The Jade Times

By Kristine “Sumitra” Aguilan, Staff Writer

With the explosive popularity of social networking and media outlets such as Facebook and YouTube, viral videos and Internet memes (i.e. concepts) spread like wildfire from one side of the globe to the other. Insults, name-calling and crude behavior have become popular topics and are shared to spread the so-called hilarity. One example is the spread of “Shit [blank] Says,” in which a gender, race or both would be featured and then poked at for fun. Unfortunately, Illinois State University’s Delta Phi Lambda chapter became a small target of this Internet joke culture.

As seen in the screen capture to the right, the title of this video is “Sh*t Nobody Says at ISU” and in it, the student is holding the Delta Phi Lambda rush flyer while proceeding to say, “There’s [sic] so many hot girls in my Calc III class.” Because Delta Phi Lambda is the only Asian-interest sorority on ISU’s campus, it gives the impression that the stereotype of Asians having strong skills in mathematics would place them in this class, effectively making Asians “not hot,” since it is considered the reverse of what ISU students would say. In essence, not only are Asian girls good at math, they are not good-looking.

Because it gained such popularity on Facebook quickly, ISU alumna Bernice “Ribbons” Yambao caught sight of the video and was understandably upset about its controversial commentary. “It’s only funny when it’s generic stuff, but I caught it real quick.” She and fellow alumna, Kristen “Blossom” Lee, emailed the University Greek Council. Upon bringing this to the attention of President Whitney “Airyn” Newton, she stated: “We [also] contacted Panhellenic and Greek Affairs once we saw it. […] I received an email response within several days, explaining that actions cannot be taken against the creators of the video.”

Whitney:
Thank you for the email. I have reviewed the material in the YouTube video and based on the link you sent me and after reviewing the material there is nothing actionable at this time. The material in the video is protected speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. As a result, the University has no commentary on this video, and will not seek to have the video taken down, nor take disciplinary action against the students involved. Whitney, I know that this can be frustrating, so I encourage you to come in and speak with me regarding this video and how the Greek community can potentially address this situation. [...] Thanks again.

Regards,
Michael

The sisters of the ISU chapter did their best in a situation that spiraled out of control – in time, they knew to speak with their University’s Greek Affairs council members and they joined focus groups with other fraternities and sororities to help develop the Greek community in a better light. Eventually, an Internet meme dies away, fading after its “15 minutes of fame” are finally up. The Internet, in its own fashion, is a big bully – it will continue to spout hurtful commentaries in different formats until it finds another victim to hound. How do you feel your chapter would handle a situation like this? Would you resort to “the Internet’s” dirty tactics or continue the professionalism we strive to demonstrate in everything endeavor the sorority undertakes?

Full name (First name “sorority nickname” Last name): Charlene “Teal” Topacio

Chapter, class, and number: DePaul University, Zeta Class “Fortunate Four”  #24

Current occupation and location: Marketing Operations Assistant at Uline, Pleasant Prairie, WI
Personal Update:
What did you study at your alma mater and how has life been outside of college?

I studied marketing in the College of Commerce at DePaul University. Since finishing at DePaul in 2008, I continued to be active with Delta Phi Lambda for another year by serving the first term of Midwest Governor in National Board. I got a taste of the sorority on a national and regional aspect rather than just [at] a chapter level. It was bittersweet, but I do hope to attend alum events hosted in the future.

Career-wise: Life post-college was a bit of a struggle to find my place since the recession hit, but after two years of working to make ends meet, I finally got my foot in at Uline Shipping Supply headquarters in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and have been here ever since September 2010.  I started out being an administrative assistant and then moved on to being a marketing operations analyst focusing on new product suggestions to add to our products.

Things I like to do now with my time is to read, watch movies, snowboarding and spend quality time with friends.
Has there been any exciting news in your life?

One and a half years ago, I got my new corporate job, which was a big step for me.  No engagements or weddings, but I am currently in a very stable, serious and loving relationship with my boyfriend of two years (two years is actually a milestone for me!) We have a dog named Diesel. We have talked about our future together, but nothing big happening for another couple years.

Do you still keep in touch with sister(s) even after college is done?

I do still keep in touch with sisters, a few more than others, but even if some time has passed, it’s always easy to catch up on old times regardless [if] it were a fellow sister from DePaul, another midwest chapter or even those I’ve bonded with in Georgia and Florida.

Unfortunately, I am not as active as an alum than I would like to be due to location inconveniences; however, I do try to make it to special events if I can. Recently, a lineage dinner was set up for last week but a snowstorm unfortunately got in the way and [had] to be rescheduled so I am definitely looking forward to meeting and getting to know those continuing my lineage.

How do you feel the Sisterhood has benefited you in life so far?

Sisterhood has definitely benefitted my life with great friends and confidants. For example: my line sister, Christina “Amor” Orda, is one of my best friends that I talk to if not every day, at least once [a] week. I also have a great relationship with my little sis, Diana “Ariel” Wong. Even when I visit out-of-state areas like Atlanta or Orlando, I love being able to spend time with sisters in the area and have a good time.  I can really see that everlasting sisterhood being true for me through Delta Phi Lambda.

