Tag Archives: Kappa Sigma

Damn D

Text

“One of my good friends is named Donovan. He and many of my other boys are all in the same frat, Kappa Sigma. Soon, after two of the brothers saw Donovan or when he did something funny they would say “Damn Dirty.” Us brothers found it catchy and comical so we would say it in the same context. “Damn Dirty” evolved to “Damn D” over time and went from only being said in context related to Donovan to being used as a substitute for ‘what’s up’ or ‘wow.’ Now, many of us say it by habit throughout the day.

Context

While we were still new members awaiting initiation into the Delta Eta chapter at USC, one of our fellow new members coined the nickname “Dirty Don.” When he called Donovan this for the first time, we all thought it was hilarious and took the nickname into our own hands and used it on the daily. Sometime later someone who liked Spongebob started calling Donovan “Dirty Bubble” because he reminded him of the tv character. This name was a little harsh off the tongue so we all shortened the nickname to “Dirty.” Once we all became brothers of the fraternity, it was a consensus among all the brothers that “Dirty” was the most funny nickname for Donovan, who also thought it was funny.”

Analysis

Nicknames carry folkloric value all over the world and prominently in young American culture. It serves as a heavy form of identity, personal to individuals and those close to that person. This name is a form of folk speech because it is a made up name used in informal contexts within this particular folk group, the frt brothers. Although these nicknames would sound crazy and meaningless to most people, the shared knowledge of this nicknames origin and meaning create a shared identity within the Kappa Sigma brothers. In this particular story, the nickname gives Donovan identity within his frat along with a unified folk group that stems from all of the brothers who know and understand the phrase “Damn D.” The evolution of the nickname shows how folklore can change and be manipulated over time. There is no factual reason why the name evolved, but instead it changed simply because of humorous interactions among these folk.

The Star and Crescent

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“In my fraternity, Kappa Sigma, every new member must memorize a historic passage called the Star and Crescent. Besides other responsibilities as new members such as getting to know every brother in the house and earning their trust to become their fellow brother, the Star and Crescent must be memorized to perfection and able to be recited aloud. Once we can repeat each line to the brothers and have fully earned their respect, we are free to be initiated as official members of the Kappa Sigma chapter. I remember me and my boys, particularly —- and —–, would stay up late at night in one of our dorms just reciting it together. Not only was it something every brother has to do but it taught us how to be a good member of the frat. I remember my anxiety as the day to recite it in front of our executive came. I was so scared to mess up that even after I memorized it I still would practice at least 30 minutes a day following that.”

Context

I first learned about this passage when one of the brothers, —-, told us we had to have this memorized by heart before we could be initiated into the chapter. I remember seeing a large print version of the text framed on the wall. When I read it I knew it was specific to every Kappa Sigma, so I was not surprised when we were told to memorize it. After reading it over and over I came to appreciate its message about the honor of being a Kappa Sigma and the fact that not everyone is suited to be initiated into this chapter. It tells you that a man must be intelligent, honorable, truthful, and worthy to wear the star and crescent.

Analysis

Rites of passage such as this account of his fraternity shows how certain folk groups around the world require initiation rituals that are either physical or verbal. Shared knowledge of passages by memory create shared culture and identity between members of these groups. In knowing each and every member went through the same process and held the same requirements, they can share mutual respect because each knew what it took to join. Shared experiences that are turned into folklore help those in the folk group bond and create memories for life. This rite of passage is an example of an initiation ritual that represents members commitment to the fraternity. Beyond just memorization, is the history and shared journeys behind reciting these words, distinguishing the brothers as one folk group. This process before becoming a brother reveals a folk concept known as liminality because it is the middle ground between a non-member and a brother of this fraternity.