Hello, World!
The first Thursday night.
The row should be teeming with the party-goers milling about the sidewalk as they wander from one frat house to another. Yet this Thursday, 28th street (aka the “Greek Row”) is noticeably quieter than previous years.
Pre-rush parties have been cancelled; open frat parties have been changed to closed door, invite-only kickbacks. Red cups still litter the gutters along the street, but the college party pandemonium that typically ensues during the first couple weeks of school here at USC is unmistakably subdued.Perhaps we can point our fingers to the events of last spring, when the Kappa Sigma fraternity was set ablaze with controversy over a rooftop sex scandal and an inappropriate email. As a consequence of these events and the unwanted media attention it caused, USC placed the entire Greek community on a social probation and continues to keep a close eye on the happenings of every fraternity and sorority on campus. Rules that were once overlooked are now resurfacing like zombies from the dead.
All eyes are turned to USC Greek life, and the spotlight has dredged up many issues that are bigger than just one fraternity chapter of one college campus. There are a plethora of negative connotations associated with sororities and fraternities—the most prominent being the process of pledging, the ritual of hazing, and the overconsumption of alcohol.
Perhaps as a college student I have become more aware of the situation, but it seems as if more and more horror stories about the dangers of Greek life are appearing in national news headlines. We are hearing about people who have died as a result of hazing, people who have been sent to the hospital as the result of alcohol poisoning, and people who have been peer pressured into awful situations as the result of the culture that surrounds the Greek community.
Though the most notable actions of fraternities and sororities as of late have generally been met with a controversy and mixed emotion, there are many other innocuous practices that shed light on a more positive aspect of sorority and fraternity life. Many of these traditions, which include lavaliering and pinning, have a deep-seated history and symbolism that I feel warrant more attention from the general public. Greek life definitely goes beyond just the infamous parties and mixers; it is a system that manages to cultivate loyalty that runs deeper than ordinary friendships.
While I am not a member of the Panhellenic or the Interfraternity Councils that occupy the largest presence of student Greek life, I am a member of a Greek organization and I am fascinated by the very idea of joining sororities and fraternities; I am interested in learning more about the logic and reasoning that create such a unique culture. What motivates a student to rush for a fraternity or sorority? What rationalizations make it okay for an older active to demand certain tasks from a younger pledge? What leads a campus like USC, where the students excel above average academically, to foster one of the most reputable Greek life systems in the country?
Perhaps as a college student I have become more aware of the situation, but it seems as if more and more horror stories about the dangers of Greek life are appearing in national news headlines. We are hearing about people who have died as a result of hazing, people who have been sent to the hospital as the result of alcohol poisoning, and people who have been peer pressured into awful situations as the result of the culture that surrounds the Greek community.
Though the most notable actions of fraternities and sororities as of late have generally been met with a controversy and mixed emotion, there are many other innocuous practices that shed light on a more positive aspect of sorority and fraternity life. Many of these traditions, which include lavaliering and pinning, have a deep-seated history and symbolism that I feel warrant more attention from the general public. Greek life definitely goes beyond just the infamous parties and mixers; it is a system that manages to cultivate loyalty that runs deeper than ordinary friendships.
While I am not a member of the Panhellenic or the Interfraternity Councils that occupy the largest presence of student Greek life, I am a member of a Greek organization and I am fascinated by the very idea of joining sororities and fraternities; I am interested in learning more about the logic and reasoning that create such a unique culture. What motivates a student to rush for a fraternity or sorority? What rationalizations make it okay for an older active to demand certain tasks from a younger pledge? What leads a campus like USC, where the students excel above average academically, to foster one of the most reputable Greek life systems in the country?
Participating in the events of fraternity and sorority life is nothing new—it is a process that remains firmly rooted in its origin, a lifestyle that occupies millions of young adults throughout their undergraduate careers, and a system that somehow continues to perpetuate year after year.
- WebGreek, which is dedicated to bringing the online community newsworthy information and fresh perspectives on controversial topics associated with going Greek.
- The Fraternity Advisor, a Dear Abby-esque blog aimed at providing advice to fraternity and sorority leaders.
- Greekopedia, an encyclopedia-based blog defining anything and everything pertaining to Greek life.
There must be a method to the madness, and over the course of the next 15 weeks, I am determined to find out just how and why the system prevails.
Pledging Sucks.
 |
| Photo Credit Joe Mulder via Facebook |
“It's Not Hazing. It's Brotherhood.” That is the tagline of the blog justly titled PledgingSucks.com. Oh, the joys of being a pledge.
