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Post by Cambist on Jul 21, 2009 13:18:12 GMT -5
I remember when I was first "raised" as a mason and my sponsor told me that I only have to wear an emblem once and from that point on, I have to conduct myself as if I was wearing it.
In the same vein, while I TOTALLY understand the desire to have a written protocol governing the wearing of letters, what's the difference if you are in the club throwing up the "mid", strolling and Ooo-Oooping?
I had that same thought this weekend while watching brothers clog up Bourbon St. Even though MANY didn't have on letters, you knew exactly who they were could find out.
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Post by Bathroom Model on Jul 21, 2009 13:18:13 GMT -5
Some people don't know the difference. That's why I think we have the protocol. Cause I'm sure there are plenty of soror that can hold theirs but just as many who don't know when to say when. so the organization takes on the responsibility of controlling/modifying the behavior of a certain group portion of its members.....when in pari of course..... I guess.  |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jul 21, 2009 13:32:01 GMT -5
@ Aces and just my opinion, BGLO's used to represent the elite of our race. I can't break down an operational definition for you but BGLO members were the best, the brightest, the most articulate, the most polished, the most mannered. Now, not so much, my mother and her contemporaries are disgusted (as am I) at how some young members conduct themselves, behaviors that simply weren't tolerable back in the day. The exclusivity is diminishing. Couple that with the proliferation of BGLO-esque organizations and our standing declines.
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jul 21, 2009 13:33:45 GMT -5
In the military, aren't there certain things you can and cannot do in uniform? The para restrictions seem the same to me.
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Post by Cambist on Jul 21, 2009 14:03:59 GMT -5
I would or used to feel the same 91 but not so much anymore. I've been accused of being an elitest and closed minded and short sighted. I've been told that I am a uppity negro for believing that there should be a certain minimum aesthetic. Robelite has been called out for mentioning that members should be able to articulate to get HIS vote. For that statement, he was accused, in somee way, of being an elitest.
So, have BGLO's lost their status and standing? Nope....we've given it away. It's a full scale liquidation sale and everything must go. Well, everything except being MADE and that pesky little word that i'm learning to despise....SERVICE. We love those two.
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Post by Robelite on Jul 21, 2009 14:23:31 GMT -5
@ Aces and just my opinion, BGLO's used to represent the elite of our race. I can't break down an operational definition for you but BGLO members were the best, the brightest, the most articulate, the most polished, the most mannered. Now, not so much, my mother and her contemporaries are disgusted (as am I) at how some young members conduct themselves, behaviors that simply weren't tolerable back in the day. The exclusivity is diminishing. Couple that with the proliferation of BGLO-esque organizations and our standing declines.  Yeah, you're right DST! I would or used to feel the same 91 but not so much anymore. I've been accused of being an elitest and closed minded and short sighted. I've been told that I am a uppity negro for believing that there should be a certain minimum aesthetic. Robelite has been called out for mentioning that members should be able to articulate to get HIS vote. For that statement, he was accused, in somee way, of being an elitest.
So, have BGLO's lost their status and standing? Nope....we've given it away. It's a full scale liquidation sale and everything must go. Well, everything except being MADE and that pesky little word that i'm learning to despise....SERVICE. We love those two. Cam, you know you and I almost always are >>>>>>>  <<<<<<<<<! We've become "common" at a time in our history; (Blacks and the country as a whole) need UN-common examples of of leadership and intellect...especially from US!
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Post by Cambist on Jul 21, 2009 14:30:51 GMT -5
We've become "common" at a time in our history; (Blacks and the country as a whole) need UN-common examples of of leadership and intellect...especially from US! Amen... |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jul 21, 2009 14:38:16 GMT -5
We failed when being elitist (selective) became bad. As we discussed in another thread a while ago, anybody and everybody wouldn't have been accepted into our charter chapters back at the beginning. People rise to the level of expectation and if you set the bar low, you get low.
Rob, that comment about us becoming "common" and Cam, that comment about us "giving away" our standing? Y'all hit that nail dead center!
