2008 Woodie Awards
Brotherhood should be free
Scott Waldyn
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: The Edge
Courage, honor, pride and respect are just some of the buzzwords used to goad lunatics, maniacs and madmen into joining a fraternity. On the other side of the spectrum, racism, sexism, vandalism and rape are the negative words used to describe the cliché frat boy. When not binge-drinking and destroying public property, this vulture-like stereotype is out looking for fresh, young female prey who have just discovered university life firsthand.
These words and depictions often get tossed out like candy from a local politician's pocket during a parade. However, in the grand scheme of things, both sides hit the mark on certain points and individuals, and both sides completely miss the essence of a fraternity.
Beyond the "brotherhood" and the drinking lies a nobler core some associate with the Greek community. That beating heart is none other than an attempt at a marketing scam - a vast nothing in order to perpetuate an illusion.
Fraternities use a sales pitch as a cheap parlor trick to make giddy boys feel like men and insecure males feel like proud, courageous and helpful individuals who stand out in the crowd - all because they have some exclusive letters sewn on their chests.
This marketing scam maintains the illusion of an elitist culture where frightened boys can feel unique and important because they were selected out of a handful of others to wear a special sweater at the annual clubhouse picnic. The idea is an ego booster for certain, but it is similar to inflating a balloon. Ultimately, it will pop. Reality hits.
Reality isn't necessarily a bad thing either. With experience, the real world can be a great and wonderful circus to jump hoops through. However, many college students find themselves struggling with overcoming the lingering attitudes of a hierarchal daytime soap opera, trapped in the social pressures of mainstream media. Fraternities unfortunately keep this illusion going (with a price of course). This is their great marketing scam - promoting a phony culture to keep people ensnared.
If one pays his dues, he is allowed to hang in the elite social group with newfound friends and exclusive shoulders to cry on. Essentially, that new recruit just bought the right to pretend to be on a superhuman team for a while, enacting out his boyhood fantasies and avoiding the possibility to find out who he truly is - to find that humanity within.
Admittedly, fraternities do perform good works, and there are some that stand out above the "normal" slew of brotherhoods.
Yet, for the most part, this childish exclusivity breeds ego problems and fuels all those stereotypes mentioned above. It gives members this phony right to feel special, as if they are part of the X-Men or something. Having good character can do that too, as well as helping people on one's own, without prodding or rewards. Also, if someone just wants that thrill of being on a superhuman team, there are much cheaper options. They're called comic books.
These words and depictions often get tossed out like candy from a local politician's pocket during a parade. However, in the grand scheme of things, both sides hit the mark on certain points and individuals, and both sides completely miss the essence of a fraternity.
Beyond the "brotherhood" and the drinking lies a nobler core some associate with the Greek community. That beating heart is none other than an attempt at a marketing scam - a vast nothing in order to perpetuate an illusion.
Fraternities use a sales pitch as a cheap parlor trick to make giddy boys feel like men and insecure males feel like proud, courageous and helpful individuals who stand out in the crowd - all because they have some exclusive letters sewn on their chests.
This marketing scam maintains the illusion of an elitist culture where frightened boys can feel unique and important because they were selected out of a handful of others to wear a special sweater at the annual clubhouse picnic. The idea is an ego booster for certain, but it is similar to inflating a balloon. Ultimately, it will pop. Reality hits.
Reality isn't necessarily a bad thing either. With experience, the real world can be a great and wonderful circus to jump hoops through. However, many college students find themselves struggling with overcoming the lingering attitudes of a hierarchal daytime soap opera, trapped in the social pressures of mainstream media. Fraternities unfortunately keep this illusion going (with a price of course). This is their great marketing scam - promoting a phony culture to keep people ensnared.
If one pays his dues, he is allowed to hang in the elite social group with newfound friends and exclusive shoulders to cry on. Essentially, that new recruit just bought the right to pretend to be on a superhuman team for a while, enacting out his boyhood fantasies and avoiding the possibility to find out who he truly is - to find that humanity within.
Admittedly, fraternities do perform good works, and there are some that stand out above the "normal" slew of brotherhoods.
Yet, for the most part, this childish exclusivity breeds ego problems and fuels all those stereotypes mentioned above. It gives members this phony right to feel special, as if they are part of the X-Men or something. Having good character can do that too, as well as helping people on one's own, without prodding or rewards. Also, if someone just wants that thrill of being on a superhuman team, there are much cheaper options. They're called comic books.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Hilary
posted 4/16/08 @ 8:24 PM CST
Those dues are used to support many things, events, trips, formals, etc. Brotherhood/Sisterhood is not a joke. The bond built is much like that made on a sports team, in a play cast, on a newspaper staff. (Continued…)
Matt
posted 4/16/08 @ 10:59 PM CST
I'm not a member of a fraternity but wish I had the energy to go into a long tirade about how completely ignorant of an article this was. I am now dumber for having read it and may god have mercy on my soul. (Continued…)
matt
posted 4/17/08 @ 5:46 PM CST
Am I sensing some bitter feelings or jealousy in this article? Ouch, go back and hide in your dorm room.
Brian Hayes
posted 4/20/08 @ 3:36 AM CST
I thought the article was great. As I don't know what perspective or what particular fraternities Scott referenced in his article, I'll add my own comments and concerns about Black Greek Letter Organizations. (Continued…)
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