Fraternities are ripe with them. Every chapter has them. Yours has them. Even mine has a few. They’re the cool guys that wind up at every party. Most times, they are the party. They’re some of your chapter's most involved members. They religiously follow the website Total Frat Move. Heck, they’re essentially a walking TFM article. They live for Fail Friday. They’re known as the frat bro.
These last few years have been interesting for Greek life. The media has caught on, and is frequently reporting instances that previously were handled internally with little public attention. This increased scrutiny has upset many. It’s part of the college experience to be irresponsible and carefree, right? Wrong. Fortunately, though, most coverage has been honest, and the facts cited are often predominately accurate.
Moving forward from the TFM stereotype that’s become the norm will be a challenge. People adore the carefree. Their character is charming, yet dangerous. TFM antics has become a risk management and public relations nightmare. Chapters are being closed left and right, but that’s the fault of Fraternity and Sorority Life and administration, not the frat bro, right? Wrong.
More times than not, FSL advisors do all that they can to save chapters. Seldom does a campus close a chapter itself. Nine times out of 10, it’s the chapter’s nationals who close them.
Things are changing. Kids are coming to universities with the idea that TFM is all that college is about. Instead of something that was previously picked up post-initiation, freshmen are being taught this behavior while still in high school. They’re coming in already “frat,” and ready to be the next punchline of an Old Row Instagram caption. They strive to be recognized by TFM. This culture has bred the rise of "Neighbors" wannabes on campuses nationwide.
Greeks are campus leaders. It’s time that, as leaders, we start the conversation and make changes. Don’t recruit guys based on how cool they are. Recruit based on their quality of character. Don’t recruit based on how many chicks they pull. Recruit based on how many A’s they earned in high school. Recruit based on their involvement, community service record, and college ambition. You are who you recruit.
If you’re like me, you cherish your Greek experience and love your organization. As leaders on campus, and within our organizations, we have a responsibility. It’s time we stand up and hold each other accountable. Chapters won’t have to close if these problems never arise. Instead of being reactive to situations, be proactive. Educate your incoming members on what's right and wrong instead of turning a blind eye. At the same time, educate your existing members. Refresh them on how to handle difficult situations. Like I said before, we’re all leaders, and we all care about our community and organizations. It’s time to start making changes.
Don’t get me wrong. By no means is this a community, or chapter-wide problem. It’s largely isolated in handfuls of members within FSL communities nationwide. But if we’re not going to be proactive and strive for improvement, then what’s the point?
