As an undergraduate student, I wanted to
pledge to become a member of a Greek sorority.
I observed all sororities on the campus.
I was impressed with one in particular.
I called my mom and told her of my intentions. She replied to me, “You won’t be accepted if
you are not lighter than a brown paper bag.” She explained to me that I needed
to get a paper bag and compare my skin color to the bag to determine if my skin
color will allow me to meet that requirement.
I could not believe what I was hearing.
I said to myself, “Surely times have changed.” I went to the “Rush” for
that sorority and I noticed that all of the ladies had light skin color and all
of the perspective pledgees were of the same characteristic. I left the Rush and asked one of my friends
who had a dark complexion how did she become a member. She laughed and said my mom is a light
skinned member and sits on the national
board. I called my mom and told her that
she was correct. This experience was
awful. I asked myself what in the world
does the color of my skin have to do with me being in a club. I felt
marginalized especially because I was discriminated by own people. From
that experience, I chose not to pledge at all. This was an example of a
microassault, strictly on the basis of my skin complexion. This incident occurred in 1984. Can you answer this question for me? Here are
pictures of my niece and my son? Do you
think they would be able to join the sorority if they were both female? Use the
brown paper bag as a guide.
Additionally,
I have noticed this sorority is more accepting of darker complexions now a days.
Good for them!
Then I learned a hard lesson about
discrimination. Do you realize that
certain groups discriminate within the group?
My thoughts were I tried to join a black female sorority and was
discriminated against because I was too
black to join. Go figure?
I am so sorry that you had that awful experience. This reminds of a movie that was out years ago called school daze by Spike Lee. It is really sad women are still judged on the color of their skin.
ReplyDeleteYah, it was an awful experience but I can certainly say it brought discrimination to the "light" for me. I saw Spike Lee's movie too. I simply ask myself, "When is it going to stop?" My only response is that it has to end with me.
DeleteUnfortunately, microaggressions are a constant reality for people of color. It is sad to know that in this day and age, people are still being judged by the color of their skin. Yes, racism exists even within one’s own race. I am so sorry about your experience. I was hoping that you would pledge and use the opportunity to combat microaggressions against women of color.
ReplyDeleteWow! Good for you for taking a stand and not pledging to that sorority! I believe that we all have a place in this world, sometimes I wonder how exactly to find it, but I know it's out there!It is so hard to teach children about being nice when there are so many "not nice" people out there!
ReplyDeleteI was personal invited to join that sorority in 1999 when I was in undergrad. I am dark skinned. They don't really follow that brown paper bag rule anymore but most of them are light in complexion. Now they choose people based on class or economic status or privilege. I didn't join that sorority because I did not feel good about it. I really hate how light skin black people can get White privilege because of their lighter skin. This brings such a divide among Black people.
ReplyDeleteI have heard about this before, but never knew anyone who experienced this. We often think that times have changed.....but then again, have they? Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad situation to be in! How awful to feel that way :( Do you think there are any advantages to a sorority? I often ask myself if times really have changed. I guess in some ways they have and some ways they haven't. Thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDelete