Advice to white people during this momentous time in our history

[jmbar2]

Last edited Wed Jul 24, 2024, 01:23 PM - Edit history (2)

I read this thread and thought it well worth sharing here on DU.

Those of us who are white Harris supporters need to be aware of our own potential cultural/racial blinders, and respect the tremendous energy and leadership of the African-American community in this election cycle.

EDIT: The post below gives a fairly innocuous example of a potential blindspot. Did you know about the role of black sororities/fraternities in Harris's campaign? The marching videos that we all enjoy? I didn't. We are being exposed to new stuff. It's interesting.

This is to say, the Harris campaign is an amazing cultural phenomenon. This is a time to for us to observe and learn.

Whites form the dominant support for TFG, so we are not viewed as the most trustworthy allies. We need to earn that trust by supporting the campaign with all our might, and doing the work in our own communities to try to turn the 50% of whites still supporting TFG.

Link to tweet

White friends, especially white women who did not have an undergraduate sorority experience:

In the coming months you’ll likely see a great deal of content about VP Harris’ sorority affiliation and the support from its members. We 🩷 it. Some info & tips for us:

Madame VP’s affiliation is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Use the full name whenever possible. AKA is the appropriate abbreviation if needed. It was founded in 1908 at Howard University.. 1/

AKA is one of 9 Black Greek letter organizations unified under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). There are 4 women’s orgs and 5 men’s, the collective often called the Divine Nine. 2/

AKA symbols include ivy and pearls and the colors pink and green. The symbols, gestures, and other insignia of the org are *not ours* to post/wear/etc. Do not use these to represent your support. 3/
Like their Divine Nine counterparts, AKA has hand signs and dance elements seen in step routines and party strolls that are uniquely theirs. You may likely see them in photos and videos. Again, *not ours*. 4/

These are *not* TikTok dances for everyone to learn, not photo poses to be appropriated. Hype them, share them, support the art. Do. Not. Do. Them. And, if you’re lucky enough to be at an event where a Black Greek party stroll breaks out… 5/

Back up, and cheer. Don’t try to join in. This is not a conga line at your cousin’s wedding reception. And, if you need to cross the room, you do not walk through the middle of a party stroll line to get there. Go around. /6

Members of the org do not use the term “sisters” that you may hear white sorority women use. They will call one another “soror.” This is not a synonym for sibling or friend. Don’t try to use it in place of sister or bestie. Members only, among themselves. /7

In greeting or to acknowledge one another in groups, you may hear their call: skee-weee. Sometime just like that, sometimes in a call/response, always high pitched. I know it’s in a popular song but still: No. We’re not gonna have well-meaning white folks trying /8


To use that at rallies to cheer. Or anywhere. Again, not for us. Black Greek culture is wonderful, and the culture is not transferable.

End TED Talk. Thank you for your time. 9/9

[Drum]

1. Bookmarking

[Deuxcents]

2. Me, too. Thanks for the post

[stopdiggin]

3. interesting

probably need to add "good luck"
since white people have been imitating and co-opting (if that is even the correct framework ) ....

[jmbar2]

4. Putting it out there is the first step

We have some work to do.

[stopdiggin]

6. no argument.

and, while not inclined to join any conga lines in the first place .. It (the black sorority, and accompanying sensitivity) was a complete news flash on this front. Interesting!

[brush]

153. Wonderful post, jmbar2. So knowlegeable about the "Devine Nine."

Are you employed on a college campus somewhere to have gained such extensive knowledge of Black Greek culture?

BTW, I'm a Kappa Alpha Psi (Nupe) in the house here on DU.

[whathehell]

16. Negative much?

I think the poster's point about the white folks she's addressing is that they might err in the interests of helping Kamala, not in the interests of helping themselves by "imitating" or "co-opting".

[misanthrope]

23. Humans naturally "imitate and co-opt" culture and its elements

Last edited Thu Jul 25, 2024, 02:49 AM - Edit history (1)

It is endemic to the species and not the solely the habit of one sliver of humanity. Culture, the chief tool of adaptation for Homo sapiens, endures through this tendency.

[whathehell]

55. Yes, especially within a diverse society..

The "co-opting" and "imitating" is across the board.

[stopdiggin]

158. 100% correct.

and the only reason the term 'white' showed up in my post - is because that is where the OP was aimed/focused

But you couldn't be more right - human beings are natural and consummate imitators (and co-opters).
And, in fact - there's probably some sociology paper out there somewhere postulating that it is one the key factors in our success as a species. And with some grounds.

[misanthrope]

171. Not sociology but anthropology

and you wouldn't need to look for an obscure paper as it has been an axiom of the field for at least 40 years, because that when I first encountered it in college. Hominids are exceptionally skilled at it, but all our primate cousins share the same "monkey see, monkey do" gene.

[stopdiggin]

172. and I'd stick with

the idea that cultural adaptations, cross pollination, diversity also play a prominent role in the field of sociology ..
(how not, after all?)

But anthro always had my truest heart.

[Crunchy Frog]

194. Indeed if we didn't we'd still be living in the stone age.

[Scrivener7]

5. I don't really think the most important role of white Democrats in supporting Kamala's election

is to be all brushed up on sorority etiquette.

[jmbar2]

7. It's just one example of how we can have blind spots

There are others. This is a good time to learn new things.

[Scrivener7]

8. It's unserious. Have we ever told people how to behave with respect to male candidates' fraternities?

[WhiskeyGrinder]

13. There are some pretty big differences between Black and white Greek organizations and it's not a bad idea to know them.

[Scrivener7]

14. Why? Greek organizations, black or white, are not

germaine to her presidential candidacy, or to the concerns of the vast majority of Americans. Any more than they have been germaine to the candidacies of all the frat boy presidents we have had.

We have 104 days.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

19. Oh, but they are.

That "Win With Black Women" call that raised almost $1.5 million the other day was organized and put into action by members of her sorority.

We have 104 days.

Right, so why are you arguing online?

[Scrivener7]

24. That's great. And that happened without people knowing their inner etiquette.

Hope they keep it up.

I'm guessing fraternities have donated to male candidates too.

Meanwhile, you're right. This topic is just dopey. I'm out. Have a lovely day.

[JustAnotherGen]

28. The black greek organizations

Are germaine to our experience in America - and in succeeding by going behind the back(s) of the dominant culture. Kamala Harris was at Howard with my cousins Sandra and Michelle - and they are sorors - but not AKA. They are Delta. I was not at a University which had any sororities, but was 'handed' Delta membership via a University close by.

