Don't Call A Fraternity A "Frat"
Start writing a post
Student Life

Don't Call A Fraternity A "Frat"

How fraternities have changed from their stigmatized images

1072
Don't Call A Fraternity A "Frat"
Phi Delta Theta

Recently, I have noticed an influx of stories, articles and actions that have been occurring across college campuses and social media that bash Greek life. As a member of a fraternity, I’m used to getting some odd reactions from people and the usual stigma that surrounds fraternities in general, but it’s gotten much worse in the past year. I understand why people have preconceived notions of what a fraternity is like. I’ve seen the movies, too, and heard the stories but that’s not the reality of what they are today.

Fraternities, today, are much calmer and grounded than what most imagine what they are which is rather outdated. "Animal House" and similar movies all show the crazy and ridiculous things that happened in fraternities, but that’s from a period where society, in general, was much more rebellious as a whole. Yet as outdated as that image might be, we are still seen as the hell-raising and uncontrollable mass of testosterone filled young adults who have nothing better to do than party until the sun rises and skim by in our classes. I don't think that thought could be more wrong when looking at fraternities today.

As a senior, I have seen three previous classes graduate before me that have all carried a different view on what being in a fraternity means and none of it was what you can call Animal House-esque. In fact, fraternities are actually starting to become alcohol-free, such as my fraternity Phi Delta Theta. We celebrated 15 years of being an alcohol-free fraternity organization last year.

Not only are some deciding to go alcohol-free, they’re working to improve their image in both the community and the eyes of those who all have the stereotypical image of fraternities. Having more brotherhood events centered around getting out in the community and helping those in need to beat the stigmatized view of those who are members of fraternities. Personally, my fraternity runs a relay ball from Wabash to DePauw -- or vice versa -- for the past three years to raise money for ALS research. Now tell me, is that anything the fraternities in movies and shows would do? I don’t think it is, and that’s why we need to mold our new image in the eyes of the public.

Even recently we are being given a bad image with James Franco’s new movie, "Goat" starring Nick Jonas where they claim that the story they show is the story of every single one of those young men when it clearly isn’t their experiences at all. I can assure you that every fraternity man I know well has never had to endure the treatment they depict in the movie. If you want to make a movie about fraternities, how about you show what they are today instead of what happened in the past. Show the camaraderie and the sense of pride that comes with each member, the way they have somebody to rely on at all times for academic help or when they’re in a pinch. Show that side of fraternities instead of what they were when my grandparents were in college if you want the true story, then we can begin to reshape how society and universities see us.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51661
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33171
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956123
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181041
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments