People who pledged before the 90's went through a rigorous process in the open for all to see. The positive side of the pledging process back then included performing different community service with your line sisters, coming up with programs for the organization, creating ideas for different scholarships, etc. This process entailed learning national information such as founders, Greek alphabet, the oath, etc. Outside of the basic information the pledges were also expected to learn information about their chapter and it's members as well. This included learning everything about your line sister/brother as if they were your biological sibling ( This can include Date of Birth, their major in college, clothing Size, Where they live, where they were born, etc) Each chapter also required its prospective members to learn their own "special process" including songs, poems, dances. You were told never to travel alone and you always had to travel with at least some of your line sisters/brothers. If you were ever caught alone, you ran into the chance of getting kidnapped by another organization. They would then call your Big Sister and/or Brother and ask for something in return for their pledgee. (Pizza, money, etc..) The pledges were expected to greet not only their Big Sisters/Big Brothers, but ALL of the other Greeks on the yard each time they saw them.
The dark side of pledging/hazing include breaking pledgees down physically and mentally. The entire process of pledging back then was to break you down only to build you up right before you crossed those "burning sands." The pledges have what is known as "session, or set" all wee hours of the night, making up greetings for their Big Sisters/Brothers, and making sure they were all on "one accord with each other". Back then when you were pledging there was no such thing of "I", but "we." In some cases you were required to live together with your line sisters/brothers. The pledge process was an entire year, and in the 90s' was cut down to an entire semester.
Alpha pledges
Delta pledges carrying ducks
Omega pledges eating together
All of this sounds harmless I know, but somewhere down the line pledging/hazing became a serious issue. People started getting seriously hurt and in some cases killed. The National Organizations had to shed out thousands of dollars for lawsuits and it was giving pledging BGLOs a bad rep. Because of this, NPHC decided to ban the word "pledge" and deemed hazing as being illegal. Pledging turned into MIP which means Membership Intake Process.
Did this help??? No unfortunately this only brought the pledging process from above ground to underground. Pledging "underground" is going through the EXACT same process, but in secret. This is where the term "earning your letters" came from. Even though hazing was illegal, if you were in the Greek world, chances are you still knew who was "online, and getting hazed." On many college campuses, the Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO) is very small, and they all stick together by being silent about knowing who was online for what. There is/was also the respect factor. By that I mean, each BGLO wanted to gain the respected by other Greek Organizations, and the only time you could earn respect is by submitting yourself to get "made, haze, pledged, etc."
When hazing became illegal, only a few (very few) undergraduate chapters followed the guidelines, but most did not! Some of the members felt it wasn't right for a prospective member to go through a few weeks of "training" pay their money, and sign their name on the dotted line. This caused a lot of friction between members, especially those whose were "made" vs. those who were "not made." I have seen this first hand...I will never forget attending a coming out show, where half girls who crossed submitted themselves to hazing and the other half did not. Their Big Sisters decided to expose them by giving them bogus line names like Paper W8 (Paper weight), Shakespeare (Who is known a famous writer,,,,hence this person was a write-in), and Nvr Dare (Never There). This type of behavior sends out the WRONG message to the rest of the campus, and I felt it was absolutely unacceptable. It tells prospective members that if they want to join this particular organization, they will have to submit themselves to hazing in order to get respect from the campus. Not only did this cause a problem within the organization, but they were treated badly from other Greeks on campus, as well as nongreeks. Some Greeks feel that it's harmless by requiring the prospective members to "dress alike, require them to spend time together, learn chapter information, greetings, songs, etc, and not doing so deprives these pros. members from bonding with each other.
Don't give into the pressure of allowing yourself to get hazed. What's important is that you are now a member of a prestigious Black Greek Letter Organization. I had a heated conversation with an old friend who was livid that her undergrad chapter recently decided to abide by the rules and do away with their "special process." The reasoning behind it was the alumnae chapter was on their tails and they almost got "caught up" too many times before. Although she has been far removed from her chapter (she graduated 8 years ago) I had to explain to her that it's not worth continuing to pledge these girls if it was going to put the chapter and prospective members at risk. Getting "MADE" plays a serious part in my BLGO system. I have seen sorors/ other greeks quickly dismissed when they mention that they joined an alumnae chapter, (There is this notion that if you joined a BGLO through an alum chapter then you are paper, or skated your way in the organization). I have even heard of alumnae members go BACK to their undergrad chapter and ask to be made, so they get the "undergraduate experience." It's a shame, but unfortunately, Hazing/Pledging is celebrated in our community. There are facebook pages that exist such as "Paper Burns, but Sands Last forever," Pledge Park, and many others. These facebook pages are for BLGO members who became members by getting "made".
Pledging these days is VERY risky. If you simply do a google search for hazing, I am sure you will find tons and tons of articles surrounding hazing and BGLOs. It happens in ALL organizations. Personally, my views behind hazing is, if you are willing to ALLOW yourself to get hazed, then make sure you are well aware of the consequences that may follow. This includes getting caught and possibly BARRED from membership. While I can understand that everyone longs to have the special "bonding experience" with their line sisters/brothers, it's not worth risking or losing your life over it. An example that comes to mind for me is the two pledges that lost their lives trying to pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha in 2002. (Kenitha Saafir and Kristin High), Donnie Wade II died while trying to join Phi Beta Sigma in 2009, Joseph T. Green, 25 died while trying to join Omega Psi Phi in 2001, and the list goes on....
So with ALL of that being said, Pledging/Hazing vs. MIP....Is there a difference??? YES! Joining a BGLO has it's challenges and have changed and continues to change. (shoot even I can attest to it changing since I've joined). When you go through MIP, you are not risking your letters, your chapter, and more importantly your LIFE! You can still bond with your line sisters without having someone "making you spend time with them." A very close friend of mine who just went through MIP told me that it was rewarding, she learned a lot about her line sisters, and she enjoyed her experience. They decided as a line to get together and spend time with one another without being forced by their big sisters. Case in point, don't get caught up through the whole "made vs, not made, skate, paper, process. If that is your main objective in joining a BGLO then perhaps, you need to rethink joining altogether.
Ciao!
Amazing Article, Miss Dablest_1....it's true, hazing is a big and controversial issue. My mother even said "They don't do it like I had to do it back in my day!" And many other of my "mothers" in my Jack and Jill chapter said the same. They also said it's just a way to "break you down" or "test your strength". AND, they also said "Don't submit to it, these days it DOES NOT determine membership."
ReplyDeleteGood in-sight on the issue, ma'am! =] Very informative!
I absolutely love this article as well. I can attest to that even when you do go through some sort of process, you may not even get the point! Some of my linesisters absolutely do not get the concept of sisterhood. How can you have elitism on a line where everyone went through the same thing? It's ridiculous. Sometimes I think the whole concept of sisterhood goes right out the window with the pressure of seeming "legitimate".
ReplyDeleteThis article is very good insight.
ReplyDeleteIt shouldn't matter if someone pledged or did not pledge, that's not the purpose of these organizations. They are called Fraternities and Sororities for a reason, it should all be about sisterhood and brotherhood and wanting help the community and raise up the people in it as well as the ones around it. These organizations were started as a means for Black people to come together and find a place of comfort and acceptance in days when Black people didn't have many rights. It's not about how get there, its about what you do to make your organization.
This is a great article, but as a potential pledgee I would honestly would have to disagree with your point of view. My sole purpose of wanting to be apart of a Black greek letter organization is to be apart of something so divine and historic. & yes im fully aware of some unfortunate cases & I am genuinely saddened as any human being would be. As a young adult "common sense" is developed over time, I know my limits, If I cant run anymore I WONT. If I feel like whatever task is given to me is CRUEL & UNUSUAL I'll say "NO". These already memeber of the organizatons are our peers, no one is held at gun point or FORCED to do anything they dont want to or better yet cant. My parents taught me at a young age its okay to say no if your uncomfortable with something. Specific chapters should be held accountable for their specific actions, but honestly to take something away that has been done for decades is not right to me. The BASIC & I do say basic training and skills that are done is merely to bond with your line brothers/sisters, and to obtain discipline. Greek letter organizations is not for everybody and to let it be so easily attainable will slowly but surely kill the exclusivity of these great organizations that our ancestors worked so hard to build and maintain....This is merely my opinion & im using my right to exercise it, please dont take any offense.