Being 'handed' it is due to my Grandmother (born at the turn of the last century) belonging to Delta, all six of her daughters, and every single one of her granddaughters - there are 17 of us. Her Great Granddaughters are now engaged.

There are very specific expectations as to your conduct when you are part of the black elite.

Book recommendation? Oldie but goodie?

Our Kind of People - book Lawrence Otis Graham. The fact that a daughter of two immigrants with no foothold in the B & B, The Links, the Boule, etc etc world was received into one of the 9 when she was (early 80s) is a BFD.

The late great radio host Joe Madison used to say - "You never know who you are talking to."

Entrance into one of the Divine Nine is like being handed the keys to a very insulated world where you succeed, have the mentors and connections to guarantee it, then are expected to reach down and pick up a whole bunch of people that didn't have the opportunity.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

29. Great post. Thanks for the insight.

[jmbar2]

34. Thanks for sharing this

I'll check it out. Want to learn more.

[JustAnotherGen]

48. Warning

My aunt is in there as an anonymous person in the greater Detroit area being snotty about Diana Ross.

[jmbar2]

52. Well, we all have our crosses to bear

[Ms. Toad]

129. Thank you!

I'm kind of astounded by the ignorance and arrogance on display in this thread.

But I have to admit that until relatively recently (since ~ 2014) I knew little about black greek organizations. I knew of AKA for decades, but not the Divine 9. I knew that black greek life was important - but not how much more significant it was than the run-of-the-mill sorority/fraternity.

But the difference between me and others who are dismissing this as irrelevant, is that when a former student of mine became a friend on facebook - talking openly to her peers about things she didn't speak with me about in person it became very clear the critical role AKA played and continues to play, in her life and her mother's life, as well as the obligation to pay it forward. So I listened.

Thank you for sharing here.

[stopdiggin]

161. well said! and in response to another post that elevated the discussion! -(nt)-

[FirstLight]

150. Well put! thank you for clarifying for others...

I have never been lucky enough to attend college like that but I definitely understand the importance of Black (or any culture's) clubs, organizations, etc...because they are legitimate on their own, like you said _OUTSIDE_ white culture etc
And yeah, totally get the concept of succeeding so you can help others...that's one of the awesome aspects of these orgs, is that they uplift people when so many are trying to keep them down.

Anyway, thanks for this post, I hope others will read

[electric_blue68]

154. Ty for informing us who wouldn't necessarily know.

[Hekate]

116. LOL. Those are the guys who run the country -- so we've been told all about Skull&Bones...

…and the rest for centuries.

[msfiddlestix]

216. Its always a good time to learn new things, but teaching more ways to undo embracing diversity is not one of them, imo.

I totally understand it is NOT the intention to build more walls, or fortify existing walls between people of different cultures, races . Unfortunately, that is the result.

Either we are embracing diversity or we are not. I'm pretty sure our mantra has been the former and not the latter.

The act of acceptance can be merely a superficial public demonstration or can be genuine.

If the goal is the former, what is the point, if not to create a greater gulf between peoples?

If it's the latter, why build walls to keep us turned away from each other and separated?

And as an aside, I've never been one to sing the praises. secret societies and sororities.
In some cases, I view them in general as a weird elitist cult. imo.

[stopdiggin]

11. true. but GIVEN that information

one would hope that most would respect - or at least not go out of their way to offend ...

[Sympthsical]

18. This stuff about to show up on TikTok anyway in 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . .

[oldsoftie]

106. How I DESPISE TikTok. nt

[Baitball Blogger]

21. Truly.

I know white women who are truly bonded to their sororities, and I can't say that it brings out the best in them. In fact, some of those feelings of entitlement that we talk about, it is reinforced in these kind of circles.

Not saying that Kamala's sorority was like this, but just suggesting they don't broad brush the benefits of these Greek organizations, especially when we're decrying white fraternities because of their power trips, Squee.

[IbogaProject]

45. There is little comparison

I would suggest that the "Devine Nine" are much more disciplined than any other 'Greek' organization. Some Frats and Sorrorities are organized and their members do well in school. But this cohort is a totally different thing, yes they wear letters and have Greek letters. If I was interviewing those 9 on a resume would bring my respect, any other would just be an opening to work some questions around, I wouldn't give it nearly the same consideration. I'm from a local fraternity that was one of the early coed ones since the 80s, and I have friends from National Greek chapters Black and others.

[Baitball Blogger]

53. Just be careful how you introduce these organizations when you tack it on to Kamala Harris's success.

Many of us are GDIs, have other memories of the Greek system. As I recall, education and academics was secondary.

[happy feet]

61. Gentle nudge

to learn about the Divine Nine before drawing generalizations to white Greek organizations.

[Baitball Blogger]

65. I'm not the one you'll need to convince.

Kamala has my vote, so I've moved on to other things.

Maybe you all can use this as market research, and Kamala will have the opportunity to use her new platform to fill in the blanks in people's understandings. Not just on the issue of your Divine 9.

[brush]

156. FYI: Education and academics are not secondary to Black Greek organizations.

There are academic standards and achievements to meet before being initiated. Black Greek letter organizations are service organizations with emphasis on uplifting and helping the Black community because of the historic and ongoing racism in the nation.

IMO that's a feature that distinguishes the Devine Nine groups from others.

This post is from a brother/member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., one of the Divine Nine.

[jmbar2]

50. From what I can tell, as an outsider and new to learning about this cultural phenomenon,

the black sororities and fraternities are more about pulling others up after them than the white ones. When I was in college white Greek culture was drunk, mean and narcissistic.

[Baitball Blogger]

60. Oh, the white Greek system was also about pulling others up.

Kavanaugh is a great example.

For now, some of the members in the white Greek system might have better resources in the circles of power, which would explain why their lifestyles cross the line. While minorities might still adhere to education as a way out. I can go along with that. But, there are always exceptions, which is why I don't think broad brushing is helpful.

[jmbar2]

63. You have a point, but

what I admire about the black organizations is their commitment to pulling up others outside their circle. I didn't see that so much in the white Greeks. But I could be wrong.

[Baitball Blogger]

73. You would be right. They are loyal only to their own members.

Those tight bonds can create strange social dynamics. They teach their members to help their brothers out, and though this sounds admirable, over the years some of those accepting the help just learn to expect those handouts. Taking them for granted. Even to the point of bad mouthing or using passive aggressive jibes to reinforce their positions.

