What are fraternities and sororities for anyhow? Seems to me like alot of them (not all, but alot) are kind of uppity and think they're better b/c they're a member of a fraternity or a sorority. I've been hit up numerous times to join a fraternity but I wont b/c of some stuff that I know goes on at frat parties (drinking, sex, etc.) stuff that is immoral. I just wondered though what the purpose of them is?
2007-03-14 07:57:04 · 7 answers · asked by packerswes4 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
There are plenty of purposes you can get from Greek life. Really just depends on what you're looking for.
Here are the main reasons I joined a fraternity:
1. To expand my social network
2. To practice my socializing skills
3. To practice working in a structured social organization
4. To meet people with similar interests and possibly make some good friends.
5. It looks good on a resume!
It sounds like you're a smart guy and it's good you're approaching this with caution. Not being comfortable with what goes on at fraternity parties is completely understandable. Just remember though, the drinking, sex, etc can happen at any party, it doesn't just happen at Greek ones! If you decide to join, then surround yourself with the brothers in the house who share the same belief system as you. Then you'll be a-ok. A good fraternity house will never force you to do anything which goes against what you believe in...
Hope this helps. If you could use some advice from someone who's already been there i'd be happy to talk with you. I wish you the best of luck!
2007-03-14 08:21:04 · answer #1 · answered by CT 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Easy way to meet a ton of people in a short amount of time. With that said, if you have a problem with drinking, sex, etc., don't rush a traditional fraternity because all of that stuff WILL be present. There are non-traditional fraternities that are either based on religion or other group affiliations (e.g. business) that can provide you with the same social aspects but with like minded people.
Essentially these organizations are just a way to enhance the college experience. I joined a fraternity and took part in so-called "immoral" activities on a weekly (if not daily) basis. Did I go overboard? Yes. Did I have a good time? Definitely. Do I wish I would have concentrated on school a little more during that time? Sure. Would I go trade my experience for anything? NO WAY! I had fun, met some great friends, and will always look back on that time as a great learning experience.
2007-03-14 08:19:24 · answer #2 · answered by dlewisdm 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm 42 and when I was at the University of Arkansas in the 1980s, I felt exactly the same way you do and I kind of still do. I think their original purposes was to encourage social interaction at college before some of the other things that are now there were there. I think the "uppitiness factor" (if you will) can vary from school to school. There was some of this controversy between Greeks and non-Greeks at the U of A, but somebody once wrote a letter to the Editor of the School newspaper and said something I will always remember: "Good people are good people regardless of whether or not they are in a fraternity or a sorority." I have never forgotten that.
In short, don't spend a lot of time dwelling on this. By the time you graduate and embark on your career, it really won't matter now will it?
2007-03-14 08:08:05 · answer #3 · answered by lmnop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of people will argue that it is for friendship and that you are paying for friends. i joined a sorority my sophomore year after i got to know what each and every one was about. then i went through informal rush instead of formal, since by then i knew which one i wanted to be in. i am not really sure why i did it in the first place, but afterwards, i can now tell you all the benefits.
1. knowing that you always have someone to turn to.
2. knowing that these people accept you regardless of race, age, religion, or class.
3. becoming extremely close with a group of people and knowing that out of that group you will become very tight with more than a few.
4. you get a deal on housing and living expenses
5. it looks great on your resume.
6. you are part of an organization for the rest of your life
7. greek life does amazing things with philanthropy that you might not do on your own, so therefore you are helping make other people's life more meaningful
it was the best experience of my life and now after five years of graduation, i have four best friends that no matter where we are in the world are always there for you. i don't think that i ever would have even met these girls if it weren't for greek life. we are all so different, we had different majors, clubs, sports etc.
as far as the immoral stuff, that is unfortunately everywhere, but if they are really your brothers, you don't have to partake, and if they were to make you, then you are definitely in the wrong place.
2007-03-14 09:49:32 · answer #4 · answered by bargirl_2323 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Supposedly they were started to ensure professional connections after college. They were to very exclusive and only accect the BEST students. After all an active member should be able to find other alums that will help them in their career. Today, I think many use them for the party factor.
2007-03-14 08:16:34 · answer #5 · answered by professorc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
College experience, a chance to be included in a group, lower living costs, etc.
2007-03-14 08:01:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A club in which you have a closer to the members
2007-03-14 20:06:23 · answer #7 · answered by Tino 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