Fraternities & Sororities are Irrelevant
Groups often form in higher education around interests students have in common….health-nuts, jocks, preps, brainiacs, gamers, musicians, and even parents are naturally drawn together because they have commonality. That’s cool. It’s human nature.
Fraternities and sororities, called societies, were originally formed for social and literary purposes and held regular meetings in which members discussed highly charged and controversial subjects such as taxation and freedom. The first Greek letter organization was Phi Beta Kappa, which was founded on December 5, 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, the second oldest—next to Harvard— institution of higher learning in America.
- #OklahomaSAE
- Binge Drinking
- Angry Spirited
- Expensive to join—paying for friends
- Zero Return on Investment – ROI
- No Originality — Big Fat Herd
- Discrimination — Looking down on non “Greeks”
- Rush Week
With the low graduation rates at state universities, this time should be devoted to college success skills, leading to career success. These organizations have absolutely no value that can be applied to the workplace (the REAL purpose of college). The need for Anti-Hazing statements. Really??? These are supposed to be adults!!! It’s like a reminder that you need food and water.
I could not agree with you more!!
I, too, am appalled by the actions of OU Sigma Alpha Epsilon members. However, one fraternity of women does take its philanthropic work seriously.
http://ww5.komen.org/Partners/ZetaTauAlphaFraternity.aspx
I was never in a fraternity, but I think some of your criticisms of them are erroneous. Yes, excessive drinking, hazing and sexual assault are real issues that the Greek system faces. However, I disagree that there is no return on investment.
Being in a fraternity or sorority will provide you with a group of friends for your time at college. Some of the friends may be fake, but you will make real, long-term friends in a Greek organization. You get a support structure that most college students don’t have.
Fraternity / sorority membership can also help career-wise. They teach leadership skills and how to work with others. Most former Greek that I’ve worked with have been hard working and have good social skills.
I’ve long been perplexed by the animosity against fraternities and sororities. I fully understand dislike of fraternities that engage in misconduct. However, much of the anti-Greek sentiment stems from jealousy and close-mindedness.
I think jealousy is a big part of it! Thanks for weighing in!