I know I've been slackin'. In part one I presented a brief outline of the nine black Greek letter organizations. In part two we will get into pledging, elitism, and why would I want to join a black Greek letter organization.
Pledging: Pledging is the period of time in where the recruit (the pledge) goes through a series of challenges which eventually lead to initiation in to the group. Hazing is the ritualistic harassment, abuse, or persecution of prospective members of a group as a means of initiation. Hazing is something that has become a huge problem among black fraternities and sororities. There have been numerous deaths as a result of initiates being hazed. When ritual reaches the point where it endangers the life and limb of an individual, it needs to be discontinued. The pledge process is not about beating someone down. It’s not about degrading someone just so you can feel good about yourself. Basically you don’t put a person online to drop (make them quit) them. So then what is the process about? The answer is simple it is meant for: team building, leadership experience, organizational skills, time management, and learning the history of said organization. It is a shame that people have lost sight of that over the years.
Elitism: This always seems to come up in one of these conversations. Please someone help me out here, because I’ve never been able to put my finger on what people mean by that. I’ve always assumed that these organizations are highly selective and thereby exclusive to people who qualify for membership. There has been a history of these organizations being HIGHLY selective, whether it was expressed through excluding people based on degree of skin tone, or socio-economic back ground. That being said in my humble opinion I think the days of the brown paper bag test are over. Frankly this wasn’t my experience. Most of the Alphas in my chapter come from similar backgrounds. Most of us grew up working class. The one thing I respected about the Alphas on my campus before I pledged was that they were some of the most REAL brothers on campus. Now this varies from chapter to chapter and organization to organization but in my case I was lucky enough to be in the company of some of men of true integrity and intelligence.
Why would I want to join a Black Greek letter organization?
Now this is the big question. Many people join just so they can wear a t-shirt and go to parties, others join because they are legacies and it’s expected of them, then there are others that really want to do some good and see this as a step in the right direction. It all depends on what kind of person you are.
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9 comments:
"...it is meant for: team building, leadership experience, organizational skills, time management, and learning the history of said organization."
Only non-members find it to be anything outside of what you listed.
Anything that is done under secrecy is often looked at as elite.
@Hostess: That's the problem. Outsiders tend to think it's all about getting your azz whipped, and in some cases that prevents people from approaching a brother or sister.
As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., I appreciate you sharing some clarifications for those that aren't familiar with BGLOs. Making it easier for us one blog at a time.
Elitism is the belief or attitude that those individuals who are considered members of the elite — a select group of people with outstanding personal abilities, intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes — are those whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern.
May I say simply, "we're better than you"
You go and check out greek sites where aspirants come seeking knowledge and asking questions; you would think the KKK was on the other side of the keyboard. People who were once treated the same way are all of sudden "MADE" into a GLO and think they have something a outsider does not. The secrecy has nothing to do with the elitist attitudes, it is just an easy way out of having to explain that our organizations really aren't all that. It is elitist by the way the people portray themselves. Like they are all that. Well I have news for them. The secrets are out, the denouncers are coming forth, and are saying, "I pledged for this". History of BGLO's is full of elitists/elitism, etc. It's a shame to see how ungodly these people were, and how much the church was dissed by them. NAMES- W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson (BOTH AGNOSTICS), Zora Neale Hurston (VOODOO), LANGSTON HUGHES (CHRIST HATER), and the list goes on-and-on. Even a founder has his hand in the abortion cookie jar (Eugene Kinckle Jones).
CHRISTIANS BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You Talking Foolishness, because the world is filled with anti christians, and other things...and for every name you give (Greeks who dont believe in God) I can name more that Serve him....Martin Luther King, Rev Vashti Mckinzie. Rev Antonia Beckford..and countless of others who dedicate(d) their life to servin Christ, so stop talking Foolishnes...I am a CHRISTIAN, and I am a member of PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC..again with all due respect, stop talkin fool because talkin fool is a very serious thing!!!
If you have any comments or concerns my email is NCsoulsigma@yahoo.com
DUECES!!
Please do your research on King and McKenzie. I will do some on Beckford. I never heard of her. You will be surprised what you find from legitimate sources.
Tell me NCsoulsigma (like the name), who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus, or what your ritual says?
"@Hostess: That's the problem. Outsiders tend to think it's all about getting your azz whipped, and in some cases that prevents people from approaching a brother or sister."
Strange- You are right, it's not ALL it's about, just some of what it's about. LOL!
Thank you Minister Hatchett for replying to my post that I wrote a year ago.
It's quite hypocritical that you were a free mason and a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity incorporated. And now you've turned around and decided that you are against Greek life?
Brother Cornel West is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and he's a minister.
I don't understand why things are black and white with you? But thank you for replying.
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