Greek Family,
I was having a conversation with a sistergreek the other day when the topic of greek life came up. She made an interesting comparison between helping people in their quest for greekdom and affirmative action. Her main point was that many greeks are hypocritical in that many of us believe in the institution of affirmative action as a means of getting us to places that our efforts alone would not take us. In her opinion, the hypocrisy lies in that we don’t adopt that same attitude as it pertains to greek life. Many greeks maintain the mantra “I got mine the hard way…you need to get yours the same way” instead of wanting to make things easier for those who come behind us. I know what you are going to say: “They will appreciate my organization better if they have to work for it.” While this may be true, African-American doctors, lawyers, and educators who went through the Aff. Act. System are viewed no less than those who made it the hard way. What do you think? Is her comparison legitimate?
I’m interested in hearing your thoughts. Since this post is so long, I will give my opinion at a later time.
Additionally, while this post is intended for greeks, substantial responses from non-greeks are welcome.
#13—Prima Donna
but more than that, I don't believe that a person should be turned away due to personal prejudice.
What other reasoning would we use to turn people away?
Character, reputation, moral standards etc--these are good reasons in my opinion. Not because she made the cheerleading squad and you didn't, or she's not light enough, or the guy you like is interested in her. These are superficial reasons, and I think that decisions based on these criteria are wrong.
It could be argued that all of the bolded are prejudice or preference.
ANY REASON that we use to select or reject AFTER criteria has been met is superficial as the person is qualified.
PrimaDonna_1908 wrote:
Quote:
Decisions have to be made on people we feel that will best serve the chapter in the long run.
You are 100% correct. Of course, when you have 200 at the interest meeting and 100+ that are qualified, it is going to be difficult to decide from that pool. But when you overlook a qualified candidate and choose someone who is significantly less qualified just because she is your friend or something like that, I don't think it is in the best interest of the chapter or the org at large.
But what makes a person more or less qualified than the next, overall?
A person either meets the standards or they don't.
Otherwise we are giving people passes which I agree is wrong.
PrimaDonna_1908 wrote:
Quote:
Decisions have to be made on people we feel that will best serve the chapter in the long run.
Friends don't necessarily make good sorors. I want someone who is going to work. Sisterhood comes first, of course, but service is a strong second. What is she going to bring to the chapter? Can I trust that my chapter is going to be in good hands after I graduate? I want that assurance, so I want to select someone who will give me that kind of peace.
The above bolded is a large reason why people get rejected for "superficial" reasons.
We are inevitably going to reject people who look good on paper because someone feels that they won't be good for the chapter.
I see where both of u guys are coming from. I honestly see truth in both points. But there really is no way to get around both cases. We have to remember that first and foremost GLOs were designed to be a brotherhood/sisterhood. Yes, we do alot of community service, we conduct alot of business, and we put on various activities, but before all of that...it is a private organization. Just becuz someone meets the criteria, does not mean that they will mesh well with the other members.
I'm just saying you don't have to pledge everyone
everyone doesn't respond to that nor will they accept and appreciate it
These two statements seem to imply that you believe pledging and hazing are interchangeable (synonymous).
Serious questions: Do you believe this to be true? What is meant by "you don't have to pledge everyone"? Should there not be an aspect of teaching and learning?
do you think the only way to make a person love, appreciate, respect and learn about the org. is to make it extremely hard to join and haze them till they love it ?
Yes, that is my definition. I also KNOW it does not guarantee love and devotion. Another reason I asked Is because we feel people have to "earn" everything. Some people say they will not pay all of college education so their children will appreciate it more or "I paid my way" Some one asked why white GLO's seem more welcoming and make it easier to join than we do and no one ever addressed that. They seem active and committed in undergrad, not when they are 50, but they must support them if the houses are evidence. What's your definition of pledging?
Yes, that is my definition. I also KNOW it does not guarantee love and devotion. Another reason I asked Is because we feel people have to "earn" everything. Some people say they will not pay all of college education so their children will appreciate it more or "I paid my way" Some one asked why white GLO's seem more welcoming and make it easier to join than we do and no one ever addressed that. They seem active and committed in undergrad, not when they are 50, but they must support them if the houses are evidence. What's your definition of pledging?
hmmm...Im curious to hear a greek perspective on his point and the question he asked.
Yes, that is my definition. I also KNOW it does not guarantee love and devotion. Another reason I asked Is because we feel people have to "earn" everything. Some people say they will not pay all of college education so their children will appreciate it more or "I paid my way" Some one asked why white GLO's seem more welcoming and make it easier to join than we do and no one ever addressed that. They seem active and committed in undergrad, not when they are 50, but they must support them if the houses are evidence. What's your definition of pledging?
hmmm...Im curious to hear a greek perspective on his point and the question he asked.
well since there's an audience and all ...
I think it is important to remember that not everything applies to every situation. Yeah, folkz have read the books, seen the movies, and heard the stories...but don't be naive enough to think u understand or know for certain what someone goes through in a process. If someone was silly enough to disclose that information to outsiders, then that's their issue. However, that doesn't mean that every greek experiences the same thing. Pledging is not synonimous with hazing. A process is not just about ensuring "love & devotion". Those are things u should have before u even fill out the application. It's a learning process. One which no person can truly understand unless they have actually gone through one themselves.
As for how white GLOs conduct themselves...that is their bizniz. But don't be so quick to categorize. EVERY white GLO does not welcome prospects with smiling faces and open arms. And every BGLO does not do the opposite. I'd be the first to say that the members of my org were friendly and open to me when i was a prospect. I never experienced any animosity or attitudes when i went to interest meetings or spoke to them around campus. So like i said, everything does not apply to every situation.
White GLOs have their bond. We have our bond. And we don't need a mansion of a sorority/fraternity house to be proof of that. I'm sorry, i'm too busy donating the little money that i do have to the March of Dimes (funding for the reaseach of birth defects), the **** Walk, **** Cancer Awareness, or the Young Ladies of Tommorrow program that we mentor with. And perhaps our older sorors (who are working women...not millionaires) are busy doing similar things within their grad chapters as well, instead of focusing on purchasing a new sorority house for people to witness how much we "support" one another.
...
I think it is important to remember that not everything applies to every situation. Yeah, folkz have read the books, seen the movies, and heard the stories...but don't be naive enough to think u understand or know for certain what someone goes through in a process. If someone was silly enough to disclose that information to outsiders, then that's their issue. However, that doesn't mean that every greek experiences the same thing. Pledging is not synonimous with hazing. A process is not just about ensuring "love & devotion". Those are things u should have before u even fill out the application. It's a learning process. One which no person can truly understand unless they have actually gone through one themselves.
As for how white GLOs conduct themselves...that is their bizniz. But don't be so quick to categorize. EVERY white GLO does not welcome prospects with smiling faces and open arms. And every BGLO does not do the opposite. I'd be the first to say that the members of my org were friendly and open to me when i was a prospect. I never experienced any animosity or attitudes when i went to interest meetings or spoke to them around campus. So like i said, everything does not apply to every situation.
White GLOs have their bond. We have our bond. And we don't need a mansion of a sorority/fraternity house to be proof of that. I'm sorry, i'm too busy donating the little money that i do have to the March of Dimes (funding for the reaseach of birth defects), the **** Walk, **** Cancer Awareness, or the Young Ladies of Tommorrow program that we mentor with. And perhaps our older sorors (who are working women...not millionaires) are busy doing similar things within their grad chapters as well, instead of focusing on purchasing a new sorority house for people to witness how much we "support" one another.
