster's New World Dictionary; Third College Edition 1989



It is now time that we cover one of the most pressing issues facing Black Greek Lettered Organizations. The issue of Pledging vs. Hazing. Before I begin this I must warn you. This page in particular is made to offend some of those who read this. The reason being there are those, no matter what the organization, who will tell you that they pledged, but their actions are contradictory to what "TRUE" pledging stands for. There are others who say that they didn't pledge, but this information will prove otherwise.

Now let us begin. If you have read the previous information in this site you have gathered quite a bit about the philosophies of Black Greek Lettered Organizations. How we began, what we represent, and for many of us what we have lost. You have been given a glimpse into the things that unifies us in the hope that knowledge will destroy or dispel those things that separate us. It is sad to say that one thing that separates us, not as much as organizations, but more as members is the issue of how a person should be brought into an organization. If you ask a member about hazing, in most cases you will get the rehearsed, "We are non-hazing organizations." Yet there are many chapters of any organization that are known to make their pledges do some questionable deeds. Here at the Temple we won’t make excuses for what others do, and at the same time we don’t want to come off as liars. So here is my "personal" spin on the issue at hand.

For a moment let us go back in time. Back to the time of the Nubian/Egyptian/African traveler. Let us take a look at him/her before he/she set out on the journey to the land of the Greeks as a bringer of "LIGHT". Let us remember what it was like when the traveler himself/herself walked in "DARKNESS" in search of "LIGHT". First, the traveler had a desire to become more than he/she was. He/She had a thirst for knowledge; a thirst so strong that the traveler prayed for the right direction. The traveler next inquired of the great minds of the time, for he/she wanted to become like them. Once a sage or griot (teacher) was found that would take the traveler in, the traveler was set with a challenge or as we call it a CHARGE. There were four charges that existed: The Charge of Instruction, The Charge of Liability, The Charge Duty, and The Charge by Wood & Fire. The definition of The Charge of Instruction is to give instructions to or command with authority. The definition of The Charge of Liability is to put liability on a person or to make liable. The definition of The Charge of Duty is to have care, custody, or supervision over.

When the first three charges were given out the traveler was joined by others who, like him/her, were in search of "LIGHT". It was by instruction they were taught how to walk in the ways of great thinkers. Together they were made liable for the knowledge they were given. If one possessed "LIGHT" they must ALL possess "LIGHT". If one was to fall short then it was up to them "ALL" to carry that person. It was their duty to protect the knowledge and each other with their lives if need be. They were expected to one day become teachers, poets, philosophers, engineers, architects, and leaders amongst men & women. For one day they would take on the titles of great sages or griots charged with the job of dispensing "LIGHT" to the those walked in "DARKNESS".

After it was seen fit that they were ready to become full fledged travelers, they were tested by wood and fire. Wood was believed to be the purest form known to ancient man. In the Nubian territories which included Egypt, known as Kemet then, Ethiopia then known as Sheba, wood was exalted because it contained three of the four elements: Earth, Wind, and Water. The fourth element, Fire, returned the wood to its basic components. Since wood was considered to be so pure, the Egyptians took it and "GENTLY" tapped the female sex organ with it. They believed that it would bring fertility to the female. It is for this reason that would be travelers were tested. They were "TAPPED" with wood in order to bring fertility to the brotherhood/sisterhood. They experienced trial by fire in order to return them to their original elements that made them men/women.

Now you might ask how does this apply to the differences between pledging and hazing. Think for a minute over the journey of the traveler; read the two definitions. You must know that the pursuit of knowledge is similar to the trial period by which men/women are made. Understand that at some point in our lives, each one of us set out in search of "LIGHT". This same "LIGHT" was meant to manifest a love in our hearts for GOD, ourselves, our fellow man, our fellow woman, and our world. Pledging was designed to bring out the best in the pledge or aspirant. It was created to be a time of bonding, a time of struggle, a time of growth, but most of all a time of joy. For those who pledged they walked in "DARKNESS" in search of the "LIGHT" that the organization had to offer. For those who did the pledging; it was meant to be their transition from recipients of "LIGHT" to dispensers of "LIGHT".

