Spent close to $3,600
Marcus stated he went through what he identified as a "pre-initiation process." During the summer of 2005, Marcus was in Tallahassee working. Marcus already knew some of the Kappas and they were aware that he was interested in joining Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Marcus was instructed by some of the Kappas that he needed to "cater to them" in order to get their votes to be on the spring line. Marcus explained that "catering to them" meant buying Kappas food (subs, chicken, shrimp and other miscellaneous dinners), clothes and any thing else they may want. It also meant sometimes giving them money.
Read more here: Arrest Affidavit
I once thought about pledging but this incident, although probably not representative of all greek lettered organizations, or kappas for that matter, persuades me from doing so. In the long run, the negative connotations of black fraternities (i.e. hazing, paganistic rituals)far outweighs the organizations' positive deeds. As a student and a leader I want to be able to relate to the masses of people. The masses are not parts of these such organizations, and being apart of one, I feel, will destroy my credibility as a positive black man.
ReplyDeleteTo the victim: I pray he and other aspirants learn the value of knowing that with or without a fraternity, you are somebody. And that in case you should decide to join one of these organizations, you establish boundaries for yourself and those who are "pledging you".
To fraternity/sorority members: Get a life. You came to school to obtain a degree and be of benefit to our people. You didn't come to be a gorilla/nupe/dog/pretty girl/diva. How could you risk losing your career and freedom over a dumb organization?
To the five "boys" arrested: I really do hope that you guys go to prison for a long long time.