Below is a post I wrote for my Fraternal Change Blog, that I use for the Fraternal Leadership Class I am co-teaching this Spring. I thought I would post it here as well, because it is a relevant to the field of Higher Education, as well as to the many fraternity and sorority members out there.
For more information on the fraternal leadership class visit my last post http://karupert.com/leadership/flcsp11/ or to visit my fraternal change blog visit www.karupert.blogspot.com
Recently there was “article” featured in the Wall Street Journal, about a woman, who 27 years ago was raped by a fraternity man at the University of Virginia. The article is entitled ” Shutter Fraternities for Young Women’s Good” and it details this woman’s opinion of why she believes all fraternities should be shut down. She sites
“ The Greek system is dedicated to quelling young men’s anxiety about submitting themselves to four years of sissy-pants book learning by providing them with a variety of he-man activities: drinking, drugging, ESPN watching and the sexual mistreatment of women”.
I’m appalled by this. I’m appalled her lack of knowledge. She focuses on what she believes the Greek system, that she is not a part of, stands for. I acknowledge that this was a terrible incident, and the man involved deserved to be punished by the courts, but I do not acknowledge that this woman’s response is appropriate, based in fact, or legitimate. She downgrades the young men in fraternities stating that they basically come to college to get drunk and rape women. This to me is a blatant misuse of the power of journalism, as well is a slanderous report on Fraternity men.
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When the media gets a hold of a story that shows the sorority and fraternity community and bad context, they run with it. While they choose to ignore several thousand of hours of community service completed, the millions of dollars donated to philanthropy fundraising and leadership development that our students take part in. Why is this?
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Below is a link to the article, as well as a link to the response from Phi Delta Theta’s International President. He very eloquently says exactly what I am thinking, and what I’m sure many active and alumni members of fraternal organizations are thinking as well.
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Just a little something to think about.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I completely avoid reading the Wall Street Journal. It may have been a respectable newspaper at some point and it may continue to employ some good reporters but its ridiculous political slant infects too much of their writing for me to trust it. Like Fox News, the WSJ is a political organ and not a reliable source of news and information. I don’t even know if it’s a good idea to take them seriously and respond to their “articles.”
You’re wonderful. Great post!
Loved this blog post, Kristen!
I agree with you. From an outsider’s prospective, and as a woman who had a very negative and traumatic experience with fraternity men I can understand why she feels so strongly against fraternities. However, this article lacked a lot of substantial evidence to support how fraternities infringe upon the learning of other students. Rape and sexual assault is an issue that concerns everyone. Greeks and Non-greeks. I also feel like she would have things against sororities too.
The Yale incident is appalling and drives home the importance of cracking down on hazing, and holding fraternities to a higher standard.
Done right, the benefits of being part of a sorority or fraternity definitely outweigh the negative aspects.
Danielle
Randomly found your blog on Google. Wonderful thoughts! Thanks for sharing.
Cody J.
I am so proud that you took the time to respond to that biased article. Thanx for being who you are and expressing your values.
Thanks Mom.
You raised me to stand up for what I believe in.