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Dearest Sorors,
Many of you are already aware of the
upcoming reality show “Sorority Sisters” that will premier next week.
Considering the history of black reality shows on VH1, I am not interested in
giving this show a chance to tarnish the legacy of our Founders, nor the good
work being done daily within this organization. Having a soror on a reality
show, where the basis of the show is set up to amplify negative rivalries (and
antiquated stereotypes of Black Greek Lettered Organizations) does nothing
positive for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
When I initially became a
member of this organization, the first (and most important) lesson that I was
taught was that I was now a part of something larger than just myself. Which meant I no longer only represented
myself. Anything in regards to my advertising of the organization; wearing my
letters, participating in service projects, attending events or even simply telling
someone that I was a Zeta came with a certain level of accountability.
It was always to be
considered that my words, actions, and interactions could be a positive or
negative reflection of Zeta. I understood that it was my responsibility to be
cognizant of this and not bring any disgrace upon the organization to which I
now belonged. This should be the uncompromising standard in regards to anyone
wishing to publicly advertise affiliation with our organization (especially on
a television show).
There are some who wish to
justify this blatant disrespect by arguing that another Soror (Syleena Johnson)
was on a reality show as well, so why not give the “Sorority Sisters” show a
chance? Well Soror Johnson is a singer, and the show was about her life and
career as a singer (not her life as a Zeta). The show was not premised around
her affiliation with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and herein lies the problem
with “Sorority Sisters”:
If this Soror was simply just
on a regular reality show being herself, then I wouldn’t be writing this
letter. On this show, this particular Soror is “The Zeta” (or living caricature
of what the producers think a Zeta woman should be). Because of that, inadvertently
she becomes the ‘face’ of Zeta that will be portrayed nationally and that does
not sit well with many of us. I do not know her; she could be a very good
person. However, the network hosting the television show (VH1) is notorious for
propagating reality shows that result in black women being represented in the
worst light. So this gives me great
concern. Although the show’s producer is a black woman (Mona Scott-Harris), she
clearly is not interested in the grievances expressed, nor the countless
petitions signed when it was first discovered that she was going to do this
show.
I do not know how our elders will
choose to respond but I implore that something be done. We may not be able to
tell someone they cannot do a show, but can it not be mandated that our
organization’s name, shield, likeness, and paraphernalia not be authorized for
use in connection to this show? Large companies demand it all the time (i.e.
why no logo’s or emblems are seen on movies and shows unless the show is paying
to advertise it). What would have to be done so that the perception of our
organization does not rest on the shoulders of one person whose integrity and
character will be predictably compromised and provoked for the sake of
television ratings?
I cannot speak for any of the
other divine nine organizations being represented in this farce of a show, but
as a member of this community-conscious, action-oriented organization I cannot
remain silent. This show is not only detrimental to the reputation of our
organization, but also that of the women in our community as well. So at the very least, let us not dignify this. Let us not watch, not feed the ratings and allow it to die on its own.
Sisterly,
Neffer-Oduntunde A. Kerr
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Tau Psi Zeta
