The Most Known Unknowns

When I first stepped foot on a college campus, I had nothing but ignorance when it came to black Greek lettered organizations (BGLO). Only one person in my immediate circle of friends was even a member of an organization, and that fact wasn't the key identifier for him. Over the next few years, I would learn that being a member of BGLO was a big fucking deal for some people. Personally, it took me some time to warm up to idea of joining any frat. These following observations were made long before I crossed into the land of greekdom, but sharing them with others were frowned upon or simply laughed at because I was merely a GDI (got damn independent/individual); although I still consider myself pretty independent and definitely an individual. Nonetheless, here are my thoughts:

One quickly learns that being a Black greek is a lifetime commitment. With life member status being available, one is expected to take the affiliation to death and beyond. This concept escapes the minds of so many members and aspirants as does any long term commitment in the mind of a young twenty-something year old. It beckons the question of why would one pursue membership if not planning to continue beyond a few years.

Membership, sometimes viewed as trendy by letter-wearers and their supporters, is reserved for those that are serious about carrying out the principles of the organization throughout life. It is suggested that membership intake is a process that one must take seriously and can test the limits of an individual. Only the strongest of motivation can persevere the process; those that are weak in resolve will be weeded out. Older members boast of long time periods in the oven as they prepare while describing the new process as a microwave version of the old way. Either way, things are to get hot before the end of the endeavor. It is a wonder that someone will go through hell like they may never see again only to let obstacles of life keep them from upholding the oath of membership taken at the end of a long hard journey.

The introduction to an organization is funny thing in my opinion. Most people are introduced to the idea of becoming greek early in their college career with a few others learning through youth groups and family members or friends. Every individual has his or her own story as to why they chose a particular organization over another; I am not one to dispute their origin story. Yet I still chuckle when I learn that someone chose a certain school because they intended to join a certain chapter; fuck thinking of the best education and its impact on your future. Even more so do I laugh when it becomes painfully obvious that there are those that joined a certain organization because they were the hot trend on the campus, or even more so to make some kind of statement. I mean to hell with the ideals that the founders and national officers have worked to uphold. Niggas making decisions based on what's the thing to do this semester; on the fact that the original organization of their choice may not choose them because of a petty difference of opinion; or even on the basis of affiliation culminating their image in the eyes of others. 

The list goes on and on (read here shout out to the Insanity Report), but every time I see someone going hard for their frat or sorority, I wonder when was the last time they paid dues. For every twitter handle that alludes to affiliation, I think about when was the last time they attended a meeting. Heaven forbid me hearing someone discussing the state of his or her frat/sorority, chapter, or BGLO in general; I instantly know that this person is not actively supporting the cause. Alums can muster up cash so that the undergraduates can make sure to "show love" when homecoming arrives then bitch about the lack of fun once everything is over but cannot find the time in their busy ass schedules to attend an alumni chapter meeting or event (But let there be a fucking party...Oh my God! And if there is a new line coming...Stop the muthafuckin' presses because we must meet them to see if they are worthy).

Of course this is not aimed at all inactive Black Greeks, sometime things truly do happen that keep one out of the fold but not the organization out of your heart. The burden to carry the misfits of our family falls on those that continue to honor the vision of the founding brothers and sisters of these organizations. That loud voice of a member gone astray is the voice of the most known unknown. Do you hear them chanting?

And stop being a Super Greek if you're older than 5! Have some respect for yourself. It's disgusting.