Did our discussion of the Greek system resonate with your own impressions? What do you think most troubling?
Do you feel a part of "third wave" feminism?
Open thread here folks to begin our chatting--go to town! Post comments at will.
Dr. Fem
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Brothers & Sisters
These are loaded terms, as we began talking about tonight. In their worst light, they insinuate exclusivity like the sort produced and reproduced by sororities and fraternities; in their best light, they suggest solidarity across barriers, like that created by women's movements, civil rights, abolitionist, gay rights, and all sorts of other collectives. I'm curious to hear your experiences with solidarity and what brought whatever group you feel or have felt most connected to--and trusting of--into your lives. In the absence of any such experience, perhaps you can shed some light on that BSU (big southern campus) of ours--who do you see forming groups, informal or otherwise?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
I think one of the things I find most troubling about sororities and fraternities is the desperation that lies beneath some of the applicants' motivations to join. While everyone has a desire to belong, Greek life seems to place an over the top emphasis on that need. If you don't look a certain way, you can't belong; if you don't dress a certain way, you can't belong; if your world views don't match the views of that Greek organization, you can't belong. I've known people who have literally changed who they are (outward appearance, views, etc.) in order to just belong to this type of community. Some of these requirements to belong (i.e. a decent GPA) are good and beneficial to those brothers and sisters, but some require a previously "open-minded" person to become narrow minded. One of my male friends joined a fraternity here and though he loves the comradery, he has complained to me time and time again that it is almost required within this White, Southern Fraternity that you be a little racist. People who speak up against it, especially those not fully initiated, get bashed in return for being "too uptight." Some of my other friends within fraternities have agreed that indeed, at least in the south, an applicant must have a somewhat racist streak to add to that "Good ol' southern boy" routine.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that it pisses me off.
Yes, the pressure to conform is exceedingly strong, it seem like from my outside perspective. But when one does conform and is loyal to the group, one is rewarded greatly. Thus racist and sexist behaviors are reinforced.
The transparency with which some of these organizations perform their racism, to use your example, is shocking--what kinds of social and institutional structures support and reinforce such ignorance and hate in the south, do you think?
Not just for you, Scrappy, just an open question to all. Thanks for jumping in!
I've noticed with Greek organizations that they "preach" brotherhood and sisterhood but the different organizations compete with one another.
You can clearly see the racism/discrimination that occurs in fraternities by simply looking at their racial makeup. There are black fraternities and there are white fraternities - both of which are equally guilty of excluding ppl of the opposite race (or any other race for that matter). Of course there are exceptions as I have a black friend thats the only black person in his fraternity but he's mentioned that alot of members of other fraternities and even his are less than thrilled to have a black kid in their group. Another person I know was told his fraternity wanted him out because they learned that his parents were Arabic. The discrimination that occurs in these groups - especially in the south I've heard - is extreme and it dumbfounds me at how it is blatantly ignored and accepted by most of the southern population, even people of authority that could do something about it (school leaders, fraternity presidents etc. .) Our dismissiveness to this problem just perpetuates it and teaches ppl that this kind of behavior is for some reason acceptable.
I've often observed several of my friends who are in fraternities and sororities. I think it is absurb how they work. They are supposed to be "brothers and sisters", but how is that possible if you betray one another behind their backs. I can't tell you the countless stories I've been told about people talking behind ones back or even "secretly" dating a best friend's ex-boyfriend/girlfriend. Also, relating back to the point made about the black and white fraternities. Friends of mine tell they dont let certain people in because they dont match the mold or they don't have the look that they want. Who is one to judge a book by its cover? Everyone was created equally and should be treated like humans. It also frustrates me the level of homophobia that exist. Yes, this can be exlained "probably" for several reasons (the way they were raised, the number one reason, but its absurb. We supposedly live in a land of "freedom", but is it true if everyone is being judged?
I feel that the sisterhood and brotherhood that we are familiar with within our southern Greek system is one that is purposely prejudice. That idea that follows along with sororities is that you are a white southern woman by the grace of God and can uphold class and education in the midst of all night parties and binge drinking. The idea of fraternities is that you are a white southern gentleman that demonstrates charm and respect for woman and elders but on the flip side has to uphold the title of brother by demonstrating dedication to the fraternity and brothers by whatever means that is told of you. I think that sororities are a place for woman to find security and confidence within a group, the same goes for fraternities, but Hitler had the same effect on Germany. I don't believe that following a group will make you more acceptable to the greater population because it is almost like a cult that is stuck in bubble. When groups form their own opinions and personalities it is hard to have one of your own without being penalized or scrutinized. When will these people have the time to find out who they are as an individual instead of an organization? I have spent the past five years on my own and doing what I need to do to be successful, and that includes finding out who I am as a single person. I can say for myself that I know who I am and my opinions and views that differ from most people, but I'm comfortable and secure with myself and don't need people to tell me what I'm doing or not doing is right or wrong. And for that fact alone I can say that participating in an organization like fraternities and sororities where you are forced to belong to a whole group 24/7 doesn't allow you to individualize yourself and create a person that you truly are.
Agreeing with some previous comments, I feel that the most troubling aspect of the Greek system (as far as this campus is concerned) is the attitude of ignorance that allows prejudice to continue. Actually, I think a good example of this is a room mate I used to have that completely sacrificed her morals, values, and character to be accepted in the Greek system. She was originally from a different region of the US and had an ethnic family background, and seemed to be accepting of others. Once she started school here, all she could think about was rush, and being in a sorority. She dyed her hair blond, bought boat shoes, and only wore polo shirts in pastel colors. She started speaking with a southern accent, and purposely dummed down her grammar. These are all things I could deal with, but I started noticing that if i went out with her and she was around frat guys, my friend who used to be a strong, intelligent, well spoken woman would get drunk and let these guys do anything they wanted with her, and brag about it in the morning (even though they all had girlfriends). Then, things really started to spiral. She started using the “N-word” derogatorily, (in hopes of impressing someone?) and was saying that she was “better than”. Now, I know everyone has their own experiences with the Greek system, but based on mine and the utter transformation and loss of my friend, I would have to say there is definitely a certain degree of pressure to conform to an ignorant and prejudiced lifestyle.
I just read on Angry Black Woman's blog that Michelle Obama would be the 2nd First Lady who is an AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha). Eleanor Roosevelt was an honorary member. I know that Delta Sigma Thetas (Deltas) and AKAs are rivals. However, I think that the Deltas would still vote for Obama. Earlier this year, the AKAs had an event and the Obamas made a brief appearance. At that time, I didn't know the Michelle was an AKA. I always say that if I were to join a soroity, it would be AKA.
Post a Comment