I googled imaged the words "fratty" and "fratting" and wasn't happy with the images that appeared. I then urbandictionary.com - ed the terms and was APPALLED by the definitions that were listed. What got me thinking about these terms and ideas was my transition meeting with Erin Ferlet. She told me how she believes that the Fraternities and Sororities who don't meet the requirements of the Standards or Excellence and/or who behave in ways that are harmful or lets just say, not beneficial to the Greek Community really undermine her and now my position. Putting that idea into retrospect, it perhaps undermines all of our positions. Julie posted the other day about how a young woman is nervous about her commitment to the Greek Community. The young women is questioning whether or not the Greek system really prides itself on Philanthropy and Service and not partying every night with different chapters. Who are we to tell her what we really take in as important when she's the one walking around campus and witnessing men and women drinking on front lawns and loud music playing.
I think it is safe to say that everybody who is in our class and may or may not be reading this blog understands. It is also safe to say that the men and women who attend retreats such as BGLI or the diversity retreat also understand what is going on. It is the people who don't realize the importance of our organizations. I truly think that we need more programs to represent the GOOD of Greek Life.
Even in individual chapters, our Nationals look at the bad things we do and hardly compliment the good. Is that why some people who aren't Greek don't believe in our good side? They may be blinded by all of the dressing up on Thursday nights and the beer drinking games on Saturday to realize that yes, we do amazing things for this campus?
Last Saturday night I was spending some time at the O Patio&Pub on 15th. This is the conversation I overheard:
Woman 1: OMG he is so cute! That one in the Polo over there!
Woman 2: Ugh him? Too fratty, I always see him with different girls.
Woman 1: Ugh okay... whatever.
Then I stopped listening and almost punched someone (but I didn't). I'm sorry but was he coined the term "fratty" because we was wearing a Polo?! Because where I'm from, Polos are very fashionable and look good on most men.
The point is, I want to know what you all of think of this. Why are we looked down upon in so many ways? More importantly, how can we change this?! How can we explain first to people in our organizations that what we do really is special? And then pass that message on to the rest of the Community at Ohio State?
How can WE extinct the poor cognition of the terms fratting and fratty?
P.S. Not all Fraternities and Sororities are like this, I love you all! I just wanted to raise the heat a little.
I agre that the "fratty" stereotpye should be changed. In addition to "fratty" "frat rat" "fratting" we have this little place called "fratlinburg" in tennessee where many fraternities have their formal. In "fratlinburg" aka Gatlinburg, all there is to do is play putt-putt, go kart driving, get a hot dog...pretty much a carney/tacky vibe (no offense). So why does it appeal to so many to drive the 7-9 hours for some putt-putt?? Rather, it's for the HUGE cabins (yes they're pretty top notch) in the middle of the mountains and just drink all day long. So does "fratty" and all equivalent words just mean drinking?? That's kind of pathetic..
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with you Sam, but I am not gonna lie it hurts to read your blog! When I think about what I have gotten from Greek Life from great friends to really understanding what I value, it is so discouraging that the great experience that I have had, that I believe many of us have, is overlooked by indivudals that just do not care. Change is imperative if we are ever going to be recognized for the positive contributions that we make to campus and the community. So I guess after reading your post I am back to the same point where should we start?
ReplyDeleteI still always think it goes back to recruitment and new member development! Maybe we should have Jeff do the speech for all new members or bring someone in to talk about values and how that fits into Greek Life?
Gurrrrl... you sure turned up the heat with that one!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I completely agree with you that there is a side of Greek life that has so many wonderful opportunties and can really benefit from what there is to offer...for those who WANT it. But there is the other half that really is there for the partying and drinking, and probably only partake in the minimal amount of community service and participation in order to meet their requirements! Case in point...when interviewing someone at the O Patio for our in class assignment last week, I ran into a gentlemen that said "IFC makes the rules, and we are here to rebel against them." It's determination like that that ruin all the benefits of Greek life and help create the stereotypes that we have today.