It is really gross to watch those who do not have money smarming up to the wealthy members, who might be conservative. Over the years, their conversations evolved to the same racist dialogue that we're now familiar with among the MAGAs.

[happy feet]

57. As a founding member of

AKA at my ivy league university, I beg to differ --- from the insider perspective.

[Baitball Blogger]

62. LOL!

Because the insider perspective is what we need right now. Do your best, is all I'm going to say. People are always willing to listen, until they're not.

[wnylib]

123. I don't know anything about Black sororities other than

what the OP says. So I am guessing that, since Blacks in general, and Black women in particular, were prevented for so long from achieving recognition and success in career fields, the bonding in Black sororities provides affirmation, support, and encouragement to keep moving forward.

It is not something that White sorority and White fraternity members can fully relate to due to different life experiences.

If I am wrong on that, I am sure that some of our Black DU members can correct me.

[brush]

160. FYI: Members of Black Greek organizations were NOT prevented for so long from achieving recognition and success.

Your words: "...were prevented for so long from achieving recognition and success."

Successful Black people learn early on to navigate around racism and patronization in
the larger society that tries mightily to prevent Black people from succeeding. This OP itself is about a soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a Black sorority, who succeeded as a DA in San Francisco, the AG of California, a Us Senator, presently the VP of the US and possibly a future president of the US.

I would say she wasn't prevented for so long from achieving recognition and success.

[wnylib]

167. Thanks for the feedback.

[wnylib]

192. I apologize for a patronizing tone.

But, for clarity, please read my post again to see whom I said were prevented from achieving recognition and success. I did not say that it was members of the Black Greek sororities that were prevented by racism from success and achievement. Neither did I say that was the case for VP Harris.

I did say that Blacks in general, especially Black women, were prevented from being successful. And that is historically true. But I did not write it well or clearly enough.

I should have said that it was often the case, because it certainly has not always been the case. I am aware that there have been and are successful Blacks who "learn early on to navigate around racism and patronization...." And that whole communities of successful Blacks have been physically attacked precisely because they were successful.

In my post, I guessed that when Black Greek sororities were established, they were a support system for Black women college students in a society that would not accept them in already established Greek sororities. But, since you called me out on that, I decided that I needed to learn more about them. I looked up articles on their history, goals, and achievements.

I learned that it is true that initially they did provide support and opportunity to be service organizations for Black women in college to commit to goals established by each individual Black Greek sorority. But they are much more than a "support system" for their members. They are committed to service in the world at large for promoting education, leadership, social improvements, and more.

These are links to a couple of the articles that I read. You might already be familiar with the information in them and might or might not agree with some or all of their content. But this is what I found. Other posters besides me might want to learn more about them.

https://www.simplycharmedgreek.com/blogs/news/divine-9-black-sororities-fraternities

https://lasentinel.net/womens-month-why-i-pledged.html

https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/african-american-sororities

[brush]

195. One thing to know, pls don't refer to Black people as "blacks", it's offensive, how trump refers to Black people.

And being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., one of the "Devine Nine", I'm aware of the history.

Thanks for posting the links for those who might be interested.

[wnylib]

198. OK. My own interracial background is Native American and European American.

Different heritages and different preferences in word usage. I am more familiar with Native American word preferences than with word preferences among Black Americans. For example, it is not necessarily offensive to use the plural Native Americans, depending on context. If used to lump them all as one culture/religion/customs, it is offensive because there are many different Native cultures. But, again, context matters. And people are individuals, so not all Native Americans feel the same about word usage. But "Red" or "Red Indians" can be offensive in ways that Black or White are not.

Since the Seneca Nation of my heritage is matrilineal, and it comes from my father, I am identified as White, with my White European-American mother. Personally, I have never found the plural, Whites, offensive. But I can't speak for all White people. Or for all Seneca or all Native American people.

I can easily see Trump's use of "THE Blacks" as offensive, using the article in front of the word "Blacks" as he usually does, but did not recognize the word "Blacks" by itself as offensive until you mentioned it.

[FirstLight]

151. the whole point is that this isn't your "normal" sorority

So please don't compare Kamala to other white sorority girls...ew

[Ms. Toad]

27. It's not about sorority etiquette.

It's about being aware enough of unique facets of black culture to avoid inadvertently coopting them when you think you're being supportive.

[jmbar2]

43. Thanks. You said it much better.

[Goodheart]

100. "Coopting them"?

Say what? I reserve the right to "coopt" anything I like. I'm not pretending to be Picasso when I adopt his painting style.

This sort of "cultural appropriation" talk really turns people off.

[Ms. Toad]

103. Mostly it turns people off who don't respect others' cultures. n/t

[Goodheart]

108. That's a B.S. personal attack.

Why on Earth would I try to emulate something that I don't respect?

[Ms. Toad]

120. It is more about treating the individuals within a culture with respect

than it is about respecting the thing you are emulating.

If you respect someone, and their culture, you don't just take things from them without asking - even if you believe that what is being taken is the most absolutely fantastic thing you've ever encountered.

[Goodheart]

128. NOBODY has any permanent exclusive right to ANY human idea or activity.

Got it?

[Ms. Toad]

130. I get that you have no respect for the people whose lives and culture we white folks have been stealing

for centuries.

[Zeitghost]

147. Culture isn't static and doesn't belong to one particular group

It is a constant evolution as people interact over time and space. It isn't a one way street in which uncultured evil whites steal from cultured minorities.

As long as the person is not mocking or denigrating, engaging in cultural practices outside the one they were born into should be celebrated. Nobody should be bothered that, for example, Japan has a cholo subculture, or that there are thriving punk and metal subcultures in Africa. It's part of the human experience.

So while one should always approach it with respect, this gatekeeping practice of suggesting people need permission is ridiculous.

[Sympthsical]

157. Except you're kind of speaking for them now

There's this penchant across the cultural appropriation conversation where people who are not of a community or culture are constantly explaining to everyone else how they need to be respectful of it.

One of the biggest examples I can think of are various Asian cultures. There exists a non-stop "people with nothing better to do" brigade online who are always telling people when it is or isn't ok to "appropriate" Asian cultures. And appropriation can start delving into how to enjoy manga the right way, for example. How much you're allowed to like anime. Whether or not you can wear Asian clothing or discuss Asian history. To the point actual Asian people start getting hectored when it's not obvious they're Asian. And it's almost always white people telling everyone else how to be respectful of Asian cultures.

