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September I - 7,2010
www.themaroontiger.com
OPINIONS 9
United Division:
AUC Stereotypes
Why are you RUSHing?
Greek Life is More Than Meets The Eye
Dionne Hopkins
Contributing Writer
dionne.hopkins@hotmail.com
H omosexual, bourgie, and ghetto - three
simple words used to describe AUC in
stitutions.
Living in the AUC, students from all insti
tutions hear several insults that are associated
with their school on a daily basis.
Clark Atlanta is labeled as the ghetto, hous
ing some of the most promiscuous women and
uneducated men of the entire Atlanta Univer
sity Center.
Spelmanites are unfairly depicted as snob
bish lesbians who, if heterosexual, are set
on marrying a Morehouse Man. And Men of
Morehouse who do not overtly scream straight
in their appearance are left with the relative
offense of being called homosexual.
But let us assume these stereotypes are true.
If in fact every student identifies with their in
stitutional stereotype, what does it prove?
It proves that Morehouse, Spelman, and
Clark Atlanta are all filled with societal re
jects. It is the ignorant, promiscuous, ghetto,
and homosexual that is frowned upon in soci
ety. Though the negative likeness is apparent,
why is it so difficult to look for the positives?
One would expect us, as the future of our
nation and the Black community, to band to
gether. I suppose that's the purpose of AUC
unity. But. despite the kumbaya mentality be
hind it, if we allow these distinguishing char
acteristics of our people to divide us, unity is
simply a hopeless thought.
As a woman of Clark Atlanta University, I
am insulted by the stereotypes placed upon
all institutions. Understandably, some stereo
types are out of pure sport. They, at times,
bring CAU students together, as it would with
Morehouse and Spelman. During sporting
events, it’s fun to have a healthy rivalry. The
problem arises, however, when stereotypes
prevent the AUC from prevailing as the loca
tion of strong and illustrious HBCUs.
Each year, however, these stereotypes con
tinue to persist through New Student Orienta
tion (NSO). As an incoming freshman, I was
taught that I was second to none. I was told
that Morehouse and Spelman students think
they are superior to me and I have to be on
guard.
Regardless of the positive intentions behind
this warning, I began seeing people as their
institutional stereotype, not who they were.
Each time my institution became the subject
of discussion. I became defensive. Recogniz
ing this, it took time for me to erase any nega
tively related idea of Morehouse and Spelman
from my mind. I now address people based
upon their merit and their character, not where
they chose to attend college. Such should be
the goal of NSO.
Regardless of the partial truth in labels of
the AUC, they do more damage than good.
Above unfairness, these stereotypes ultimate
ly ruin relationships between CAU, Spelman
and Morehouse before they even start. One
should really look at the vast similarities the
AUC institutions have as opposed to the dif
ferences. The division actually should be used
as a device to unite.
Dionne Hopkins is a sophomore at Clark
Atlanta University. Majoring in political sci
ence, she was the freshman class representa
tive for the CAU Political Science Association
and aims to become a political science profes
sor upon graduation.
Jaleel D. Johnson
Contributing Writer
jaleeldjohnson@gmail.com
W hen one of Mother Morehouse’s sons
declares that he attends this institution,
he can either anticipate the encouraging shriek
of excitement or a sorry facial contortion ex
pressing complete oblivion. Nine times out of
ten, the same broad questions will be posed.
Her child may hear, “Why Morehouse?,”
“What’s an HBCU?” or the ever popular,
“Isn’t that the all boys school?”
If he is conversing with a slightly more in
formed individual, more worthwhile conver
sational starters will come to mind like “Why
did you choose an HBCU,” “Why did you
choose a liberal arts college?” or “Will you go
Greek?.”
The answer to the latter question is one that
intrigues many Men of Morehouse. The glitter
that usually fools him into answering “yes,”
is sprinkled from Hump Wednesdays, the step
shows and the peaceful afternoons disturbed
by chants, strolls and barks. His fascination
deepens as he observes and contributes to the
respect demanded by the letters and colors of
the benches in the “Quad.” Whispers become
rumors and friendships are forged by secret
infatuations and desires to be “down with the
bruhs.” But what the ignorant underclassmen
will not see is the hidden fractures and un
speakable acts that lie under those pretty line
jackets.
