T. Broosevelt

Joining a fraternity: good choice or best choice? For myself, joining a fraternity was one of the best choices I made in college (far better than my major choice and definately better than that decision to do the 40 nugget McChallenge). Lately, they've been getting a bad reputation and it is deserved. 

Lets explore why:

The Chant heard around the world

1) Casual and, in this case, not so casual racism. Riding around chanting racist slogans seems to be trending as of late (looking at you Chealsea fans), but lets not forget this is the age of SnapChat, YouTube, Etc. Was this a poorly hashed out recruiting video or a bunch of drunkards caught up in groupthink and archaic morals? It is not ok to say racist chants let alone believe them. While it is a free country, Wacka Flack is also free to cancel his show at your school because of your free speech. 

2) Lack of Leadership. During my fraternity days, me and my brothers got in a few spats with the Dean of Students. There was always a reason why we elected a gentleman who could reign in the wilder members and keep their composure when confronted with an angry dean or an upset hotel manager. It's saddening to see that no one stepped up and put an end to this chant. If you're going to be a group of knuckleheads, do everyone a favor and keep it to yourselves and elect somebody that can control the fraternity or at least voice an opposition.

3) Lack of Diversity. Recruit to diversify thought. Our fraternity recruited based on things in common, and perhaps a mold, but we always made it a point to get memebers who were clear leaders and could step up and speak their mind. Like a corporate board of directors, brotherhood is strengthened by the diverse backgrounds and expertise each member brings. 

4) Lack of Common Sense. Gentlemen, it is 2015. This chant is an embarresment. If you guys are fine with this kind of reputation, that is fine (free country after all). Food for thought: while your brothers may be fine with the chant (if not look at #2 again), your dates most likely were not and now they are stuck on a bus with you people. I can only imagine how many "help me texts" and cold showers emerged from this event. 

A Call to action for my Brothers:

Please don't ruin this for yourselves. These kind of antics are typically shouted louder than all of the volunteer work, good grades, and leadership skills that are developed in Greek Life. I developed into the man I've become in part from my fraternity. It has helped me develop skills that came in handy for when I looked for a job post grad. Please, do not ruin it for the future as well.

There is a reason why being the president of a fraternity is on par with being the captain of the LAX squad. It's not for the faint of heart and you are called upon to lead a great organization. Antics, like this chant, ruin the brand that is Greek Life and that's going to affect future recruitment and graduates seeking their first jobs post grad.

Parting Words:

Please enjoy yourselves because college (typically) only last 4 years. Abandon traditions/behaviors that reflect poorly on yourself and your fraternity. Continue to be a catalyst in the community and develop young leaders.