What is your favorite memory with Delta Phi Lambda?

I’ve had a TON of great memories with Delta Phi Lambda and the most memorable were during my trips to Midyear and Convention or other conferences, representing as the DePaul chapter of Delta Phi Lambda. i.e. Winning Purdue Lambda’s Boiler Olympics, dancing/step/strolling performances at showcases, bonding with our conference hosts and making DePaul their favorite guest chapter *wink* and most of all, all the times getting crunk with all my lovely DPhiLs!

Closing statement/sisterly advice to pass on your wisdom to future generations:

Although I had a blast in college with making new friends, sisters and networks, life outside of college is a total eye opener. I learned that what you did and how you did in college can affect the quality of your life afterwards. The knowledge, experience and certain skill sets gained during those collegiate years […] will make or break you in your life afterwards – so other than completely focusing your attention on one thing, find your balance and make it work with your sorority, studies, work, love and social life. The sooner you find your balance, the BETTER and the happier you’ll be. Remember, “PLAY hard, WORK hard!”

By May “Mosaic” Advincula, Staff Writer

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” written by Lisa Yee, is a genuine exploration of the bonds of friendship between two women named Lily and Snow Flower. Set in 19^th century China, the story is told from the perspective of Lily, who opens the novel from an aged perspective filled with longing for the friend who brought meaning to her existence.

Through Lily’s eyes, readers are introduced to the 19^th century customs of foot-binding, which cripples women’s feet, and spirit of freedom by forcing them into seclusion. The practice of nu shu, a secret writing developed by women, offers them an opportunity to find solace in friendship and bonds established by laotong pairings, “old sames,” which are destined friendships that last throughout their lives. Stories written in the secretive writings of nu shu, on fans and also embroidered on handkerchiefs, enable women to share their hopes and dreams, despite their forced isolation from society.

Though Lily and Snow Flower were each born of a different status of wealth, they are one and the same as they establish a laotong pairing bound by a contract beginning at the age of seven. From there, the novel explores the depths of their friendship and brings the readers through key milestones in their lives, including the hardships of famine and rebellion, the traditions of arranged marriage, the loneliness of isolation, joys and misfortunes of motherhood and the sorrows of death.

When a misunderstanding between the two occurs and their cherished companionship is suddenly threatened, Yee’s poetic tale reminds readers of the delicate intricacies of women’s friendship and love and provides a captivating glimpse into not only a multifaceted culture, but also the poignant complexities of human relationships.

Name: Hailie “Coco” Hyun Young Park

Chapter, class, number: Purdue University, Rho class “Flawless Five” #56

Major: Biology

What got you interested in rushing for DFL?

At first, I just rushed for DFL because [a] friend of mine, Casey “Amuze” Yoo, who later became my big sister (haha), asked me to join recruitment events. I thought it would be great chance to socialize with people inside of campus and actually connecting with people from outside of campus.

How is the neo life so far?

I [went to the] AFLV conference held in St. Louis which actually was the interesting part of being a sister of DPhiL [so far]. One thing that I remembered was the session talking about how to make recruitment events with various types of events. I found it interesting because I underwent difficulties as making schedules. And that night, chapters from other universities had a social with Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. and I just want to say it was unforgettable memoryJ

What do you most look forward to this semester as a sister of DFL?

As a sister of DFL, I want to dedicate myself as acknowledging our sorority inside and outside with passion. And I want to get along with my line sisters more and I can’t wait all the times. Also, I want to accumulate lots of money through active fundraising events, as I’m fundraising chair. That’s my goal as a sister.

What are you majoring in for school? Why did you choose that major?

Park is majoring in biology and said she chose it because “When I was in high school, I saw a video which was about [a] new world inside of our body. Actually it looked like a universe outside of earth that I’ve never seen.”

What inspires you?

My mother used to inspire me since I was in high school. Because of her passion as a scientist and pulled her career related to that, I influenced from her woman leadership and choose the same field as her and pursuing a biology major.

What positions in the sorority are you most interested in pursuing and why?

I’m pursuing the VP Finance and Fundraising [position] because I love to plan an event and set up a budgetJ I try to plan a fundraising event at my campus every month with various items so that my sisters from our chapter get involved and build more bonding among sisters.

What achievements do you want to fulfill as a sister?

It’s hard for every sister to take all virtues into action during [their] lives because human beings are not perfect! J So, I want to try as my best to take into action when it comes to seven virtues. Also, I want to make our sorority recognized to others not just inside the states, but to all Asian-interest women who have lights inside of their heart.

yeowL <3

p.s. I want to say thank you and I love you all of my sisters of Purdue University-Colony Chapter and to my bebe #88 Kyonghwan ‘Kicks’ Choe from Alpha Iota chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity <3