Description
ADDED INFO IN THIS SECTION - Continuing my series, I feel it is important for every person who is seeking membership in these orgs to understand Greek culture and Sorority/Fraternity membership dynamics. This is a complex subject, and I hope to cover it with as much depth as possible to help those who are considering membership in these orgs to reconsider and count the cost.
I spoken on the background of pledging in part 3 of this series. I know it isn't complete, but I hope this video gives you a background on why this skater/paper culture has emerged in Black Greek Cultures, and why the national headquarters of these orgs can do little to nothing about it.
This is a blog from a Greek who has some interesting insights on the culture, As well as other held definitions on the word Skater:
http://peopleyoushouldhate.blogspot.com/2008/11/problem-with-skaters.html
Intro
Explanation of Paper and Skater terms.
No difference between Pledging and Hazing
The local/campus culture of pledging
Systematic Ostracizing of Members who do not submit to pledging.
Word spreads to other chapters and orgs in the area and they don't talk to you.
Innuendo, chants against those in attendance at unofficial events
Legacy Clause
So I'm a skater what can I do about it
Scenario -- What if I'm a skater?
Post pledging - Seeking others out to pledge them even when they have become members.
Make up stories about pledging and hope others will believe it.
Grad Vs. Undergrad membership
Grad members are thought to be paper/skaters
Grad members are thought to have been rejected while in undergrad so decided to take the "easy" grad route to membership
Grad members PLEDGE TOO.
Some grad members have been ghosts or have pledged underground.
Undergrads because of age are assumed to have pledged.
Thought to be more real than grad membership
Tension between grad and undergrad membership (all orgs)
To learn more about these organizations in the NPHC please visit the links below:
National Pan-Hellenic Council -- www.nphchq.org/
Sororities
Alpha Kappa Alpha -- http://www.aka1908.com
Delta Sigma Theta -- http://www.deltasigmatheta.org
Zeta Phi Beta -- http://www.zphib1920.org
Sigma Gamma Rho -- http://www.sgrho1922.org
Fraternities
Alpha Phi Alpha -- http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com
Kappa Alpha Psi - http://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com
Omega Psi Phi - http://www.oppf.org
Phi Beta Sigma -- http://www.pbs1914.org
Iota Phi Theta -- http://www.iotaphitheta.org
Thank you, and PLEASE keep comments respectful. I am willing to dialog with anyone who has sincere questions.
God bless you all.