ReplyDeleteDo you think the founding sisters and brothers were hazed? I don't think so. We supposed to be educated people but are going around at times treating our prospective members less than humane. Deprive an animal or give them some wood and see what happen to you.
DeleteI agree with you. Dangerous activities should not be a part of pledging but the process has been watered down so much that there is really nothing special about becoming a member. I don’t see where dressing alike, singing songs and walking in a line hurt anybody. Everybody wants to be a part but they want to do it on their terms.
DeleteThe dreaded "p"word when/if you get chosen to be a pledge then online then you actually cross(no offense just a fact) most people seem to forget why and what principles their respective organizations were founded on and are more so focused on "pledging" and "popularity" of being made hence why a majority of people seem to only pay dues once but will have para for every occasion...people who already belong to a bglo(speaking from experience) KNOWS how expensive that can be. Point is most people pledge so they'll get respect just because you can take wood, be sleep deprived, mentally and physically tormented does NOT make you good material for organizations.
ReplyDeleteNo offense taken at all I completely understand. I can only speak for myself & I am well aware of the reasons I want to join a BGLO. & I can honestly say "Respect & Popularity" was never a factor, If that was the case theres a variety of other organizations I could partake in & I wouldnt have to "pledge". Im not sure what BGLO you belong to, but Ive known I wanted to be apart of this organization for years before college solely based on the Brotherhood, Unity, Strength,rich history & community service. The cost and "sleep deprivation" are minor, in anything you join there are dues and requirements, It would be wrong not to give to an organization you belong to. & personally again I can only speak for myself & the person I am. I've looked into some people calling "ideoltry, Free-Masonry" (more serious issues) & ive ruled those personal opinions as "hazing". I know for alot of current members they say it was a calling & to follow your heart & being online is well worth it. I feel like alot of folks just are quick to condemn others who want to carry out the tradition, but instead of doing that why not encourage new current and prospective members that do have the intentions the founders intended & enlighten them.
ReplyDelete__Johnny Quest
This article is a really good break down of the formula for disaster. As a member of a organization and chapter that has gotten caught up in the hype of hazing, I can only say that the choice is the pledges. No one made me stand there and do whatever it was that i did. It was choice. Everyone has an option to say NO. Once you recieve a letter of acceptance, all you SHOULD be doing is studying and getting you money together. Someone once told me "if your dumb enough to let someone haze you, then oh well you got hazed. If these people joining these organizations were children , yes i would have pitty on them, but they arent. They are 18-20 year olds letting 19-22 year olds tell them what to do. For what? Many say its not worth being kicked out of school ,etc. Its honestly not. My suggestiong would be t read BLACK GREEK 101.. i read this book 2 semesters before i decided to become a member of my organization .. so that i had alot of the facts of what could possibly be the ending results. The question is not whether or not to pledge, the question what can you bring to the organization regardless of what route you took to become a memeber .