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Post by THE emPRISS on Jul 21, 2009 14:44:00 GMT -5
can someone define " the decline of BGLO social standing" for me? like operationalize it for me. please and thanks. <---not being an asshole... Arguably, BGLO's do not have the same "clout" or prestige as they once had. This seems apparent since often we find ourselves questioned as to the relevancy/purpose of our orgs. in present times. It is also apparent when well qualified persons chose not to join BGLOs and when asked why they say "What's the point?" To many, BGLOs are organized gangs who do nothing more than wear letters, socialize, and act a fool. Of course, greeks dont seem to believe this but many a non-greek believe this. |
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Post by Robelite on Jul 21, 2009 14:46:00 GMT -5
In all fairness, I did look around and all the white girls who weren't anchored with their Boos were out on the floor or against the wall with frat. And in fairness to those brothers.....these were those Louisiana, new age 25-20s with the cornpone fed bodies! Hey, we all know what it's like at the karaoke bars in NO. In all the ones we stopped in, it was the white girls who just wanted to get out and dance and have a good time. At a couple of them some of the brothers that with me and some other brothers from Texas (some had on para, others of us didn't,) asked some young sistas to dance, and they refused...only for us to turn our heads 3 minutes later, and there they all were...out on the floor dancing with one another! The white chicks came up and said, "we'll dance with y'all....y'all here with the Alphas?" The brothers and those girls got out on the floor and had a good time. They took pics with them and everything. Hey, that's just the spirit of Bourbon Street. For at least a little while, folks forget about what color you are. All are there to have a good time, and don't care who they have it with! |
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Post by THE emPRISS on Jul 21, 2009 14:49:53 GMT -5
In all fairness, I did look around and all the white girls who weren't anchored with their Boos were out on the floor or against the wall with frat. And in fairness to those brothers.....these were those Louisiana, new age 25-20s with the cornpone fed bodies! Hey, we all know what it's like at the karaoke bars in NO. In all the ones we stopped in, it was the white girls who just wanted to get out and dance and have a good time. At a couple of them some of the brothers that with me and some other brothers from Texas (some had on para, others of us didn't,) asked some young sistas to dance, and they refused...only for us to turn our heads 3 minutes later, and there they all were...out on the floor dancing with one another! The white chicks came up and said, "we'll dance with y'all....y'all here with the Alphas?" The brothers and those girls got out on the floor and had a good time. They took pics with them and everything. Hey, that's just the spirit of Bourbon Street. For at least a little while, folks forget about what color you are. All are there to have a good time, and don't care who they have it with! *looks around & hopes she doesnt get pummelled* But I can dig that...I love to have fun, laugh, and just enjoy myself. When Im out, the people who know me that "being cute" lasts from the entrance to the time "my jam" comes on...and if the brothers wont do it, then I will try "Something New" without any shame. Now, if the brothers are shunning us, then thats something else. But if chicks are afraid to sweat out their hair or too busy trying to be cute...then leave them there by themselves. I dont get that wallflower thing...but to each her own I suppose. |
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Post by Robelite on Jul 21, 2009 14:56:06 GMT -5
can someone define " the decline of BGLO social standing" for me? like operationalize it for me. please and thanks. <---not being an asshole... Arguably, BGLO's do not have the same "clout" or prestige as they once had. This seems apparent since often we find ourselves questioned as to the relevancy/purpose of our orgs. in present times. It is also apparent when well qualified persons chose not to join BGLOs and when asked why they say "What's the point?" To many, BGLOs are organized gangs who do nothing more than wear letters, socialize, and act a fool. Of course, greeks dont seem to believe this but many a non-greek believe this. Good points, Priss! I really think that Pres. Skip Mason was addressing these very issues in the overall theme of our convention this past week...including high profile individuals in our communities in the things Alpha has been trying to do. Mary Wilson stated that she hadn't been exposed to fraternities and sororities, but was familiar with some of our national programs, and the work we've been trying to do in the community. Trying to bring Alpha to an entirely different segment of the African-American community, by honoring the Motown legends not just for their talents and great music, but for their philanthropic work that they are and have been involved in as well. Tommy Hilfiger could not be there to accept the Alpha Award of Honor (his wife was expecting at any moment on Thursday night,) but his "right hand" guy was a black man, who stated that while he himself was not an Alpha or greek, he PURPOSELY brought his 3 year old son with him to the convention to expose him to examples of Black leadership..to see with his own eyes Black men who are making a difference in this nation on so many levels. There were just so many things that fell into place at this convention. The message that we were attempting to portray was more timely than ever. |
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Post by THE emPRISS on Jul 21, 2009 15:05:06 GMT -5
Arguably, BGLO's do not have the same "clout" or prestige as they once had. This seems apparent since often we find ourselves questioned as to the relevancy/purpose of our orgs. in present times. It is also apparent when well qualified persons chose not to join BGLOs and when asked why they say "What's the point?" To many, BGLOs are organized gangs who do nothing more than wear letters, socialize, and act a fool. Of course, greeks dont seem to believe this but many a non-greek believe this. Good points, Priss! I really think that Pres. Skip Mason was addressing these very issues in the overall theme of our convention this past week...including high profile individuals in our communities in the things Alpha has been trying to do. Mary Wilson stated that she hadn't been exposed to fraternities and sororities, but was familiar with some of our national programs, and the work we've been trying to do in the community. Trying to bring Alpha to an entirely different segment of the African-American community, by honoring the Motown legends not just for their talents and great music, but for their philanthropic work that they are and have been involved in as well. Tommy Hilfiger could not be there to accept the Alpha Award of Honor (his wife was expecting at any moment on Thursday night,) but his "right hand" guy was a black man, who stated that while he himself was not an Alpha or greek, he PURPOSELY brought his 3 year old son with him to the convention to expose him to examples of Black leadership..to see with his own eyes Black men who are making a difference in this nation on so many levels. There were just so many things that fell into place at this convention. The message that we were attempting to portray was more timely than ever. That is really great!!! Most people's first experience with BGLOs is on campus, which in many cases, can be tragic depending on the yard. I remember my first introduction to DST was in the 3rd grade, KaPsi and QPP in middle school, AKA in high school. I think the MOST beneficial of those introductions were that of KaPsi and QPP, especially as a young lady. I know you all seek to uplift the boys but I think the frats need to do some non-social events with young black females where they can see positive black men. Fortunately, I had good male role models but alot of these girls dont. Had my first intro to frats been in undergrad....well.... |
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Serenity
OOA pledge
[C01:9900CC]
Posts: 158
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Post by Serenity on Jul 21, 2009 15:08:50 GMT -5
Reading over some of the topics mentioned, I think one of the reasons BGLOs aren't seen to be as elite as we once were is a larger issue of the fact that societal standards of what is acceptable behavior have dropped significantly, and this has affected many current and future members of BGLOs. One example, look at the movies and sitcoms of the 70-80's and compare them to the movies and sitcoms of today. Some of the content broadcast on network TV during "family hour" now would have been R rated in the late 70's and 80's. Anything goes, and just about everything is accepted nowadays. So the pool of women and men who don't subscribe to the "everything goes" mentality and who actually understand some degree of respectable behavior and/or what it means to have pride and to act accordingly has significantly decreased. That, coupled with the decrease in selectivity, has resulted in many of us looking at some of our members and thinking, "Who left the gate open"?
