Many people say they pledge and this that and the other, but what do they really know about pledging. We all from the 90's and up were through MIP. So we can't really say we pledge because pledging was legal in the 70' n 80's. More so pledging was meaningful because it taught traditions and the values of the organization. However now it seems as though things are not being taught or practiced any more. But wat is your perspective on the new way of Pledging/Process.
A lot of the older greeks (30-40 y/o) that I know, believe that pledging should come back, and I for one agree. I think that the pledge process was beneficial to both plegdes and the surrounding college environment. Nowadays, not many people (non-greek) have an understanding for the D9 and they dont respect/understand the bond between LS/LB. A lot of the traditions that were seen very pre-90s weren't necessarily focused on public humiliation, but rather on strength of group and whole and overall selflesness. You knew that a person was going through some things and that they were dedicated to something when you saw them lined up w/ their LS/LB in diapers or just loking crazy: you saw the gradual refinement in the person when you knew what was going on. Nowadays, its often that people change (for the better or worse is debatable) and then they have a probate.. you dont really see the evolution of the person. But that's only from one aspect of the PLEDGE process.
In no way does the above paragraph translate as to saying that traditions nowadays are meaningless. I guess its one of those things that are contingent on the times in question. Nowadays, people are debating as to whether or not BGLOs are still relevant and necessary. It is up to the members to prove to society whether or not pledging/MIP worx in this day and age. I think that whatever means is necessary to make the individual stronger as a person and as a member of society should be used.
Also, the decision in the relevance of MIP/PLEDGE is really related to the amount of time in the org. Many older members I know have had a lifetime to reflect on their life as a member of the org and as a person walking around the planet. Those lessons that they learned during their PLEDGE seem to have more effect. SO, we should wait til roughly 2010 to see what the last group of pledgers feel about the MIP and what MIPers feel about their MIP.
***since I sort of rambled on, I OFFICIALLY feel that pledging should come back, as long as there was a national protocol/curriculum/template on how it should be conducted. Extremist-Renegade Chapters that lose their damn minds w/ the process are what mar the organization's name.***
Well personally I believe that pledging should come back. I think that some people in their current organizations are born with a silver spoon in their mouth and don't deserve to be apart of something so great. Both my parents are greek (delta and que) and they believe that all the skaters should be eliminated. Im not gonna mention any names of organizations but after a probate at school I asked one of the girls, "how does it feel to be on the other side." She had a nerve to say "Its alright I guess." Just say that my mother wanted to punch her in the face.
^^^ Well now... By Pledging.. I believe he means PLEDGING (1906-1990) .. not to be confused with a MEMBERSHIP INTAKE PROCESS (1990-present). Skaters could have skated pre-1990.. don't get it twisted.. If I'm thinking how you seem to be thinking, you are probably referring to a specific org who currently does NOT pledge/MIP.. now I am a firm advocate of pledging, but I also believe that your org is what you make it.. you could have pledged long and hard, and then not do ****when you cross.. or you could skate and have more love for your organization than people could fathom and you'd be a dedicated member. Just as a person could be a dark skinned aka or a light skinned delta or an **** kappa or a dumb aphia, you can't automatically assume that someone doesn't feel deeply for their org because they didn't pledge or have a MIP... I just like to think that PLEDGING weeds out a lot more of the deadbeat members...
^^^well! Im not talking about any specific orgs. whether you skated back in the day or in the present you should be eliminated. Pledging is about taking out the weak and only the strong survive. Its funny how now anyone and their mama can enter a org and rep like everyone else.
personally, i feel as though the pledge process should come back with the supervision of nationals like someone else already said. But, as far as the term pledging goes, u cannot get it confused with hazing. Pledging is more than taking 300 strokes a night or being the rock on your line because it's alot of paper **** people with red and purple **** and bruises thinkin they pledged. The real pledging came after i crossed and pledged my oath to Zeta and kept my oath that i pledged to Zeta. I hate old heads that say they took this much wood and that much wood and our process aint ****compared to theirs but u turn around and **** aint even active or financial. Crossing the sands is lovely and there's no feeling like it but what about after the process is over
