[11744] in APO-L
Re: Diversity & Social Difference
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Liston Bias)
Fri Mar 24 21:14:49 1995
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 20:02:07 -0600
Reply-To: dbias@OSUUNX.UCC.OKSTATE.EDU
From: Liston Bias <dbias@OSUUNX.UCC.OKSTATE.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
On Fri, 24 Mar 1995, Time Bomb {Tom Backus} wrote:
> I would like to thank, publicly, David E. Fitzgerald, Jr. for the following
> contribution to our mailing list:
>
> "I would like to add that many social fraternities have been attempting to
> mimic Alpha Phi Omega's behavior for many many years, even before alts... I
> can remember back in the early 1980's hearing comments from the socials.
> Integration of race was not their only concern, but culture, sexuality,
> etc... were also items they questioned us about."
What??? I must have been living in the shadows all these years despite
my seven years of active student participation, but I have not heard
these calls of social fraternities wanting to be like Alpha Phi Omega.
I suppose they exist, but not where I have been.
As for the struggle to integration, I have seen that but I have also seen
it in Alpha Phi Omega. The statement above sounds as Alpha Phi Omega has
met the standard of all standards for many to follow. I think, we too,
are struggling with integration very much. I believe our progress in this
area has coincided with the changes that happen in the society for which
we are also members...
I don't see this great diversity that 'Time Bomb' speaks of on the chapter
level. Yes, there is diversity and let us rejoice in it... But our
diversity (in my humble opinion) seems to exist more from chapter to
chapter as do the social fraternity. I'm always amused by how much the
social fraternities can vary from one school to another. For instance, at
Oklahoma State University Figi is a athletic fraternity and wins the
intramural cup just about every year. At Florida State University Figi
was more diverse in its make-up and encompassed the highest GPA among the
fraternities - they never came close to winning a intramural cup in my
years at FSU.
Since we stumbled on the subject, I'd like to hear what makes us so
different from social fraternities and sororities in your opinion. I have
not ever joined a social fraternity, but it is my understanding that they
have history and priciples to live by also.
Somethings that quickly come to my mind:
Co-ed
Lower Fees usually
More focus on Service than brotherhood usually
Boy Scout Principles
Less Selective usually
Take Care,
Liston
P.S. These are my opinion and mine alone...