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Very thought-provoking, Soror...we need more healthy discussions about this topic. I believe in the traditions of our ancestors, which promotes a "Rites of Passage" mentality. However, each MIP or pledging activity must have purpose and promote unity. Before I crossed, I heard horror stories about girls getting back at other young women over men and other foolishness. In addition, I have known people to be approached for sexual favors during intake. This is outrageous and TOTALLY against the principles of the founders of the DIVINE NINE. People often talk about being real versus paper. Anyone who will follow another person blindly in order to place Greek letters on their chest is A FOOL...and that's coming from a proud card-carrying, dues-paying member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Tradition or not, you must hold your own moral compass and maintain standards for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is a great topic. It also needs to be talked about. I am a BGLO member and I went through most of the "pledge" process. I spent a very long time in the "process" to only not be able to finish due to some problems incurred during. I finished the MIP process only to see the other side of not finishing the "pledge process". It is definitely not the intended outcome the founders meant for it to be. If you are going to tout yourself as a "brotherhood/sisterhood" then why treat each other differently. It is crazy and childish. It is funny how people hold on to traditions but don't hold on to the tradition of being an active member (financial). The proudest and strongest military force had to change it's intake process to quell the "hazing" and to this day it is still the number one fighting force. The Marines went through this and has evolved. The process needs to grow and change so members are taught along with given some of the storied traditions in a process that firm but fair. How can you uplift your community if you can't uplift your brother/sister. Food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI actually "pledged" my fraternity in the spring of 96. It was as close to the process of the old days minus being in the open...sometimes. I say sometimes because they did have the balls to have us dress alike and eat at the cafe together for all to see. It was an experience I will never forget, but I know that we were blessed. Blessed in the since that most of my big brothers were seniors or graduates, making them well into their 20's and some in their 40's even. The maturity level of these brothers ensured that our process was void of foolishness (for lack of a better term). No alcohol at sets, no drugs at sets, pledges were not allowed to drink etc. I believe that if my process was managed by 18,19 year olds, their would have been problems. I love the fact that I pledged, but I don't trust the underground process enough to allow my own sons to participate. I'm sorry. I've seen this process in the hands of immature brothers...and it can be ugly and scary sometimes. They need to either bring it back and monitor it with the graduate chapters or let it go.
ReplyDeleteI still fail to see how bringing back the pledge process would solve the problems that plague the NPHC. I always wonder: if pledging above ground better monitored unnecessary, illegal activity, then why didn't it work the first time? Some people died even under the original pledge format, so why would this time be any different? Who is to say it won't happen again, and if it does, who becomes liable in the event of an untimely death or serious injury?
DeleteI'm not convinced any tweaking of the pledging system would improve things. Why do I say this? Because there will be a bunch of renegade, rebellious members who will "push the envelope" just to see how far they can actually go without getting caught. They're going to ruin it for every organization. The truth of the matter is that many BLGO members have never followed rules. They can't even be trusted to follow the MIP rules and regulations, so why would anyone in his/her right mind think they will suddenly follow the rules if pledging is reinstated?
The intake process isn't the problem; the problems lie in the individuals. Anything man-made is bound to become corrupted because too many individuals have placed their own agendas above the ideals and objectives of their organizations, and this plague will continue to transfer from one generation to the next.
I pledge in 1981 and I agree with this article. Many broken bones and scares back in the day. Heck, I even had something broken over my head by a brother from a visiting chapter and even today; if see that brother I would kick his ass. How can you have love for someone who tortures you.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the pledge process develops malice and hate in the "pledgee." How can you love someone who tortures you is a very valid question. Those Big Brothers/Sisters, that you've seen on campus exemplifying something positive turn out to be vindictive and evil. I'm sorry but getting beaten up and losing sleep in the name of "unity and friendship" is not my cup of tea. The people you go through the process with do not even truly care for you, because they are there to "earn their letters" as well. I feel that as long as you uphold the purpose of that organization and you're truly involved trying to make a difference in the community, why should it matter if you've been beaten down and degraded or gone through MIP only. This is how blacks keep other blacks down and belittled. BGLO's are seen as role models to those on the outside looking in...not organized bullies. And this needs to change, even today.
ReplyDeleteI would really hope that Delta Sigma Theta and other BGLO's ban the sale and wearing of any garment that refers to being "Made" or "Skating" and the like. The organization forbids online purchase of paraphernalia so they can prevent vendors and Sorors for participating in degrading their sisters. As an alumnae Soror, it breaks my heart to think I'm not accepted by ALL of my sisters. Not because I care what they think. But because of how hard I work in my chapter, serving out our Founder's vision of service. Most of those posers ignoring their bond of sisterhood don't even go to alumnae meetings or pay dues. But they'll stroll and throw up their hands and oo-oop in a heartbeat. They don't even know enough about the new process to judge it. Now that's skating!
ReplyDeletethis is great information it has just enabled me to continue the MIP process i was about to quit
ReplyDeleteI never got a chance to pledge at my university, and I want to join an alumnae chapter. This was a great article. It helped me out a lot. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteYou should read Burning Sands: My Brother's Keeper Volume 1, I highly recommend it.
