I read this book called "The BAP handbook: the official guide to the black american princess" and I fell in love it. It talks about four different BAP's. (Yes their are different types!)
1. Bettys- they are born into rich families and are pamper all their life. The go to the "right" schools and wear the "right" clothes.
2. Bohos- they are born into the rich society as their sister betty but instea of living materialistc lives. They go against to their mothers dismay. They love the arts and the enivroniment. They are the bohemian type. Hence the name Boho. They do like their place in life don't get mr wrong but they rather focus on saving dolphins than wearing tiffanys.
3. Butterflies (ME!) they aren't born into the rich family or have diamonds everywhere. But their humble background makes them a bap. They are shy and timid at the world around them and later open up their eyes and see what it had to offer. Thanks to their sistas betty and boho. They get to experience what one could only dream off.
4. Bogus- they are the ones that smile in your face with designer clothing and handbags while their lights have been cut and the car is repo. They are basically the wannabe of betty. They put you down and always talking about their money and worth. (A rule against being a bap)
Any who, I absoutely love that book. Now its not something to take LITERALLY! For my fellow sigmas and zetas will have my head (they didn't get any good feedback in the book) but it was a great entertainment read. Defintely check it out when you have a chance!
Butterfly
Butterfly: Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the most grounded BAP of all?
Mirror: Why you are dear with your realistic life, you've persevered and excelled in spite of strife!
But.ter.fly: B: a. A BAP who evolved from a dormant state at any point during her life. b. A BAP who is often presumed to be a Betty. c.
A BAP who may protest the categorization.If Cinderella were Black, she'd be a Butterfly. The Butterfly knows what life is like after the clock strikes midnight—no ride, no man, no fly glass slippers. While she isn't born dripping with diamonds, she is born with a huge dose of steely perseverance. Through sheer will, accented with a little good fortune, she turns into a lovely BAP. Her two delightful sisters Betty and Boho are there to guide her each step of the way.
While college usually provides the catalyst for the Butterfly's metamorphosis, the crux of her story begins at birth.See, Butterfly is born to be a Betty, but she didn't grow up with the same fairy-tale beginning. Don't be mistaken. Just because she's a late bloomer doesn't mean she is a second-class BAP. Au contraire! In fact, Butterfly has an advantage over starry-eyed Bettys and Bohos; her humble beginnings nourish a grounded, mature BAP.
Raised in a home with chitterlings, spice, and everything nice, Butterfly is often confronted with life's realities. She knows the value of a dollar and works for her allowance, unlike Betty and Boho, who, with the help of the housekeeper, merely go through the motions to collect their weekly stipends.Butterfly's parents also want the best for their little girl, it's just that providing it sometimes proves to be difficult.
Nevertheless, Butterfly is reared with the belief that a college education is the "equalizing elixir," the stepping-stone from obscurity to influence and power. Going to college grants her the opportunity to become whatever she wants: a doctor, lawyer, professor, accountant, the list is endless. Her achievements are limited only by her dreams. She goes to college and acquires the BAP knowledge.Butterfly's metamorphosis usually begins in college (but it can start as early as junior high school or for the fortunate Butterfly in elementary school).
Butterfly attends the "right" schools, hangs out with the "right" crowd, joins the "right" sororities, and dates the "right" men. The Butterfly's exposure to many of these experiences is by happenstance. Perhaps it is the friendship she strikes up with her college roommate, the interest she has in art history, or the young man who takes her to the theater.
She watches how those around her dress, wear their hair, and carry themselves. An inquisitive soul, Butterfly is not afraid to ask for advice when she truly needs it. Her questions may range from "What should I wear to the Black and Gold Ball?" to "What's the difference between brie and camembert?" Her motto in life is "There's no such thing as a dumb question," and she's right.
Her experiences and friendships increase Butterfly's base of knowledge about herself and the world.While Butterfly's training on the ins and outs of BAPdom is top-notch, she regresses from time to time. To keep her in the proper BAP mind-set, Betty and Boho jokingly chastise her occasional misstep, but in the end, however, she passes her finishing lessons with flying colors.
Nevertheless, Butterfly will protest until collards are no longer green that she is not a BAP, but she is. Her outcry signifies that Butterfly never forgets where she came from, acts pretentious, or tries to pretend that she, or her family, is something she is not. Butterfly makes no apologies for her modest background and resents those who do. This honesty and integrity distinguish Butterfly from Bogus.
Beyond the age of twenty-one, it can be difficult to distinguish Butterflies from Bettys. Four years of college acclimates and comfortably ensconces Butterflies in the BAP lifestyle; they've got more BAPitude than some Bettys and Bohos (but hey, they learned from the best). Just as the fairy godmother's magic wand transforms Cinderella, college graduation allows Butterfly to emerge from her cocoon, spread her wings, and take flight.
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