Secrecy Article

[Oldest_Pledge]

Interesting article on secrecy in the latest issue of Bete Theta Pi magazine.

What are your views on the subject.

I, for one, would not publish the Key Three. But I could see the rest in the being published. Not that I agree they should be in order for our fraternity to move forward or change. But I could accept the decision of a Convention vote to do so.

[furmanbeta]

Um, no. I was shocked to read that article and more than surprised to learn that this was even considered. Advertise your secrets to the world? Are you f-ing kidding me?

Yes, I realize that we've got an open constitution, but there's got to be some sort of secrecy involved. Think back through the ritual and you will see that this is a completely unacceptable idea.

[sdbeta1]

I would also agree that the secrets should be kept secret. Isn't it our ritual that ties us together throughout the nation? It should not be made public under any circumstances. It will mark the demise of the fraternity.

[Oldest_Pledge]

Originally Posted by furmanbeta

Um, no. I was shocked to read that article and more than surprised to learn that this was even considered. Advertise your secrets to the world? Are you f-ing kidding me?

Yes, I realize that we've got an open constitution, but there's got to be some sort of secrecy involved. Think back through the ritual and you will see that this is a completely unacceptable idea.

Originally Posted by sdbeta1

I would also agree that the secrets should be kept secret. Isn't it our ritual that ties us together throughout the nation? It should not be made public under any circumstances. It will mark the demise of the fraternity.

I agree with both ouf you. But since I am not allowed to vote a the Convention (the only place this issue should be decided, either that or "one man" "one vote" for every Beta Active or Alum).

However, for the sake of discussion, detail your reasoning why this would be the death peal for our Fraternity and support and defend your position why that which is now secret should not be made public.

I will give my "other side" view (taking it for the sake of an open discussion). I will use the example of the Masonic Lodge. The Lodge is still considered to have secrets (grips, words, oaths, obligations, penalties etc). Yet, one can go to many book stores and purchase two books that completely give away the entire ritual, grips, words, oaths, obligations, penalties etc.

Many members have joined knowing the answers where out there yet did not go the store and get them.

I think after the initial "shock and awe" wears off, we will be back to a group of pledges that do not take the time to go get the book and still come into the Beta with no knowledge.

An interesting sidebar to this is what would our Brotherhood be like if the pledges knew more of what Beta was about before they pledged. Members that chose to come to Beta BECAUSE of what they knew, not what they were seeking.

Again, I do not support the idea of giving away our secrets. I will abide by rules of the Brotherhood and support the decision of the Convention of the proper powers that determine what gets published.

Also, for the sake of an open discussion, I have opted to post an alternative viewpoint opposite of what I believe.

I hope more Brothers post here in a calm and thoughtful manner.

[ECUJacob]

If you/we/Beta can't show people what we're about without showing them a few key sentences, then we aren't doing our job. Our actions and words should be clear examples of what our goals and aims are. Therefore, I would think that our most important pieces of information (the 3) should be kept secret.

Just my $.02

[ZZ-kai-]

I read it and was a bit irritated by it, but I think the article was written to spark discussion among our Domain. Just wait til the next issue and read all the 'Letters to the Editor' that are sent in.

If we were to ever, EVER, publish the 7 and the 3 solely to 'show the rest of society that we're not evil', I'll be truly disappointed. I don't think it'll happen though....

[EE-BO]

Originally Posted by Oldest_Pledge

An interesting sidebar to this is what would our Brotherhood be like if the pledges knew more of what Beta was about before they pledged. Members that chose to come to Beta BECAUSE of what they knew, not what they were seeking.

Sorry, but that reflects a complete lack of understanding of what Beta, or any fraternity is all about.

You come to it because you are seeking something and you find a common bond during rush with a given chapter which also sees promise in you.

It is about far more than words- and anyone who ever told me they wanted to be a Beta because they liked our secrets is someone I would never want as a brother.

In the hands of someone shopping for a fraternity- our secrets have little meaning beyond some superficial interpretation that anyone could bring to them to suit their own purpose.

To a brother who has successfully earned his place, those secrets mean everything.

And so why divulge them?

Just check out the Alumnae Initiation board on this site and look at all the women who say they want to be in X sorority as alumnae initiates because they like the motto or the national charity involved even though they know nothing of the GLO they want to join- and see the reaction they get from legitimate initiated sisters who joined and earned their place as undergrads via the manner which is traditional for good reason.

Edit- checking the thread again today I see this looks like I am attacking you Oldest_Pledge. Apologies- that was not the case. I know you share my desire to keep ritual private, and I was just reacting to this concept you posted from the opposing viewpoint.

[Coramoor]

Worst. Idea. Ever.

And another reason that the General Fraternity needs a house cleaning. The incestuous relationships up there on their hill are sickening.

Again, I have been saying it for YEARS, but this is just another example that the dorks up on the hill want to turn this Great Fraternity into an academic honor society!