BRANDS & TATOOS

[SOPHISTICATED1]

I HAVE NOTICED THAT MANY MEMBERS OF NPHCs HAVE EITHER BRANDED OR TATOOTED THEIR SORORITY'S OR FRATERNITY'S GREEK LETTERS OR CREST ON TO THEIR SKIN. AFTER SPEAKING TO A MEMBER OF A NPHC SORORITY SHE STATED THAT SHE WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THAT WAS DISRESPECTFUL TO THE ORGANIZATION AND WHAT IT STOOD FOR. FOR YEARS THE QUEs HAVE BEEN KNOWN FOR THEIR BRANDS AND KAPPAS FOR HAVING TATOOS. I HAVE ALSO SEEN MANY WOMEN IN BLACK SORORITIES WITH THEIR GREEK LETTERS TATOOED ON THEIR BACKS AND ANKLES. HOW DO MEMBERS OF NPHCs FEEL ABOUT THIS? DO YOU FEEL IT IS DISRESPECTFUL TO THE ORGANIZATION, WHETHER IT BE A SORORITY OR FRATERNITY? OR DO YOU FEEL THAT IT IS JUST HAVING PRIDE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION AND REINFORCING YOUR COMMITMENT AND LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP?

I believe that a brand or tattoo is showing pride in your organization. However, if your organization frowns upon this particular display of enthusiasm then one should not engage in such acts. Hey, that's why they sell 'nalia.

[mgdzkm433]

Lots of organizations have their emblems, crests, and such copyrighted. They also have to approve of anything with their names on it and any symbols that represent them. So I think that some sororities/fraternities look down upon it as copyright infringement, and because it wasn't approved by nationals or their governing body.

What is the problem with tattoos? I have a tattoo of my letters on my ankle, and several of my friends have all sorts of letter/insignia tattoos. How could this be seen as offensive or disrespectful? To me and many others, it is a sense of pride. To make a committment to a sorority or fraternity is for life. Something permanent like a tattoo is a perfectly acceptable way of honoring that committment. I am not saying everyone should get their letters tattooed, but for some it is a very good expression of their committment and pride.

[sgrho_22]

I do believe that many people frown upon branding because of the part in the history of slavery and ownership. Many people believe that we have some how forgotten why it's use and also because they use branding for animals...Personally i've never had a problem with it.

[Finer Woman10-A-91]

Branding and tatooing is not for everyone. Some will argue it is a "sin" others will say it is the ultimate confirmation of love of your organizations and still some will say...oooh, that looks like it hurts...no thanks but i will see you at the next conference.

It's all a matter of choice. Personally, I like my Pearls right where they are ALWAYS worn! And for those who do not know where that is...please do not ask.



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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

[SOPHISTICATED1]

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO REPLIED.

[mgdzkm433]

I would say that it just needs to be covered up somehow.

[33girl]

A lot of Greeks I know got something that was not the crest or letters but was linked with the sorority or fraternity. For example, AST uses the tiger as their mascot, so some of the girls got tiger tattoos. That way people “in the know” get it, but there’s no chance of it creating any sort of negative image for other schools or nationals that might disapprove. I think it depends on the region where you are from, some people would faint at the thought of a female having a tattoo.

As for myself, I’m too chicken to even get my ears pierced so I don’t think I’ll be getting a tattoo any time soon!

[DiSTinguished]

Great question SOPHISTICATED1. I would imagine that each organization has some opinionn on it, particularly BGLO. As far as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is concerned, both brands and tatoos of official symbols, letters, etc...are not appropriate.
As far as I am concerned, I don't mind when the Ques get branded because they were the first fraternity to do it and it actually has meaning for them. I really don't like to see brands on anyone other than Ques.

[SilverTurtle]

DiSTinguished- you posted the following..

As far as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is concerned, both brands and tatoos of official symbols, letters, etc...are not appropriate.

I was just curious, is this an official 'policy' or regulation of the sorority? Or is it something that is just looked down upon? Also, someone (maybe Mikki?) mentioned that most GLOs/BGLOs have their crests, letters, etc. copyrighted.. does this have anything to do with that? If it is something the sorority official takes a stand against, I wonder how many other organizations have official policies/rules on these things?


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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter

[dstbrat]

that is a published policy that is punishable by suspension. the organization believes that permanently affixing the symbols or crest to one's body is in poor taste and does not represent the sorority well. now, that is not to say the the policy is abided by. i tend to agree with the policy because there is no way that you can represent the sorority well at all times. and there is no way to remove that decoration. what if a soror was arrested and her DST tat or brand was pictured in her mug shot? i shutter to think about it. i think if you wish to honor the sorority in that manner, you can use an unofficial symbol (if you must). but, certainly not the crest or the symbols.

[Shelacious]

I usually don't like to see organizational brands or tats in very visible locations on the body for women. This is just my personal opinion. I don't have a problem with brands on fraternity members in general, but DST Brat is correct that visible tats and brands may come back to haunt a member and the organization in the future.

Like FinerWoman's Pearls, I like my Dove where it is always worn! And FinerWoman...if I know my history...

[This message has been edited by Shelacious (edited June 07, 2000).]

[Finer Woman10-A-91]

Another reason why I love my Sorors!!!!! Yes mam...its understood!

Originally posted by Shelacious:
Like FinerWoman's Pearls, I like my Dove where it is always worn! And FinerWoman...if I know my history...

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

[ZetaAce]

Originally posted by dstbrat:
what if a soror was arrested and her DST tat or brand was pictured in her mug shot? i shutter to think about it.

Yikes!! That would be pretty horrible!