Before taking a bite out of any banana, find
out why their nationwide member intake was
halted. Don’t pick up that candy cane unless
you know all the uses for it. Beware of the
dogs, because their bites marks won’t only
leave you with rabies. Before hopping onto
a fraternity’s line, it is imperative to conduct
some serious research. Visit the websites,
speak with chapter members, and be in con
cordance with their mission statements and
visions. Because once you cross, you will be
a walking representation of the fraternity. The
public eye never closes and your every action
will be scrutinized and publicized as the ac
cepted norm for the entire cohort.
Many people will join a fraternity for the
wrong reasons. Changing ones public percep
tion, getting the girl, being granted free ad
mission to campus activities, and the special
treatment are all lucrative incentives to pledg
ing. But what about the community service
you’ll have sworn to perform? Or the chapter
meetings you’ll need to sit through? And the
academic requirements you’ll have to meet for
consideration? Can you speak up loud enough
to be the forefront leader or are you only brave
enough to lead a chant?
During this Greek interest season, remem
ber the saying “Fools RUSH in.” When you
RUSH to the Chapel and the subsequent
breakout session, people will be watching. As
you sit down and ask questions, someone will
remember your face. And all it will take is one
momentary lapse in judgment while under the
critical eye of the yard to eliminate you from
contention.
So before you press your Sunday’s best suit
and saunter to the “Bruhs”' meeting, ask your
self one question, what are you really rushing
for?
Jaleel D. Johnson is a sophomore Spanish
and international relations double major at
Morehouse College from Silver Spring, MD.
He currently serves as the Senator of the Span
ish Club. He plans on attending the Monterey
Institute of International Studies.
Day a
Instead of a Day Off
By Hilda L. Solis, US. Sec
retary of Labor
workers re-enter academic in
stitutions of all types to retool serve.gov). F
and retrain. That’s good for student wh<
F br many college students, colleges, very good for work- the same <
Labor Day means the end ers, and even better for you! programs
of a summer job (or summer Get to know fellow students— arts to cc
fun), the start of a new school especially those that don’t ex- tion) and t
year, and perhaps the kickoff actly look like you. You will tutor. The 1
of the college football sea- never know how you can help also help yc
seal. Historically, Labor Day- each other. unteer
-which unlike other American Support Your Peers. You the needs
holidays does not recognize may also see more veterans unemploym<
any particular group, event, in- of every age on campus. Stu- with disabl’
dividual, or battle-celebrates dent veterans groups are form- 16 percent.
ing on campuses to provide ganizations
peer-to-peer networks, spon- portant cc
sor events and activities, and help in a va
make sure that veterans are and readir
successful at school, and later, is a great 1
at work. Learn more about your ^
significant gains-workers and how you can get involved in hone your.
students are feeling more anxi- these efforts at studentvet- your focus,:
erans.org. And you can help Get '
yourself while helping others, Green Later. (
too. Disabled American Veter- efforts to “s
workers, and their contribu
tions to our nation.
But I think Labor Day is
also a time to recognize the
struggles of working people.
Especially now, when-despite
ety than festivity.
It has taken a lot of work to
get the economy headed on a
path to recovery. This is not
just the responsibility of the scholarship for volunteers w
Labor Secretary or leaders in provide at least 100 hours of
ans (dav.org) offers a $15,000 or commi
wm
Washington. There is a role
for everyone, including col
lege students. Here are a few
ways you can help:
even solar
service to local VA Hospitals projects,
in a year. This is an excellent nificant inve
way to get invaluable experi- new
ence and build your resume in energy. <
Expand Your Circle. Since the many high-growth careers our d
President Obama has made in the health care i
federal student aid-including Share Your Passion. My ing sector
Pell Grants-available to un- department runs Job Corps, and jobs t<
employed workers, there will one of the country’s largest 1 hope
be more “non-traditional” networks of residential edu- Labor Day
students on campus. From cational/vocational training instead of a
the former auto worker study- programs. It helps more than nothing
ing to be a nurse, to the single 100,(XX) young people a year time for
mother who is earning a degree learn a great career and earn game, but 1
at night or on weekends, there a high school diploma. Many each other,
is no such thing as a “typical” of the 123 Job Corps centers
it anymore, as around the country have vol-
9HR
wmmm,
ities (check out
a Job Corps
s interested in
; you are (our
form culinary
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a mentor or
ii.gov site can
other vol-
ties where
The
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;erve this im-
need your
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Dgrams. This
Dr you to put
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skills, sharpen
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Now. Earn
Dived in the
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Let’s all do
/
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