DeleteAfter reading these stories.I will make sure my daughter and her friends never take part in these organizations.For the last few days I have been sleep deprived learning about hazing,underground renegade and ghost.I am no member have no letters.I will pray that things change so nobody else sacrifices blood just to feel accepted.
ReplyDeleteI will be pledging for Phi beta sigma and I get timid sometimes to take wood, but I'm still willing because I won't be alone, I'll have my LBs there.
ReplyDeleteYou should read Burning Sands: My Brother's Keeper Volume 1, it is also a guide if you want to pledge. I highly recommend it.
DeleteTHERE IS A VERY GOOD NEW BOOK THAT CAPTURES THIS PROCESS. BURNING SANDS: "MY BROTHER'S KEEPER" VOLUME 1
ReplyDeleteReading this article and responses kind of eased me. My daughter will be pledging a Divine 9 sorority in a predominately white school. It's something she has her heart set on so I want to support her. Building life long relationships and sisterhood should be the main focus.
ReplyDeleteThe process is broken, however, the temptations to participate will always win out over the risks. I am a proud Omega man. The draw of brotherhood, fun and women drew me in. As pledges, we were guaranteed sex with the Delta pledges. Hello! That is always an easy sell for a young college man. Free hugs and sex almost on demand? This was always be around and strong.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for the pledges who were forced to have sex with you. What is this country coming to?! We should cherish each other with high respect; forcing your "sister" for sex? What kind of morals is Omega teaching you for future success?
DeleteWhen I pledged Delta Sigma Theta I can promise you there was no sex going on between Us and anybody because of our pledge process. If it occurred it was purely consensual and not a part of the pledge process. The girls online had to sneak to even see their boyfriends. So while that was a selling point it was definitely not a requirement of Delta pledgers; even if implied I would hope any young woman would stand her ground in refusing to comply.
Deletethis article is very educating
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is whole hearted committed to being a member of a specific BGLO, my desire to be a part of this organization and my love for it will out weigh any obstacle that is placed before me. I have wanted to be a part of this organization since I first set eyes on them during a visit to my university, and there is nothing anyone can do or say that would keep me away from it.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest granddaughter wants to pledge and we have discussed hazing. If I see ANY bruises, it's on physically and legally cause I feel like they hurt mine and I lost my mind
ReplyDeleteI am a member of OPPF,Inc. I came in through by way of a graduate chapter and my line DID NOT skate through. We earned 'everything' and it was a unanimous choice to go through the old way.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell a difference in doing that way.
This is very informative. I had known I wanted to pledge since middle school, but was nervous about everything aforementioned. It took me until my intake process actually started to truly visualize and understand the difference between MIP and pledging. Now, as a junior at a well-respected HBCU and a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., I can attest to our MIP process-we were certainly made, but I'll agree with a previous poster. We weren't abused in any sense of the word, but they made sure we didn't skate in. Our process was definitely overseen by wise men who ensured little harm came to us, even when we pledged over Spring Break in another state. I'm closer to my line brothers because of their balance between distributing knowledge and any foolishness that might take place during a process.
ReplyDeleteIs there a way that bonding can be encouraged or facilitated through MIP even if it's initiated and done by those in the "process?"
ReplyDeleteActually, if done correctly, the process itself should help to take care of that. Unfortunately, the success of that really depends on the org(to a much lesser extent), who is involved in the process, and the willingness of the line, provided more than one person is pledging, to set aside differences and work together for the best possible outcome.
DeleteFor those of you who did pledge, why did you decide to take that route and not the MIP process
ReplyDeleteI just was initiated into BGLO and I am already regretting my decision. I went through MIP and everyone around us are bullying us. We literally just came out on Sunday and everyone has been dragging us. I didn't know I was joining a community who would constantly put me down over things I have no control over. Our chapter was gone for 8 years. How was I suppose to "pledge" if there isn't anybody on my damn campus! Now people want us to post-pledge and idk what to do! Any Advice?
