Essay On Fraternity

When entering college, it seems to be some students’ dream to join a fraternity or sorority. The question is ‘have they really thought this through?” There are many aspects of Greek society one should consider before making a decision that will affect them for the rest of their life. Anyone contemplating joining a Greek organization, needs to be educated on both the positive and negative effects they tend to have on people. Students should take special care in deciding whether it is really wise to be part of a fraternity or sorority because they can instill a desire to fit in, no matter the cost, encourage students to participate in ill-advised or illegal activities, and generate a loss of focus on what is important.

To fully understand

these organizations, an explanation of what Greek life entails is required. Fraternities and sororities are known social organizations characterized by rituals and strong ties to friendship and togetherness. They are most commonly found on college and university campuses where they attract a variety of young people. In many cases, “There is the promise of parties and living the college life to the fullest”, but “There is also the chance to become a leader and embody the values and ideals of a fraternity.” They are given Greek names such as Sigma Pi and Phi Kappa Sigma because during the Middle Ages, men with the same skill joined together to form a brotherhood (How Fraternities Work). It is a process in itself to get into the Greek society, as there is very little time for students to prove themselves worthy to be a pledge. The pledges then have to pass initiation which is unique for every organization and is meant to be test of loyalty, at times pressuring new members into ill-advised activities.
Some of the activities engaged in by Greek members can be very harmful to those participating and others around them. While non-members also take part in some of the same
endeavors, they are especially prevalent in students involved with Greek life. For example, people often associate fraternities and sororities with parties, and with parties often comes
underage drinking. George Koob, the director of the National Institute of Alcohol, states “It is not just a stereotype. There is plenty of evidence that fraternity individuals are drinking more [than non-members]” (Banning Frats). Not only do members drink casually, but binge drinking has shown itself more often than not, as “86% of fraternity/sorority house residents” have binge drank (Fraternity Crackdown). Every year, there are many cases of alcohol poisoning. For example, “A 19-year-old student at West Virginia University died of alcohol poisoning after attending a frat party” (Rutgers). These organizations being connected with drinking comes in part by “drinking-prone” students deciding to be in Greek society and the environment being more accepting of it (How Fraternities and Sororities Impact Students). Researchers find fraternities believe that “indulgence in alcohol will eventually lead to acceptance and approval from their brothers” (Effects of Hazing on Student Self-Esteem).
In addition to the bad conduct of some members, these organizations can often drain one’s time and money. Many fees are required to participate in the fraternity or sorority and its activities such as initiation and annual fees. For example, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s initiation dues reach $265 plus and annual fee amounting to $130 (Pros and Cons to Frat Life). Most college students are pressed for money as it is and do not have extra money lying around to essentially buy their friends. Greek members are expected to attend most of their chapter’s events and meetings. At times, members feel they are pressured into being present at some gatherings that may not be mandatory even if they have more important outside functions (How Fraternities and Sororities Impact Students). For instance, there may be a party on the same night
of a student’s test, but instead of studying, they go to the party to ensure they are being loyal to their brothers or sisters.
However, this so called “loyalty” will not just disappear.

Being in a fraternity or sorority is not an experience that can be forgotten. In other words, being around the same people and participating in the same activities for much of your college career, will influence one’s behavior years later. For example, it is very common for members of Greek organizations to engage in endeavors just because their brothers or sisters are, and they want to fit in. With this desire to fit in, a person is more likely to be pressured into something. “It is proven that those affiliated with Greek organizations have lower self-esteem” (Effects of Hazing on Student Self-Esteem) due to the feelings of “constantly being judged” (How Fraternities and Sororities Impact Students). Members feel that living up to standards make them “look good” in the eyes of their brothers/sisters, so they begin to rely on others in order to assess their individual importance. Therefore, “men and women involved in Greek society were more likely to have an increased dependency on others, feeling uncomfortable when left alone” (Effects of Hazing on Student Self-Esteem). These people have conditioned themselves to let others think for them, lowering their self-value in the process. Although fraternities and sororities are supposed leadership programs, research has shown they create followers more often than

not.
Conversely, there are also positive aspects to the Greek way of life. When speaking to a current or past member of one of these organizations, they may mention the connections made with their brothers or sisters are the most fulfilling aspect. These friendships have the potential to help students through secondary education and into a respectful job. Another notable characteristic is some fraternities and sororities obligate their members to meet a certain GPA, as Alpha Epilson Phi brothers have to maintain a 2.9 (Pros and Cons to Frat Life). They offer tutoring and have “resources to assist members during their education” (Why Join Greek Life?). “Many hold in high regard their responsibility to give back to the community,” and members donate their time to raise money for a worthwhile cause (Why Join Greek Life?), otherwise
known as philanthropy. Colleges and universities believe these qualities, combined with the apparent leadership one gains from being involved in Greek society, gives students the exposure they need to become responsible adults (Pros and Cons to Frat Life).
On the other hand, these “responsible adults” are known to engage in an extremely immoral activity called hazing. “Hazing is defined as any activity, required implicitly or explicitly as a condition of initiation or continues membership in an organization, that may negatively impact the physical or psychological well-being of the individual or may cause damage to others, or to public or private property” (Effects of Hazing on Student Self-Esteem). Fraternities and sororities believe that by making new members complete certain tasks, they can tell who is loyal. It is also “practiced to maintain group solidarity” (Effects of Hazing on Student Self-Esteem). Whatever the reason, hazing is very dangerous and can have drastic repercussions. For example, a sophomore at Cornell University died from alcohol poisoning after being tied up and force fed drinks when he did not know the answer to a question having to do with his fraternity’s traditions (Pros and Cons to Frat Life). For instance, at Dartmouth University, members were being branded in a hazing ritual (Rutgers). There are many more incidents documented in which Greek societies have forced students to engage in embarrassing behavior and endure verbal and physical abuse. Those who have been victims of this are left with feelings of humiliation and intimidation. To put it simply, hazing has negative consequences on an individual who simply strives to belong (Effects of Hazing on Student Self-Esteem).
Naturally, school officials have recognized Greek life has great potential to cause problems such as hazing. Many have made efforts to lessen the negatives that come with corresponding organizations. Multiple colleges and universities have placed bans or restrictions on some aspect of Greek society in the past. In an attempt to eliminate hazing, pledging has been banned at countless schools (Banning Frats). Since alcohol continues to be attached to
fraternities and sororities, Rutgers outlawed partied associated with them (Rutgers). These restraints seem small to the ones being exercised on other campuses. “A number of colleges eliminated school-sanctioned Greek life in response to allegations of binge drinking, hazing, and sexual assaults. Others have suspended individual fraternities or sororities such as WVU, Clemson, and the University of Oklahoma. Considering all the negative effects, restrictions and punishments for breaking them can be a good concept. As a result, police have said they no longer respond to as many out of control parties, and there are not as many substance abuse violations (Fraternity Crackdown). On the other hand, being too aggressive with bans could result in backfiring retaliation from underground societies that cannot be regulated (Banning Frats). Deans have to take extra care in deciding the best way to handle Greek life problems.
All in all, it takes a very strong minded person to be entirely successful in a fraternity or sorority. The negatives seem to outweigh the positives when looking at the big picture. The risks of not having extra time or money, having low self-esteem, and being involved in some form of hazing do not overcome the unguaranteed result of becoming a leader. There are many other definite ways and organizations to join to give students an extra boost in leadership and learning to be a responsible adult. Considering all the aspects of Greek life that can produce unfavorable effects, one should think long and hard about whether or not it could truly be beneficial to them.