If you talk to actual Asian people - the ones who haven't spent all day navel-gazing these issues - they love when other people "appropriate" their culture. And this is pretty widespread among other ethnicities and cultures as well. You know who really really really cares about Cinco de Mayo being offensive?

White people.

Mexicans do not care.

It's like white busybodies are appropriating being offended on other cultures' behalf.

Which is worse than "cultural appropriation". What would you even call that? Sensitivity appropriation? Where people who are not members of a group are more sensitive to perceived offense against that group than the actual group themselves?

It goes without saying that cultural appropriation armies are death at the ballot box. No one likes this shit. Not even the communities ostensibly being defended for their own good.

Loud people looking for offense are not the majority of any community. I'm LGBT. Do you think I'm running around freaking out at people who have appropriate our stuff? No. Because sharing is a good thing, spreading culture is a good thing, having mutual enjoyment of things is a good thing.

No one asked for Twitter hall monitors to intrude on real life. And that's where most of this ends up. On Twitter. Where people think it matters. Because in real life absolutely no. one. cares.

[Drum]

159. ...

[soandso]

163. Awesome post!

It's like white busybodies are appropriating being offended on other cultures' behalf.

Exactly and it borders on mentally ill and is kind of a Karen thing.

[orange jar]

165. God, yes.

It goes without saying that cultural appropriation armies are death at the ballot box.

An issue that I have with people who are activist minded is that they tend to underestimate just how important electoral politics is. Most people — including progressives — do not like "cultural appropriation" lectures. "Cultural appropriation" makes zero sense as a concept and only serves to make other white people feel like they're being good allies to people of color, when oftentimes, people of color also roll their eyes at it.

This rhetoric, while generally fringe and only existing on social media, also bleeds into real word politics — not in a good way, either. It makes normal disengaged, apolitical people go, "well, why even bother, then? Why should I vote for people who are yelling at me to shut up and sit down?" even though these are isolated incidents that are independent of campaigns — it turns people off of supporting liberal/progressive candidates out of fear they'll be chastised for doing it wrong. It is probably the most alienating concept that exists in politics and Democrats are better off dismissing it rather than trying to turn it into a legitimate discussion.

You cannot support objectively divisive rhetoric and be like, "well, progressives should support this…" when, sure, but we aren't only appealing to progressives. We're trying to appeal to everyone who is tired of Trump's clownery — including middle-of-the-road types (such as suburban women) who are less impressed by academic progressivism. You have to win them over so that you eventually can enact progressive policies — you can't just hope for the best that people outside of the bubble will go along with it.

[soandso]

169. And, have a good look at her

https://imgur.com/AImZVtN

[stopdiggin]

164. and now that IS a personal attack

you have gotten engaged with a particular poster to the point where you are no longer listening.
Please look at some of the other posts in the thread.
Some of the reservations and real doubt about 'cultural appropriation' and similar argument - have a good deal more to do with an understanding of plain old sociology - rather than a disrespect for other cultures.

[soandso]

144. I find that ridiculous

Because it flies in the face of being human and history.

[WhiteTara]

184. the MAGAt shaman comes to mind.

[msfiddlestix]

211. Topic comes up in traditional music as well. Appropriation of Slave music white people are not entitled to play or sing.

in jam sessions, someone might play a piece originating from Slaves is subjected to a lecture or harsh ridicule depending on the group of players' involved.

One is expected to know if a piece of music original source is inappropriate unless performed by slave descendants. Beware of singing long time campfire songs such as spirituals residing in the realm of public domain and culture for over a century.

It's a new wall being constructed, that didn't exist in this music community before, keeping people separated, which is unfortunate.

[stopdiggin]

214. it's more than just unfortunate

it's F-ing silly !
And when it comes right down to it - damaging and deleterious ... To art - to culture - to cultural exchange, relationships and understanding ...
It pretty much just sucks six ways to Sunday ...

[Jk23]

137. Culture is culture

A lot of it's just American culture we really really should put away the circular firing squad for just 150 days guys.

[whathehell]

40. Agreed.

I think, in fact, it's one of the most gratuitous "Let me tell you how it is" posts I've yet to read.

[happy feet]

51. I don't remember the post

saying supporting AKA is the most impt role of white people to support the Dem candidate?

[oldsoftie]

105. Totally agree. Its ridiculous & condescending

Isnt this just another version of "mansplaining"? I want her to be PRESIDENT I dont care WHAT her sorority was or did unless it was illegal.
And saying that some things related to her sorority shouldn't be done or said if you're WHITE is just a gift to Trump & his fools

[Ms. Toad]

132. You've lost the concept of mansplaining somehow.

If it was a white person addressing black people, it would be the equivalent of mansplaing (men explaining in a condescending and patronizing manner to women).

This is more ally behavior. Learning, as an ally, what is important to the minority community - and then sharing it with peers outside of the minority community.

Whether you believe it is a gift to Trump or not, refraining from cultural appropriation is a progressive value.

[Jk23]

139. There's no Ally Behavior she's a fellow Democrat

Seriously can we just put this divisive nonsense away for I don't know till after the election.

You're sounding like those people that want to change the name of the weeping willow because it's ableist.

[yardwork]

134. That's not the point. The point is to avoid cultural appropriation

It's not about the sorority.

Put another way, look at how JD Vance is being ridiculed for pretending to be a hillbilly. He's not. People see through it and they're offended by his pretense, because they view it as condescending. He thinks it's easy to pretend to be a hillbilly because he doesn't really value that culture.

That's what the author here is saying. Don't jump in and cosplay Kamala's sorority identification, because it's something that's very important to her and millions of others.

[soandso]

145. I must be missing something

Who would want to cosplay being in some sorority that they're not or any sorority or fraternity, for that matter?

[yardwork]

152. It's a TikTok thing.

[Bok_Tukalo]

9. Brilliant!

"Sit down and shut up" has always been a winning message.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

10. Here's hoping you stretched before you took that leap.

[whathehell]

26. Um, not so much..

People trying to forge bonds and help others don't appreciate blatant rudeness.

[Prairie Gates]

44. Don't forget to sit with your discomfort...that's also super important

Ya not wrong!

[whathehell]

59. Lol..I'm disinclined to take orders. n/t

[Iggo]

67. How about sit down and listen?

Of course, you might have to shut the fuck up to do that.

Never mind.

[Crunchy Frog]

193. I considered posting on the Xitter thread,

but I think I'm going to just block the poster instead.