ReplyDeleteAll I can really say is that it's your choice, and that you got to live with the decisions. Greek orgs are not for everybody, but they're for somebody. Some would've pledged, some would've not pledged. Some believe to earn it, you must simply know the info and sign some papers. Some believe to earn it, you must know the info and be pledged. I would look at it this way. Those who join the military....do they simply take written tests and then become a member of the military, or is it months of rigorous boot camp training that tests you to your limits? How would someone feel if i told them that my boot camp training consisted of firing a few shots, singing some songs, and lifting some weights and that was it? I'd probably say to myself "it so easy, anyone can do it" i could also say "it's not about how you're made a soldier, it's about what you do as a soldier", which could be interpreted in any kind of way. I'm currently pledging a BGLO in an alumni chapter and going through the underground process. In the truest sense the org is not about how one is made, but about what you do with it. There are those who are made that aren't financial and/or active, while there are those that are paper who are both financial and active. There are those who are made that are both financial and active. There are those who are paper that are not financial and/or active. For me, it would be of utmost honor to be able to say "I am financial and active and serve the org and its purposes in the truest sense and see any member that does their best to serve the org as having my respect.......but if you must know.....and by the way.......for your information......I am made". *drops mic*
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ReplyDeleteThat is true back in the 90's they were hazing. My sorority sisters and I were on our AKA line in 1994 and we had to go to the store at 2am waring our AKA matching pajamas and get our Big Sister grapes and we had to walk there not taking the car. She made us feed her grapes, give her pedicures and manicures. We had to know each other's full name, birthdays, majors, minors. We had to know Our AKA Founders, poems, chants, colors, symbols and steps. And if one of us got information wrong Our Big Sister would line us all up grab us by the arm and in her other hand she would give each of us 3 pops a piece on our bottoms. We had to live together at the sorority house for four months and we all had to get padded on our bottoms. OUR BIG SISTERS would hit all 20 of us every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on our butts 5 pops with the Ivy Wood to make us feel good was what they would say to us. After 4 months all 20 of us made the line. It was a rough experience and they would always say it is better to be Made then to be a skater and paper. I feel hazing is not good at all. But My Lines Sisters and I are all very close and Truly Love Each Other to test day. Singed Little Sister Dangerous line #5.
ReplyDeleteI believe each organization should have two options, MIP and Pledging. If pledging let them be visiual on campus. Let them learn and recite the information, respect other greek organizations,study together,improve instead of drop GPA, greet bigs of their org., greet other organizations on campus, march in line dress alike, sit together at meals, walk on pavement only, carrying their paddles and pledge symbols to class, give them incentives to do better, etc. Let the pledges know how proud you are of them. All this pledgimg to be monitored by advisors and or gradute members.This type of discipline will make stonger men and women. The MIP is not bad but the downfalls is that some only have a weekend process with no time to learn information. I think this is a big problem with why some greeks are not accepted.
ReplyDeleteWith everything Black people have to go through to even get to college, stay in college, graduate and get a job working harder and getting paid less only to realize that your PHD as a Black person is the equivalent of some college for a White person, the racial wealth gap, health disparities and every other challenge to equity we have as Black people, isn't life hazing us enough? I honestly went through some things during my process, but it only caused hard feelings, not sisterhood. I'm still very active and financial but I would have much rather had a beautiful, respectful and memorable process. Wouldn't that have been what our founders truly wanted for us? Could you honestly see OUR FOUNDERS bopping each other in the head or pimping pledges out in the name of sisterhood/brotherhood? You've got to be kidding me!!
ReplyDeleteThis was a very informing article however I would like to include more insight. Since pledging went underground many black Greek organizations specifically sororities started doing split lines. Specifically meaning some pledged and some didn’t. However it is a very unfair process because prophytes are the ones who pick the girls who are allowed to do the process. Which means the girls who are considering paper never got the opportunity. And being on an HBCU campus it is horrible when half a line thinks they are better than the other half because they were picked to do a process on the other girls weren’t. But many people have the conception that they didn’t submit to the process and it’s simply not true. Lastly it’s embarrassing being on the yard because people will talk about you. For reasons out of your control.
ReplyDeleteTy
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