A Serious Matter - Part 11 - The Skater Paper Problem: The Culture No One Talks About

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.

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