This kind of messaging, however well intentioned, could and likely will end up as part of the MAGAt campaign.

I've been feeling really excited the past couple of days. This just brought me back down to Earth.

[BannonsLiver]

12. If I suddenly feel compelled to join a sorority this will be invaluable information.

[soandso]

146. lol

What a crazy conversation this is.

[Sogo]

15. Please, we've got more to be concerned about than whether or not

someone violates the protocols of a sorority.....

[Prairie Gates]

42. Cultural approriation is the most serious offense!

People wonder why we lose elections and why the fairly commonsense ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion have somehow gotten a bad name.

[hueymahl]

56. So serious

I'll focus my efforts on campaigning.

And maybe focus less on whether a private organization feels I stepped on their toes.

[Prairie Gates]

68. This isn't even the organization

It's some third party "instructing" people. I mean, fuck's sake, she has nothing better to do than this?

[oldsoftie]

109. WINNING!!! nt

[Kid Berwyn]

17. White People are welcome in the Democratic Party.

In fact, no matter what flesh tone they have, all people are welcome. There's all the room in the world. And all people will feel at home because all are respected and all are equal under law.

As President, Kamala Harris will speed the day when all see the reality: Diversity builds strength. Unity keeps us strong. And the Constitution is the road map for the next 248 years, not Project 2025.

[jmbar2]

20. Thank you

[Kid Berwyn]

126. You are welcome.

The “Why” from UShistory.org:

Finally, Jefferson also committed his presidency to the protection of civil liberties and minority rights. As he explained in his (inaugural address in) 1801, "though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression." Jefferson's experience of Federalist repression in the late 1790s led him to more clearly define a central concept of American democracy.

https://www.ushistory.org/us/20b.asp#google_vignette

[whathehell]

31. Really?

I'll be damned if I didn't imagine that,
as a 74 year old lifetime democrat, I was ALREADY a member and that the Democratic Party actually needed white people's vote!

[Kid Berwyn]

119. Sorry! Didn't know you were so sensitive.

To reiterate: Never considered a person’s value by their outward appearance. Only trying to be friendly to the newcomers. As I already treat Democrats with respect, didn’t think that needed to be said.

[whathehell]

138. I'm not sure I was being particularly sensitive..

I just thought welcoming white people people to a party created by white people was a little strange.

[Doodley]

38. Thank you for saying I am welcome.

[Kid Berwyn]

122. You're welcome!

Hoping kindness catches on.

If Democrats are unable to appreciate it, though, I will work to make it clear.

[Ms. Toad]

22. One correction -

#7 avoiding the use of the term sisters is not universal among AKA members. A significant portion of the facebook feed of a friend of mine references AKA, and within the last day referred to a fellow AKA member as a sister. (She does also use the term Soror, but not to the exclusion of using sister).

[jmbar2]

25. Thanks

I'm sure there is a lot more that we can learn in this fascinating moment of time.

[Ms. Toad]

96. Yes!

The exposure I've been getting via my friend over the past few years has been a privilege, since she shares very openly on facebook and uses language/references I might not be exposed to otherwise. So most of what was in the OP was familiar - but also explained a few things that I'd been seeing but not fully appreciating just from things she has said..

[Goodheart]

95. I just heard Kamala, herself, use the term "sisters" for fellow sorority members.

So, right now I'm doubting much of the validity of that "advice".

Actually, I'm sort of offended at the idea that white people are being singled out for advice. Stuff like this turns people off.

[Ms. Toad]

115. Aside from using the term sister, the rest of it fits with my personal experience.

White people are being singled out by someone I believe to be white, helping to educate other white folks. That is what allies do. Minorities are often expected to spend a lot of time and energy educating folks - including those who are well-intended - on top of the extra energy it takes just to live their lives. Some voluntarily spend the energy - but we shouldn't expect them to. And to the extent we educate ourselves, as allies, it is helpful if we share what we have learned with others similarly situated.

Unfortunately white folks have a tendency to appropriate other's cultures. Sports teams, clubs for youth, cress, language. We often say we're honoring them (that was the standard response for sports teams), but it doesn't feel like being honored to those whose culture is being appropriated. So the advice is probably appropriate - even if uncomfortable.

[Goodheart]

118. Spare us the "cultural appropriation" talk.

It makes no sense and it turns a lot of people off.

"Only we as black people should be allowed to perform jazz."

If you can't see how off-putting that is... well, you need to think about it a bit more.

[Ms. Toad]

124. Respecting the culture of others, and autonomy over that culture, is a progressive value, last I checked. n/t

[Goodheart]

127. Like I said, you make no sense.

And I'm tired of your insults and disrespect, so OVER AND OUT.

[Abolishinist]

133. Considering the topic at hand,

I find that Goodheart formulated an appropriate response/unanswered question. Given the history of jazz,

"Only we as black people should be allowed to perform jazz."

Care to answer, anyone?

[Ms. Toad]

136. Unlike the topic of this thread,

How blacks feel about jazz and cultural appropriation is not something I've had conversations about with black friends, nor is it something I've researched (Outside of performing in musical theater, music plays virtually no role in my life.)

If I were inclined to engage on conversation about that specific assertion, my first step would be to educate myself as to how blacks feel.

[stopdiggin]

166. Musicians really DIG when other people

(almost ANY other people) are turned on and want to play their stuff! It's a universal fist bump and acknowledgement - (with about the only exception being some kind of religious proscription or tie in - which music generally isn't being performed for the public anyway). Are we going to argue that there is no legitimate rock n roll in Japan, or hip hop in Africa? The absurdity is staring you right there in the face.

You venture into being purposely obtuse here.

[Ms. Toad]

168. Not at all.

There is a difference between individual musicians being flattered when people play their stuff and appropriating a genre from a culture. It's not a perfect comparison, but there are some whites who are embedded enough in the black community for them to be entitled to use the N-word (in the same way some members of the black community use it). But - as a whole - whites using the N-word is absolutely not appropriate (and many blacks are offended by the N-word regardless of who uses it). As I have said, I take my cues as to what is appropriate for others to use/join from members of the culture. As to jazz, as I said, I haven't had those conversations or made any effort to educate myself on where jazz falls.

As for your analogies - the fundamental question for me is whether it is a minority/disadvantaged group whose popular stuff is being used by the dominant culture (while that dominant culture otherwise disdains them) - and how they feel about it.

