[21152] in APO-L
Re: [APO-L] What is our "Bread" abd "Butter"?
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Michael Shulman)
Mon Sep 11 21:17:45 2000
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Message-ID: <000d01c01c56$e28cfe30$bfe88d89@shulmw58>
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 21:15:05 -0400
Reply-To: Michael Shulman <shulmw58@snyoneva.cc.oneonta.edu>
From: Michael Shulman <shulmw58@snyoneva.cc.oneonta.edu>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
I have been considering these questions since I pledged Alpha Phi Omega in
fall 1998 and I always seem to land at one resounding answer: Nationals have
gone overboard on their standards.
I can understand no hazing, however we need to narrow our definition of
hazing. I believe that telling a pledge 'you can not talk to your pledge
brothers during voting' is not out of line, however apparently nationals has
decided it is.
I think by far the biggest hurdle that I have observed is the no drinking
policy. This policy is absurd in both notion and practice, and I often find
myself wondering just what was going through the heads of those who voted
for this measure.
First and foremost: Alpha Phi Omega is a fraternity of college students.
College students drink, like it or not. Not only does this policy deter
perspective pledges, but I takes away from the fellowship as well. I will
not speak for anyone else, but in Oneonta, the bars are the major
socializing point. Campus events have been essentially dead since the campus
went dry several years ago. Recognized sororities are permitted to drink off
campus, however.
The fact that APO cant rush in a bar has hurt us a great deal. The fact that
we cant hold a fellowship where a few of us go down town and have a few
drinks has hurt the brotherhood as well. I would love to go downtown with my
letters on just to spend some time with my brothers.
Frankly, it makes APO look like less of a fraternity than a student
organization. We wouldnt even have to drink; we could all drink soda.
However, the overly oppressive risk management act forbids any of this
activity.
I believe that pledges should be treated as lesser than brother, despite
what our national bylaws proclimate. It seems almost like it is better to be
a pledge for this fraternity than a brother.
Are we a real fraternity? At this point, I would be tempted to say no. Any
fraternal activities have been all but eliminated. I dont want pledge -
slaves like the social frats have here in Oneonta.
These are just my opinions, not representive of anyone else's nor are they
intended to truley offend anyone.
I have not said one thing in this whole long letter that I should have and
that is that Alpha Phi Omega has changed my life for the better, and I am
glad that I pledged APO. It is something I can be proud to say I am a
brother (not a member) of.
With that I end this. If you have read this far, thank you. If you have not,
then you get no thanks :).
Feel free to respond to either me or to the listserv.
In LFS
Michael Shulman
shulmw58@oneonta.edu
ICQ : 9634908
IM: Mikeman1980