Unfortunately, the process of pledging at some point for many became a process of hazing. The trials for the purpose of bonding became trials of who could make a person laugh at the torment of others. The trials by which knowledge was taught and learned became trials of a person’s pain threshold. The day that pledging became hazing, many members of Black Greek Lettered Organizations lost the knowledge of who we are and why we exist. If you were to ask a person who "CLAIMS" they pledged why the wood is used; there are many who would shrug their shoulders and say they didn’t know. If you asked them why they are called a line; they would look at you with a puzzled frown on their face. If you asked them why their line is named like a navel vessel; they would just ignore you. If you asked them what they are doing not just for their organization, but for the empowerment of the Black Community; they would have to sit and wonder. If you ask them how they claim to be unified, but at the drop of dime they disrespect other Greek Lettered Organizations; they would not know what to tell you.

To be honest there are many who fall prey to at least one of these situations. There is no easy way to say this, but there is one thing that must be considered. If you fall victim to the previously stated situations then it is possible that you were hazed and not pledged. If you don't know why wood was used, yet you are someone who thinks WOOD = PLEDGING; then I am sorry to say that you have a lot to learn about pledging. If you think that being forced to stay up all night for someone else’s amusement is pledging; then you have got a lot to learn about pledging. If you disrepect or look down on other organizations; I am sorry to say you were not pledged. If you think that because you didn't take wood that you didn't pledge; you might be surprised to find out it is possible that you did pledge.

Pledging is supposed to teach three things. Loyalty to the principles of the organization, loyalty to brotherhood/sisterhood amongst "ALL" men/women, and loyalty to the community from which you came. If you learned all of these things, no matter what your process was like, my brother...my sister you were pledged. If you did not...I am sorry to say you were hazed. To all my Greek, Non-Greek, etc. brothers & sisters, I charge you with two questions only you can answer. Were you pledged or were you hazed? Do you pledge or do you haze?

If fraternities and sororities are a "means of transportation" then we must treat them with care so that we don't wreak them. For a man or woman that purchases a vehicle and wrecks it out of "IGNORANCE" is a fool. He/She not only hurts themselves, but they hurt others in the process. The same way a person performs maintenance on a vehicle to keep it running and looking its best is the same way we must maintain our fellow members & fellow organizations. We must treat our organizations, our brothers, and our sisters with respect, for if we don't then who will?


The Temple of Blue Staff
Brother Ahab El'Askeni
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
CPT. AHAB the PuPPeT MaStEr
Fall 96 ** LEGION OF DOOM ** #5 of 11
Initiated Delta Theta Chapter @ Prairie View A&M University

Now The "FlawLess Victory" Iota Alpha Sigma Chapter
East Bay & Northern California



Thanks to Brother Ahab El'Askeni for the literature.
For a printer friendly versionclick here
For more works from the Temple of Blue Staff: TempleofBlue

[miss priss]

Oh, btw, I hope that AKA comes out on top!

[Wonderful1908]

This is such a catch-22 ( I know what that mean by the way thanks to the random knowledge thread)! I came through undergrad, and was around to bring in another line. I agree that hazing is way out of control. I also agree that we in BGLO's allow it to go on. Now I would have never put myself or anyone in a dangerous predicament like the world's largest ocean. However, if we really told the truth on this board and said 1)I was hazed or 2)allowed someone to be hazed 3) help hazed or 4) did not report hazing most of us would be somewhat guilty. We have to be real as organizations and admit there is a problem, Hazing no longer has its place no matter what you feel about it! People do not need to be tortured, beat, or abused mentally for weeks to become effective and PRODUCTIVE members!!! However there are those who believe that it's not even about making you appreciate the organization but more for the fact that its a part of the process to have memories. I can't imagine getting into an ocean, however I rememebr how bad I wanted to be an AKA, and if a member is telling you this is what it takes alot of us would and have done some crazy things. I don't think the elimination of undergrad membership is the key, because grad members have ALOT to do with the hazing. We have to step back as organizations, and make these processes faster. From the time a girl rushes till she crosses that window of time can no longer be the amount of time it takes in our organizations. If a girl is rushing she ALREADY knows I need to come up with about xyz dollars, this process needs to be no more than a week start to finish. Applications for every organization should be checked, verified, or whatever each organization does PRIOR to rush. I loved undergrad and will always have wonderful memories from beginning to end, but my memories are almost ALL after I crossed, thats where your real memories come from. Lets be real, admit we are part of the problem, realize we have to eliminate this opppurtunity for hazing and except the changes it may bring to our intakes and organizations.