As to the examples you used, there are significant differences. Rock-n-roll has predominantly dominant culture origins, and Africa borrowing hip hop - which originated in the black community - wouldn't be a dominant culture borrowing certain aspects of a minority culture.

[stopdiggin]

170. I see you are determined to defend the (very tenuous)

cultural appropriations argument - right up to and beyond where the absurdity is best illustrated.

African people 'appropriating' hip hop - maybe not quite so problematic - because 'black culture' ...

Oh, for god's sake! (as if urban American black culture and .... )
Doesn't make any sense - and you know it!

[Trueblue Texan]

30. Ok, I clearly have a blind spot somewhere in here, but I can't figure out where it is and I need help...

Are you saying that the tweet itself is an example of racial insensitivity and/or white people overstepping the boundaries of black culture? Or are you saying to take heed of what the tweet is saying so that we don't overstep those boundaries? If it's the former, you're going to have to explain how the tweet itself oversteps. See? I told you I'm confused...but I'm happy to learn!

[jmbar2]

37. Her post was explaining a cultural thing that we may not get

Kind of like learning to take your shoes off before entering a Japanese home.

There are other examples online of things we do that could be viewed as insensitive. But I've already stirred up a hornet's nest with this example so I'll leave it up to everyone to think it through.

[Goodheart]

97. Maybe if she had used the words "info for all" instead of "advice for whites"

I'd be more comfortable with it.

[jmbar2]

99. That was my title - should have wordsmithed it better

[oldsoftie]

111. I'm hardly worried about it. Its just divisive.

[WarGamer]

32. I reject ALL "advice to white people"

Because white people are all different, with varying levels of intelligence, compassion, empathy and understanding of history and culture.

So yeah... don't broad brush me.

[edisdead]

49. May favorite is white people advising white people on

how not to offend black people.

[WarGamer]

54. It's disgusting, frankly.

[DeepWinter]

107. LOL, yep

+1

[Sympthsical]

66. "Dear White People . . ." is how not to do voter outreach

And the fact they're often written by upper middle class white people is the giant cherry on top of the infantilizing condescension that some people just cannot resist for some reason. It's this weird superiority that somehow manages to talk down to both the people being addressed and the people they have taken it upon themselves to address on behalf of. Oftentimes unasked.

"Hi. I'd just like to take a moment to gatekeep enthusiasm!"

Well thanks, Sharon. Because in a, uh, political campaign intended to motivate and persuade, I can rest easy knowing you gave us the Emily's Post of Excitement.

This stuff is so insulated navel-gazing. Anyone who's reading that and going, "Thanks for letting me know!" was already voting for our side.

[WarGamer]

70. +1000 nt

[Goodheart]

101. I'm finding most of this thread pretty distasteful, frankly.

Why aren't we celebrating togetherness right now instead of singling people out for "advice"?

[Mr.Bill]

33. I didn't have any plans to do any of those things,

but thanks for the info.

[ananda]

35. I didn't know about the sorority till yesterday when...

my sister who lives in Dallas told me that Kamala had
been there a week or two with her sorority sisters from
Harding College.

I thought that was very cool.

[IbogaProject]

36. I was always impressed with that scene

I went to Rutgers, grew up in a diverse town, so some of my childhood friends pledged these. Their discipline was impressive, look up Step Shows for an example.

[jmbar2]

39. I love the step shows on Youtube.

Makes me wish I grew up in that culture, minus the discrimination.

[Prairie Gates]

41. Oooof

"These are *not* TikTok dances for everyone to learn, not photo poses to be appropriated. Hype them, share them, support the art. Do. Not. Do. Them. And, if you’re lucky enough to be at an event where a Black Greek party stroll breaks out… 5/

Back up, and cheer. Don’t try to join in...."

[edisdead]

46. Cringey AF.

[Tommy Carcetti]

47. Greek collegiate organizations of any kind are personally kind of strange to me in general.

Needless to say, it will have absolutely 0% impact on my vote or support for VP Harris. I honestly couldn't care less one way or the other.

[misanthrope]

64. Same, something about the exclusivity at its foundation

always rubbed me the wrong way.

[JI7]

58. Is this really necessary ? Most white women supporting her are going to be younger ones

if people do things out of excitement and support for her then it shouldn't be taken as offensive.

If someone does something that does seem wrong then just explain it to them.

And how about Asians. Latinos and others that are non white and non black ?

[Oneironaut]

69. What!? lol

This is so Twitter. Touch grass people.

[orange jar]

71. Couldn't agree more.

And this is a white person lecturing people too, lol. I'd have no issue if it was coming from someone who is actually of color, but a white person attempting to speak on behalf of Black sorority women is so… out of touch, to put it kindly.

[MLAA]

72. Thank you!

Always happy to learn something I didn’t know.

[Gore1FL]

74. Good advice. They are celebrating their sorority and the Vice President's membership therein.

Trying to change the meaning or Alpha Kappa Alpha traditions into a Kamala Harris campaign tradition is like the right wing co-opting the Gadsden and Betsy Ross flags to represent fascism and racism.

Let the sorority celebrate.

[Iggo]

75. Just saying...

….preemptively warning white people to not act white goes over about as well as when white people preemptively warn black people not to act black.

It absolutely NEVER lands right. Ever.

Read through the replies for some perfect examples…lol.

[jmbar2]

78. Definitely taking some heat

[Iggo]

80. LOL .... Been there.

I know it comes from love, but a veritable fuck ton of people don’t know how to receive that kind of message without feeling attacked.

I’ve been working on it for over sixty years and I still fuck it up sometimes. (Again, read the replies…lol.)

[jmbar2]

84. You talking about the replies here, or the original tweet thread?

The original thread had a lot of interesting responses. That's why I wanted to share it.

[Iggo]

91. Oh wow! I never even got that far.

See?

I still fuck it up sometimes!

[redgreenandblue]

76. Let's not do this.

As it stands, the Harris campaign is generating a tremendous amount of positive energy. This sort of thing is the quickest way to end that.

[BannonsLiver]

77. The uspside is most people in the thread can see how ridiculous this is.

Progress.

[DownriverDem]

79. I'm white

and voted Democratic my whole life. It pains me to know white folks want tfg. It pains me to know there are so many racists among us. Diversity is our strength.

[jmbar2]

81. Me too

That's what led me to post this. We have some work to do.

