What is "stomping the yard"?

Question

What is the cultural significance of this and why are some fraternites boycotting it?

Thanks, very curious.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

It actually originates from Africa. Many western tribes to a tribal step to celebrate something big. The tradition carried over to America when black universities were created and fraternities and soroties began to form. It can be an art form if done right.

A lot of fraternities and universities have become to flashy and are boycotting because it isn't really showing the history behind it. If you want to see nice step (that is what it is called) you can go to a local high school. Some high schools have it now and they are actually pretty good!

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you!

Answer 2

I have not the slightest idea I have seen the commercials and already decided I am not going to see that :p

Answer 3

ITS A STEP BATTLE BETWEEN SORORITIES AND FRATERNITIES. USUALLY AT COLLEGES OR URBAN HIGH SCHOOLS.
=]

Answer 4

Stepping or step-dancing is a dancing tradition formalized in the traditionally black college fraternities and sororities around the middle of the 20th century. Consisting of choreographed dances performed at celebrations, ceremonies, performances and athletic events, stepping is seen as good for improving a group's morale, cohesion and pride, as well as communicating something of value to both the performers and the audience. Rhymes or chants are sometimes spoken over the dance as well. Stepping always involves clapping and stomping, sometimes done at the same time.

The film Stomp the Yard (which will be released January 12, 2007) is being boycotted by both the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was originally supposed to make an appearance in the film, including a scene with them doing a step routine. Unfortunately, there was conflict with the fraternity and the producers of the film over the unauthorized use of many of the fraternity's trademarks. This development is evidenced in the two versions of the trailer, one in which there is a scene clearly depicting the Alphas in organizational paraphernalia and colors and referring to themselves while stepping; and another (later) trailer where the same scene is shown but the same Alpha steppers are clearly wearing plain black shirts and no dialogue is heard as they step (This scene was probably edited in post production).

Source(s):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepping_%2…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomp_The_Y…

Answer 5

Stepping is a dancing tradition formalized in the traditionally black college fraternities and sororities around the middle of the 20th century. Stepping has its roots in the tribes of Western Africa. Stepping has changed over the years especially following the Vietnam war when there was a large influx of soldiers to college. With that movement many things were brought from Drill & Ceremony of the military. Many times words are put with the motions to add to the routine.

The boycott was simply in regards to use of trademarks not simply the content of the movie. After meetings the boycott has been ended.

Answer 6

"STOMPING DA YARD" MEANS 2 GO OUT THERE AND KRUMP DA BEST U CAN AND GIVING IT ALL TO DEFEAT YOUR OPPONENT. IT CAN ALSO MEAN THAT EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE GOOD AT A CERTAIN ACTIVITY....THERE IS STILL A HARDER LEVEL OR STANDARD (WHICH REPRESENTS THE YARD) TO ACHIEVE AND TRYING YOUR BEST AND SUCCEDING IN IT (WHICH REPRESENTS STOMPING)

Source(s):

MY BRAIN