Judging from the title of the blog, my initial reaction was hesitant. Was this blog going to document the day-to-day deeds of a fraternity pledge from rush week to initiation? Was it going to be a slew of depressing tirades from a bitter freshman?
However, after reading the first couple of posts, I found that the stories on PledgingSucks.com were not only shockingly hilarious, but also thoroughly amusing. The blog is monitored by an anonymous frat guy that goes by the name of “the Pledge Master”, but the stories he posts are submitted by fraternity ex-pledges all over the world. Anybody can submit the story content, but most of the posts are rewritten to take the perspective of a superior pledge master looking down on his inferior pledges. What an interesting twist! Most of the stories I’ve heard about pledging have come from the perspective of the pledge, or somebody clearly against the issue.
Judging from the title of the blog, my initial reaction was hesitant. Was this blog going to document the day-to-day deeds of a fraternity pledge from rush week to initiation? Was it going to be a slew of depressing tirades from a bitter freshman?
However, after reading the first couple of posts, I found that the stories on PledgingSucks.com were not only shockingly hilarious, but also thoroughly amusing. The blog is monitored by an anonymous frat guy that goes by the name of “the Pledge Master”, but the stories he posts are submitted by fraternity ex-pledges all over the world. Anybody can submit the story content, but most of the posts are rewritten to take the perspective of a superior pledge master looking down on his inferior pledges. What an interesting twist! Most of the stories I’ve heard about pledging have come from the perspective of the pledge, or somebody clearly against the issue.
As if my interest was not already captivated with the idea of the Pledge Master as the author, PledgingSucks.com managed to shed light on the most fascinating topics, ranging from puke laden slip-n-slides to hosing down pledges in 30-degree weather.
The Pledge Master, who advocates for a pledging program within fraternities, ends most posts with a tough luck farewell to his audience, coining the phrase “It’s not hazing, it’s its brotherhood.”
I was disappointed to find out that the Pledge Master only posts periodically; spurts of concentrated bi-weekly posts are followed by months of absence. But I guess that’s understandable for a blog that relies on outsider tip-offs.
I was disappointed to find out that the Pledge Master only posts periodically; spurts of concentrated bi-weekly posts are followed by months of absence. But I guess that’s understandable for a blog that relies on outsider tip-offs.
While posts are somewhat inconsistent, this blog has managed to gain loyal audience following, with at least a couple of comments on each of its posts, and a Facebook fan page dedicated to its name.
One of the most interesting posts I uncovered was written on February 18 titled “14 Most Brutal Hazing Rituals”. I was taken aback by the first ritual described in the blog—Raped by a Sharpie. In graphic detail the Pledge Master described how, in 2002, a freshman was restrained and stripped naked while seven football players drew all over his butt. One of the players eventually went on to sexually assault the freshman by means of a Sharpie. Reading this post I could not even believe my eyes. Not only is this against the law, but this is cruelty in its purest form. I felt violated just reading it. Guy on guy sharpie action? Could it be that the idea of hazing has become normalized enough in the college social circles that sharpie rape seemed like a humorous prank rather than a demoralizing crime? It seems to me that retelling that story would garner more awkward silences and furrowed eyebrows rather than any form street cred or ego boost...
On a lighter note, PledgingSucks.com also sheds light on fraternity stereotypes, such as “The Token Fat Pledge” posted on August 10. As the Pledge Master puts it,
One of the most interesting posts I uncovered was written on February 18 titled “14 Most Brutal Hazing Rituals”. I was taken aback by the first ritual described in the blog—Raped by a Sharpie. In graphic detail the Pledge Master described how, in 2002, a freshman was restrained and stripped naked while seven football players drew all over his butt. One of the players eventually went on to sexually assault the freshman by means of a Sharpie. Reading this post I could not even believe my eyes. Not only is this against the law, but this is cruelty in its purest form. I felt violated just reading it. Guy on guy sharpie action? Could it be that the idea of hazing has become normalized enough in the college social circles that sharpie rape seemed like a humorous prank rather than a demoralizing crime? It seems to me that retelling that story would garner more awkward silences and furrowed eyebrows rather than any form street cred or ego boost...
On a lighter note, PledgingSucks.com also sheds light on fraternity stereotypes, such as “The Token Fat Pledge” posted on August 10. As the Pledge Master puts it,
“The importance of such a pledge goes beyond words…The fat pledge is the guy whom every other pledge thinks to himself (or sometimes even says out loud)… “If he can do it, then fuck, so can I.”
