A Serious Matter - Part 10 - Stereotypes, Brown Paper Bags, and BGLOs

Continuing my series on AKA and the Idolatry of Sorority Membership. Stereotypes were a underlying theme that I had to talk about in this series, because the outward appearances are usually reflective of what is going on inwardly in many of these organizations.

As I have pointed out before, AKAs are known through the Greek world as "Pretty Girls" and they have a popular saying "Only Pretty Girls Wear 20 Pearls." You will see women who are very confident, "pretty" playing up the stereotypes of AKAs who are known to be very attractive, feminine, conceited, saditty, socialites who have good manners, and are "cultured and worldly." The paper bag test, as well as some colorism issues are also briefly discussed.

Many will point to these stereotypical manifestations from individuals and say they are only playing a part, and that the conceited stereotypes are not who they actually are... I beg to differ, and they are using their respective organizations to express themselves all the while "hiding behind the shield" to make excuses for their behaviors. I call it the "Sasha Fierce Syndrome" (Beyoncé) where people hide behind this "image" they have created for themselves, to protect themselves from scrutiny, and this happens is ALL GREEK ORGS.

For Christians, the bible says that we are no longer to conform to the patterns and images of this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of our minds so we may know God's good and perfect will (Romans 12:2)

Source Videos

Beyond the Brown Paper Bag Test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-q5YhU8_Zs

School Daze Scenes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsFMnLdAgGQ&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlxI3-8BVKQ


The goal here is not to condemn members of AKA or any sorority or fraternity, it is just to use my testimony to maybe help someone see what I now see about my membership. I know that these orgs have many people who join for many reasons. I don't know why you joined if you did, or if you allowed yourself to be hazed, or hazed people like I did, I can only speak for me, but in the same turn I know I speak for many.

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.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• alpha kappa alpha sorority
• membership
• idolatry
• colorism
• light
• dark
• skin
• conceited
• stereotype