[Skittles]

82. um

I honestly do not care about any sororities

[ProfessorGAC]

113. What Skittles Said!

I actually turned down pledge opportunities because I didn't like the vibe.
The Greeks had a basketball league every year, and each frat could have 2 non-members on the team
I got asked by 6 or 7 each year.
I chose the team with the least objectionable people!
So, this advice falls on deaf ears to me.
I honestly will never give a 2nd thought to Ms. Harris' college days.

[roamer65]

176. Ditto.

I could care less.

What I do care about is that we must stop the MAGAt fascists from hijacking our nation.

Therefore, VP Harris has my vote.

[GoodRaisin]

215. Me either. I am glad to hear they are on our side.

Come one come all and unite as one to defeat the Kraken.

[jalan48]

83. This is a good example how we can lose this election. Let's focus on us, not me.

[Paladin]

86. Well said. (nt)

[pinkstarburst]

92. Well said!

This tweet was completely unnecessary and not the tone we need right now. We need white suburban women voting for Kamala, not being told to sit down and shut up and not get excited...

[Chicagogrl1]

85. IMO

I find ANY sorority/fraternity by definition elitist & off putting. By design, they create a group that looks for ways to exclude others. I don’t think that is a good message for inclusion, which is a tenant of our party. This post reminds me of the movie American Fiction. If you haven’t seen it, give it a watch as its theme is similar to this post.

[Skittles]

196. yup

I was disappointed to find out she was even IN a sorority.

[AverageOldGuy]

87. My daughter has AKA friends . . .

. . . also some friends in Delta Sigma Theta and when she gets the Alphas and the Deltas together in the same room!!!!! Well, they know how to party!!

Regardless of sorority affiliation, they all are voting for VP Harris.

[arkielib]

88. I learned a lot here.Thank you for posting this great information!

[jmbar2]

94. Thank you

[spanone]

89. K&R

[multigraincracker]

90. I've spent my long life in what seemed to be the UN.

From schools to work places I’ve been exposed to all ethnicities. My minor in college was Cultural Anthropology. I’ve learned there are more differences with-in the, so called races than between them. In other words, the term “Race” is invalid. THERE IS ONLY ONE RACE, the HUMAN RACE.
I see one color, gray in its various shades. I can not determine where the cut off is.

[AverageOldGuy]

93. Something that we white people do not understand

We white people have been able to join any fraternity, sorority, church, civic organization, secret society, you-name-it.

Black folks have not had that freedom.

Read the first two sentences again. We white people can join anything we want, Black people have not had that freedom. And for centuries, if Black people tried to organize, they were broken up, even killed.

This is why Black churches are the center of communities. This is why sororities and fraternities at HBCUs are so active and important - - because by joining with others they are exercising a freedom denied to them for a long time -- since at least 1619.

[jmbar2]

98. That's one of the reasons I think this is such a unique moment in American history

The Divine9 has catapulted into prominence in this campaign. And they are damned impressive!

Link to tweet

[questionseverything]

143. I think you meant to say, "rich people can join anything they want "

[AkFemDem]

189. Isn't a huge point of the Greek system (everyone's okay with appropriating that title btw from the actual Greeks ;-) )

Exclusivity?? Like no, white people can not join any fraternity or sorority they want. Black students at HBCUs can't either. These are exclusionary organizations that DON'T let anyone join just because they want to join. That's part of the whole point of Rush.

[BonnieJW]

102. I agree

It's extremely important. Learning and understanding is key. I completely agree how inappropriate it is to use someone's heritage to satisfy a fancy when you have no connection to that heritage.

I knew a Christian family who displayed a menorah every Christmas. I found it objectionable. They were using a religious item as decoration.

[Goodheart]

112. Not even close to the same thing.

And having said that I'll probably bow out of this thread because I find it distasteful and unproductive, and I don't want to get into trouble.

[Jk23]

141. I think intent is the important thing on that one

They're a lot of garden Buddhas in my neck of the woods I don't think there are nearly as many Buddhists.

[onecaliberal]

104. I've been doing that for a while. This is what has been desperately needed for a long time.

Not re: sororities. Just listening to black women and taking cues from them. They will show us the way.

[Hekate]

110. I had no idea & am very grateful for this well-presented info! I have no background in sororities...

…of any type whatsoever. My best encounter was a slightly older friend I met in my mid thirties who had joined a business-oriented sorority in college, and she and her references to her ongoing friendships and activities really impressed me.

Your info about Alpha Kappa Alpha just beats all. ❤️ No wonder Kamala is fabulous.

[FirstLight]

114. Noted and SHARED!

I made a FB post with a pic of Kamala in her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pink

inclusion and representation without appropriation.

[Abolishinist]

117. I wonder what Michelle, an honorary member of

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., aka AKA, would have to say about this.

"This idea about purity, and you're never compromised, and you're always politically woke, and all that stuff, you should get over that quickly. The world is messy. There are ambiguities. People who do really good stuff have flaws." -Barack Obama

[pattyloutwo]

148. Great Obama quote!

I’ve enjoyed reading the dialogue and spirited discussion. I see both sides. I’ve also found it interesting why and how we collectively decide who gets a pass for cultural appropriation, or sexism or misogyny, for other examples, and who does not.

[jaxexpat]

121. This sort of discourse will not help Kamala's election. I respectfully suggest Greek association is irrelevant.

It will summon the sort of disunity that Republicans are desperate to see. Every fissure in our house is their pleasure. I'd even go so far as to say it's on a par with, or directly from, the Russian bot propaganda machine.

Think about it for just a second. How is such an OP anything but a ploy to separate Democrats along manufactured and irrelevant lines rather than remind us of our commonality and mutual interest to see Kamala Harris president in 2025?

What next, a panty raid?

[pinkstarburst]

125. I agree. What an unhelpful post.

Kamala's campaign has been all about inclusion and lifting up ALL Americans. I have been so encouraged an inspired by everything I have heard from her. This post is all about divisiveness and "you're not included" and "white people sit down and shut up." Why are we trying to single people out and make people feel like they aren't a part of this amazing moment in history and aren't on Team Kamala when we need every single vote come November?

Whoever made this ill thought out post should seriously think about deleting it, IMHO.

[jaxexpat]

131. If this sort of talk stands, our victory is in jeopardy.

Defeating Neo-con Republicans is about disciplining the adult children in our midst.

This Greek stuff is childishness gone amok. Using it as a wedge to divide our campaign is a product of conscious subversion. The kind with a potential for real world disaster.