For example, I was raised that if you drink, do so with class and that public drunkenness is an utter disgrace. However, many of today's younger people were not. I think protocols such as the no alcohol in para protocol are attempts to set behavioral standards and to guide those who may not have otherwise been taught, and who have been admitted as members in spite of. Organizational protocol cannot replace good home training, however once the members are in, something has to be done to attempt to redirect the undesired behaviors.
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Post by Robelite on Jul 21, 2009 15:23:26 GMT -5
Good points, Priss! I really think that Pres. Skip Mason was addressing these very issues in the overall theme of our convention this past week...including high profile individuals in our communities in the things Alpha has been trying to do. Mary Wilson stated that she hadn't been exposed to fraternities and sororities, but was familiar with some of our national programs, and the work we've been trying to do in the community. Trying to bring Alpha to an entirely different segment of the African-American community, by honoring the Motown legends not just for their talents and great music, but for their philanthropic work that they are and have been involved in as well. Tommy Hilfiger could not be there to accept the Alpha Award of Honor (his wife was expecting at any moment on Thursday night,) but his "right hand" guy was a black man, who stated that while he himself was not an Alpha or greek, he PURPOSELY brought his 3 year old son with him to the convention to expose him to examples of Black leadership..to see with his own eyes Black men who are making a difference in this nation on so many levels. There were just so many things that fell into place at this convention. The message that we were attempting to portray was more timely than ever. That is really great!!! Most people's first experience with BGLOs is on campus, which in many cases, can be tragic depending on the yard. I remember my first introduction to DST was in the 3rd grade, KaPsi and QPP in middle school, AKA in high school. I think the MOST beneficial of those introductions were that of KaPsi and QPP, especially as a young lady. I know you all seek to uplift the boys but I think the frats need to do some non-social events with young black females where they can see positive black men. Fortunately, I had good male role models but alot of these girls dont. Had my first intro to frats been in undergrad....well.... You're right! The Daughters of Alpha who were in attendance spoke in each of their personal presentations, about how their fathers/grandfathers were role models in their lives as to what a man (particulary a BLACK MAN) should be (father, husband, provider, community servant.) I do certainly advocate getting involved with our young women in a similar fashion, but we have to be realistic....our young boys are in a world of hurt! Until we can do something to bring down the outrageous numbers of young black men in the prison systems, and on the street corners, we more than have our hands full with them! |
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Post by THE emPRISS on Jul 21, 2009 15:52:31 GMT -5
That is really great!!! Most people's first experience with BGLOs is on campus, which in many cases, can be tragic depending on the yard. I remember my first introduction to DST was in the 3rd grade, KaPsi and QPP in middle school, AKA in high school. I think the MOST beneficial of those introductions were that of KaPsi and QPP, especially as a young lady. I know you all seek to uplift the boys but I think the frats need to do some non-social events with young black females where they can see positive black men. Fortunately, I had good male role models but alot of these girls dont. Had my first intro to frats been in undergrad....well.... You're right! The Daughters of Alpha who were in attendance spoke in each of their personal presentations, about how their fathers/grandfathers were role models in their lives as to what a man (particulary a BLACK MAN) should be (father, husband, provider, community servant.) I do certainly advocate getting involved with our young women in a similar fashion, but we have to be realistic....our young boys are in a world of hurt! Until we can do something to bring down the outrageous numbers of young black men in the prison systems, and on the street corners, we more than have our hands full with them!  Theres gotta be a way to join the two....the male/female relations in the black community are deplorable. Something in me believes that if the relationships between our men and women were better, then our families would be stronger and less of our men would wind up in jail or on the corner. I feel like the man is the head but the woman is the backbone. The problem seems that we are trying to save the head without concern for the backbone which supports him....I guess I dont see the problems of our boys and girls as mutually exclusive. I truly believe that our problems stem from the divided home. |
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Yeah, you're right DST! 
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