‘Greek’ doesn’t mean ‘sellout’

Thursday, May 9, 1996

Asian/Pacific Islanders in fraternities and sororities maintain
ties to heritageBy Clarisse Cristobal

During my three years at UCLA, I have regretfully come to the
conclusion that many individuals in the UCLA community are very
confused and ignorant. Please prepare yourself for the following
statement; many of you will be quite shocked. What I am referring
to is the fact that there are a few people that fail to realize
that THERE ARE ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER MEN AND WOMEN IN THE GREEK
SYSTEM.

During the recent Undergraduate Students Association Council
elections, where plenty of personal bashing takes place, Milly
Diaz, former internal vice presidential candidate for the United
Students slate and an Asian/Pacific Islander woman, was confronted
with the accusation that she was a "sellout" for being in a greek
sorority.

I am also a Pilipino American woman in a greek sorority, and I
AM PROUD OF IT! It appalls me to think that at UCLA, a university
that prides itself on being multi-cultured and open-minded,
students think that if you are not with "your own kind" you are a
"sellout."

Ever since I came to UCLA, I have been a part of the greek
system, and it is definitely an experience that has changed my
life. Many people have questioned my decision to be in a "primarily
Caucasian sorority," and I have tried to explain my decision as
best I could: I wanted my experience at UCLA to be as complete as
possible ­ filled with a multitude of diverse individuals.
Rushing was definitely a step in the right direction because it
allowed me to fully explore my options.

Just because I am in a greek sorority DOES NOT MEAN I AM A
(SO-CALLED) "SELLOUT." There is no way that three years of being in
a greek sorority can replace a lifetime of Pilipino-American
values, but my membership IN NO WAY diminishes my knowledge of, or
participation in, my heritage. I probably know more about my own
heritage than many faithful ethnic club members know about
theirs.

Just because I don’t demand recognition for all of my
contributions (both big and small) to my community does NOT mean I
don’t contribute to my culture and community. I cannot ­ and
will not ­ forget who I am and where my roots are. More than
anything, being greek has taught me how important active
participation is.

I support all the ethnic associations and "give you all props"
for instilling in the UCLA community a sense of solidarity and
cultural awareness. I RESPECT you and your beliefs and values. So
please, in return, RESPECT mine and those of the other numerous
greeks who also happen to be Asian/Pacific Islanders. We cannot
forget who we are because every time we look in the mirror, we are
reminded that we are Asian/Pacific Islanders.

I am part of a great national greek system, and simultaneously
am part of a great ETHNIC HERITAGE, like many of you. Labeling
others as "sellouts" is unnecessary and shallow. Stop the ignorance
and try to understand each other.

Cristobal is a third-year sociology student.