Though I haven’t really given this particular topic much thought, looking back on all of my friends who have pledged for fraternities, I can safely reaffirm this notion that there might exist a fat pledge in every class. Regardless of if its fall or spring semester, a large or small class, there is always one pledge that stands with a significantly wider base as compared to the rest of his pledge bros. And of course, the hefty pledge always provides renewed motivation for the class and the comic relief for the house. They’re easy to talk to but also easy to pick on. Let’s face it, the fat pledge really brings a sense of personality to the class the way no other skinny pledge ever could. I’ve seen it played out time and time again.
As for the culture that might spawn the separation of fat and skinny pledges, I would consider it an issue of the heightened superficiality that manifests during rush week. While sorority and fraternity bid extensions are based on the personality and character of the rushees, houses still have pressure to maintain their social status, which unfortunately is largely based on physical attractiveness.
Overall this blog coincides with many of the topics I hope to cover over the course of my blogging. While it argues in favor of hazing to strengthen brotherhood, the Pledge Master writes almost satirically on the outlandish events that can only be explained by the culture of Greek Life. The colloquial style of writing lends itself to a more informal blog setting and creates a relatable and inviting atmosphere for readers, most of whom are college students or fraternity alumni. Since the topics of my blog will encompass many of these topics as well as more sorority oriented traditions, I hope I will be able to reach much of the same audience that PledgingSucks.com targets.
Overall this blog coincides with many of the topics I hope to cover over the course of my blogging. While it argues in favor of hazing to strengthen brotherhood, the Pledge Master writes almost satirically on the outlandish events that can only be explained by the culture of Greek Life. The colloquial style of writing lends itself to a more informal blog setting and creates a relatable and inviting atmosphere for readers, most of whom are college students or fraternity alumni. Since the topics of my blog will encompass many of these topics as well as more sorority oriented traditions, I hope I will be able to reach much of the same audience that PledgingSucks.com targets.
The Chapter Advisor.
 |
| Dave Normand, Phi Kappa Psi Alumnus |
Most fraternity and sorority advisors tend to fade into the background, out of sight and out of mind from the general student population. This is understandable, since most of these advisors are 40+ years old and have long since detached themselves from the college social scene.
Some advisors, however, have decided make it their personal mission to utilize dispense their wisdom on members of the active house—sharing stories of way back when and including themselves in activities meant for 20-something-year-olds. Dave Normand, Phi Kappa Psi advisor at Louisiana State University, seems like one of these types.
After reading a couple of his blog posts on The Chapter Advisor, I’ve come up with a mantra for Dave: “No excuses. Play like a champion (Rule #76)”. In all of his posts, Dave presents himself as a no-nonsense type of guy—he presents an issue surrounding fraternity life, and immediately proceeds to tell us why it is a problem and how we should go about solving it.
The first line of “An Idea That Doesn’t Hold Its Liquor” begins as “No matter what your opinion of the 21-year old drinking age, it’s clear that universities and national fraternities will no longer tolerate local chapters that facilitate underage drinking.” Wham bam thank you ma’am. Dave quickly establishes that he is going to be talking about underage drinking, bottom line being that it is illegal and thus wrong. Using words like “facilitate” and later “espouse” and “violate”, Phi Psi’s chapter advisor makes use of business-professional diction to show that he is educated and in a position of authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong.
This sophisticated word choice is paired side-by-side with a snarky attitude, in which Dave effortlessly knocks down any possible rebuttal to his arguments as if they were bowling pins in a bumpered lane.
He transitions from first to second paragraph with, “Still many chapter leaders espouse the idea that they can’t compete in social, rush or whatever the topic of excuse, without alcohol. Give me a break.” This sentence is loaded with personality and character. “Whatever” conveys a sassy tone that is typically used in conversations between young adults; I did not expect to find it within the vocabulary of a middle-aged man. Furthermore, the “give me a break” is another colloquialism that boldly commands the reader’s attention. Dave is not a fool, so don’t even try to feed him your web of excuses. He is not going to sugar coat the topic of underage drinking; it is what it is.
Dave goes on in a reprimanding tone, using quotations to highlight the words “honorable” and “leaders” which he says are words to describe fraternity men. However, by placing these words in quotes, the Chapter Advisor cheapens the value and meaning of each word, as if he believes they are untrue. The quotations around these specific words not only highlight their significance against the rest of the text, but also alludes the fact that these words may not be used in the way that they should.
The remaining body of the post is composed of a long series of rhetorical questions, questioning the logic of fraternities whose programs include underage drinking. The questions read like a father reprimanding his son, demanding answers to questions that the son has no time to answer. Much like a father, a chapter advisor must look after the well-being of his fraternity, and thus it is fitting that the slew of questions establishes Dave’s position as a strict warden. The snark returns with the last line of the post, “Then again, maybe you’ve had too much to drink.” Sarcastic and witty, this comment eloquently ends the topic of discussion on a less serious note.
The Chapter Advisor’s distinct voice follows through every post on the blog, but was exceptionally exaggerated in “Watch for Icing”. Like most of his titles, this title was pun-intended and attention grabbing from the start. The topic of discussion deals with a popular drinking game in 2010 known as “Icing”, in which fraternity members “ice” each other (forcing one another to chug bottles Smirnoff Ice).
Snide comments are back in full swing, with Dave calling the icing game “the dumbest game ever” and stating that it is “clearly” a violation of the fraternal risk management policy. Once again, Dave manages to succinctly lay down the law and drop in his own sarcastic know-it –all opinion. Clearly.
An interesting feature of this post in particular was the way that hyper linking was utilized. Instead of labeling links with the title of the page they linked to, Dave added the element of mystery by linking specific quotes. I found myself clicking just to find out what lay behind the link, and as a result ended up gaining a better understanding of the references The Chapter Advisor was trying to make.
Some advisors, however, have decided make it their personal mission to utilize dispense their wisdom on members of the active house—sharing stories of way back when and including themselves in activities meant for 20-something-year-olds. Dave Normand, Phi Kappa Psi advisor at Louisiana State University, seems like one of these types.
After reading a couple of his blog posts on The Chapter Advisor, I’ve come up with a mantra for Dave: “No excuses. Play like a champion (Rule #76)”. In all of his posts, Dave presents himself as a no-nonsense type of guy—he presents an issue surrounding fraternity life, and immediately proceeds to tell us why it is a problem and how we should go about solving it.
The first line of “An Idea That Doesn’t Hold Its Liquor” begins as “No matter what your opinion of the 21-year old drinking age, it’s clear that universities and national fraternities will no longer tolerate local chapters that facilitate underage drinking.” Wham bam thank you ma’am. Dave quickly establishes that he is going to be talking about underage drinking, bottom line being that it is illegal and thus wrong. Using words like “facilitate” and later “espouse” and “violate”, Phi Psi’s chapter advisor makes use of business-professional diction to show that he is educated and in a position of authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong.
This sophisticated word choice is paired side-by-side with a snarky attitude, in which Dave effortlessly knocks down any possible rebuttal to his arguments as if they were bowling pins in a bumpered lane.
He transitions from first to second paragraph with, “Still many chapter leaders espouse the idea that they can’t compete in social, rush or whatever the topic of excuse, without alcohol. Give me a break.” This sentence is loaded with personality and character. “Whatever” conveys a sassy tone that is typically used in conversations between young adults; I did not expect to find it within the vocabulary of a middle-aged man. Furthermore, the “give me a break” is another colloquialism that boldly commands the reader’s attention. Dave is not a fool, so don’t even try to feed him your web of excuses. He is not going to sugar coat the topic of underage drinking; it is what it is.
Dave goes on in a reprimanding tone, using quotations to highlight the words “honorable” and “leaders” which he says are words to describe fraternity men. However, by placing these words in quotes, the Chapter Advisor cheapens the value and meaning of each word, as if he believes they are untrue. The quotations around these specific words not only highlight their significance against the rest of the text, but also alludes the fact that these words may not be used in the way that they should.
The remaining body of the post is composed of a long series of rhetorical questions, questioning the logic of fraternities whose programs include underage drinking. The questions read like a father reprimanding his son, demanding answers to questions that the son has no time to answer. Much like a father, a chapter advisor must look after the well-being of his fraternity, and thus it is fitting that the slew of questions establishes Dave’s position as a strict warden. The snark returns with the last line of the post, “Then again, maybe you’ve had too much to drink.” Sarcastic and witty, this comment eloquently ends the topic of discussion on a less serious note.
The Chapter Advisor’s distinct voice follows through every post on the blog, but was exceptionally exaggerated in “Watch for Icing”. Like most of his titles, this title was pun-intended and attention grabbing from the start. The topic of discussion deals with a popular drinking game in 2010 known as “Icing”, in which fraternity members “ice” each other (forcing one another to chug bottles Smirnoff Ice).
Snide comments are back in full swing, with Dave calling the icing game “the dumbest game ever” and stating that it is “clearly” a violation of the fraternal risk management policy. Once again, Dave manages to succinctly lay down the law and drop in his own sarcastic know-it –all opinion. Clearly.
An interesting feature of this post in particular was the way that hyper linking was utilized. Instead of labeling links with the title of the page they linked to, Dave added the element of mystery by linking specific quotes. I found myself clicking just to find out what lay behind the link, and as a result ended up gaining a better understanding of the references The Chapter Advisor was trying to make.
No comments:
Post a Comment