[ForgedCrank]

173. I was

afraid to say something earlier, but yea. I'm not a child, and this twitter post is condescending as hell. And I've never heard Kamala Harris suggest she was in a special club that I wasn't allowed to acknowledge or something? This is just some white woman speaking out of bounds as far as I'm concerned. I'm a grown man, I know how to behave without directives.

[Drum]

174. 👍👍

[B.See]

177. "Every fissure in our house is their pleasure..." Absolutely AGREE. And is it my imagination

or are we witnessing a helluva LOT of fissure picking of late?

[Crunchy Frog]

185. A panty raid would be cultural appropriation, I think.

[jaxexpat]

200. Oh, you devil!

[Lunabell]

135. Cool.

I think this advice is great, but hopefully for most people, it's common sense.

[TygrBright]

140. Much appreciated. This white person says "thanks"! n/t

[jmbar2]

142. Thank you Tygr

[Stinky The Clown]

149. Wow! Thank you for that. I never knew any of this and feel glad that I now do.

[DFW]

155. MY advice to White People is unchanged from my advice to non-white people

Get behind the Harris-Whoever ticket, early and without reservation. The alternative is so awful to contemplate. Whatever your personal crusade (and I definitely have a few of my own), it is less important than defeating the Republican ticket this year.

The only thing worse than Trump-Pence is Trump-SomebodyworsethanPence, and that is what they are offering. A victory of that ticket would be pretty damned awful for both White people and All-other-People.

[Politicub]

162. Love this!

Thank you for posting it.

[wildflowergardener]

175. Sororities

Can we please have respect for the black sororities and not tear down the “white” sororities at the same time just because you were not in one and are contemptuous of them and may not know anything about them. All houses and schools are different. The one I was in was a great support group for me as a shy person going to school where I knew no one. I had only positive experiences and am and was nothing like what you may assume to be the typical sorority girl. I can imagine how helpful it would be for a black person to have a group they could depend on.

[GP6971]

179. Hi. Plan on being here long?

[Crunchy Frog]

181. I'm an American supporting another American for president.

Exactly the same as when Obama was running.

I want to save the country and the world from the forces of fascism and I don't care about anything else.

If there start being demands that people walk on racial eggshells, that could end up spelling electoral disaster.

If I get a lot of negative reaction to this post, I'll delete and make myself scarce for awhile, but I did want to put in my 2 cents.

[Drum]

183. Agreed!

[wildflowergardener]

182. Post

Finally having made it through all the replies. I don’t really see this as a helpful post. To me it seems more about dividing than uniting and the fact that it was written by a white person sits wrong with me. I am thrilled that vice president Harris had and has such a great supportive group. Lets not make it into a bad thing by dividing us in the way the post was written seems to do.

[jmbar2]

187. My title was indeed poorly phrased

It's been out there all day, so too late to change it. The original thread was written by a white person who felt that we should take responsibility for educating ourselves, and not burden POC with trying to educate us on racial etiquette. If you think the pushback here is bad, imagine if it had come from a POC.

Black America is providing extraordinary leadership in this historic change in America's trajectory. We can learn a lot from what these people and organizations have accomplished, over a period of decades, to be this organized and unified. It is truly impressive. And interesting from a cultural perspective.

I am thrilled at the positive energy of this campaign. Meanwhile, we still have 50% of white voters on the Trump train, and a tsunami of offensive comments flooding every media channel. We need to figure out how to improve on that. That's our challenge.

[wildflowergardener]

199. Post

I’m more talking about the post itself that was shared. Well Im to old to be out much anymore so not likely to be getting in any congo lines any time soon. Still I have enjoyed watching the videos of Kamala Harris dancing.

[AkFemDem]

186. I want to know if the Greeks care

Because they're the ones whose culture has been completely misappropriated and misrepresented

(I'm being somewhat tongue in cheek, I do think white progressives come across as way too schoolmarmy with their cultural appropriation lectures- on the flipside, I. don't feel that way if a member of an actual other culture shares that a particular act is offensive. Were this coming from a black woman, I'd nod and say "okay, got it" in a way I just can't when it comes from a white woman.)

[Mosby]

188. AKA Stroll Instructional video

[jmbar2]

208. This is cool

Thanks for posting

[Abolishinist]

190. Answer me this, why should I even consider

what some apparently anonymous poster on X (formerly known as Twitter) advises me, a white person, to do?

Because in the real world, I could give a flying F about anyone telling me how I should think, much less some poster on X or DU.

[Doodley]

191. I thought it was posted as a joke.

[Irish_Dem]

201. I am not sure this is helpful in terms of getting out the vote.

[B.See]

202. nor am I.

[betsuni]

203. Have no idea what the hell this is about.

[malaise]

204. K & R

Important

[jmbar2]

206. Thank you

Boy did I learn a lot from this!

[malaise]

207. Same here

[samnsara]

205. The White Woman Zoom meeting is tonight 5 pacific...

..i signed up. lets do our part...

[msfiddlestix]

209. Don't do this and don't do that. Don't Join in, Don't show your Support, 'don't wear these colors

That's not how open minded humans roll.
.

If a private sorority wants to keep their symbols secret, best not to reveal it to the public. Once made public space, it will be integrated in our culture.

[jmbar2]

210. I moved to Japan years ago

Had to learn a lot about that culture and its etiquette. I didn't mind.

[Aviation Pro]

212. Party stroll

[jmbar2]

213. Wow! The cane pass is awesome

Thanks for posting

[kcr]

217. Of all the facts about Kamala Harris

that she was in a sorority is about the least interesting. And why should I care about sorority/fraternity etiquette? Isn't that for people who were chosen to be accepted in one?

[jmbar2]

218. The Divine9 African-American fraternities/sororities have triggered a sea-change in American politics

They started this massive citizen-election funding juggernaut that undermines the power of Citizen's United dark money PACs, and big donors who campaigned for Biden to resign.

The explosion of zoom call fundraising since then is the most consequential innovation I've ever seen in American politics.

I honor their leadership in this. Well-done.

It's truly a new day for democracy.

[kcr]

219. And all those things have been accomplished equally

by people not in the Greek system. And it still doesn't explain why I need to know anything about exclusive, elite groups I'll never be a part of.

[jmbar2]

220. They've emerged as a major force for change in American politics

It's up to you if you want to learn about them.

[kcr]

221. Gee, elitest exclusive clubs have power?

I didn't need to learn about that. I'm sorry, but I think for most people who've never been a part of stuff like that, highlighting her experience will be a turn off.