"Frat" Life

Moratorium, Again

2005-05-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

From Marcia Riley's e-mail resent today:

There have been many questions with regard to the specifics of the current moratorium. As stated in the letter issued on Monday, May 9th 2005 by Dean Kenney, this moratorium is in place until further notice and prohibits any chapter sponsored events with alcohol either on-site or off-site. This includes but is not limited to:

parties, exchanges & invitationals
philanthropy events
alumni events
BBQs
activities hosted by summer boarders on chapter property
parties / celebrations with alcohol hosted by individual chapter members on chapter property

Exceptions to the moratorium will be considered on an individual basis. Requests for exception must be submitted in writing at least ten working days prior to the event and will require meeting with an OSL staff member for review. If you have specific questions regarding these provisions, please email dosl@berkeley.edu.

Though I can see how drinking has a strong correlation to unhealthy behaviors and actions that disturb the peace, I fail to see how banning alcohol at ALL events will be productive. Especially glaring are the last two points. How can the school, or anyone for that matter, really ban alcohol consumption by individuals? And, how can fraternities hold boarders accountable for drinking? These are unrealistic and reek of Prohibition--and we all know how that ended.

Furthermore, even though there is allegedly a task force that is geared at reducing underage drinking throughout the campus and not only the Greek system, it is unfair that only one segment of the student population is banned from having alcohol; if this is the case, then every single one of the 28,000 or so undergraduates and even all the graduate students (because 21+ residents in fraternities cannot drink) should not be allowed to drink. I fail to see how "ending" drinking, either in one segment of the population or the whole population, will solve any of the problems that are supposed to be solved.

Any thoughts?

IFC Election Results

2005-05-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

The new IFC president is Andy Solari, who was philanthropy chair for the IFC for the 2004 term.

His qualifications include one-and-a-half years as president of Zeta Psi fraternity, a year on IFC, and a year on J-Com. He was also involved with the Cal Lobby Corps, and is affiliated with Cal Dems.

He delivered a very good speech in front of the emergency Presidents' Council meeting held yesterday at Delta Upsilon. In it, he advocated working with the University but also holding firm--achieving a balance between compromise and "flexing muscle." Significantly, and also lacking from the other candidates' speeches, he is aiming to work not only with chapter presidents and the University but with other groups on campus such as the ASUC.

It was interesting to compare the five candidates. Andy was definitely the moderate in the mix, with Tom Rupp from Sigma Nu appearing to be the most conciliatory and Ian Richardson from Sigma Chi appearing to be the most hard-line. Phil Zackler from FIJI and Gordon Wilson from Delta Kappa Epsilon also ran.

Although the situation of having to elect a new IFC president in the middle of the year is never favorable, the summer will give Andy and the execs some time to transition into the new presidency, and will allow the IFC and all other concerned bodies to work with the University on reversing the moratorium. Hopefully, the summer will stop the crazy incidents that have been popping up in the Greek community and make room for cooler deliberations.

Moratorium... looking forward

2005-05-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

First of all, I think it's a serious conflict of interest for me to blog here. While I do have a lot of thoughts about "frat" life in general, I've decided this isn't the best forum for me to post them. So, this will be my second, and final post.
As I bid adieu, I would like to share a few thoughts on the current situation of Cal Greeks...

Now is the time to look forward. I know it's frustrating and a lot of us know that this doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but the focus needs to be on what we can do to make our community better.
We need to open our eyes to the fact that our community isn't perfect, and focus on creating positive change. It's definitely easier said than done, but my vision is that in the near future we will go down to 102 Sproul and figure this all out... calmly, rationally, and professionally. Coming out of it with a realistic and enforceable plan of action.
Life isn't fair, the university comes down on the Greeks faster than anyone else when it comes to alcohol and parties... we are who the media loves to pick on, and frankly the university has more authority over us than over any other student entity [sans the dorms].
Seriously though, let's not cry over spilt milk, let's move on.
Although I adamantly believe that a moratorium was not the best plan of action [having one affects those who follow the rules the most], what's done is done.
I know emotions are running high[if you try to tell me that a moratorium was a good idea, i'll probably still get a bit huffy puffy], I strongly believe that now is a time to look forward. Anybody who is interested in finding the solution, please get in touch with me at nith@berkeley.edu .

Greek Alcohol Moratorium Announced

2005-05-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

MEMORANDUM
May 9, 2005

To: Chapter Presidents & Leaders of the Greek Community
Fr: Karen Kenney, Dean of Students
Office of Student Life

Re: Immediate Suspension of Alcohol at All Chapter Events

During this academic year, there have been a number of significant incidents within the Greek community about which I am gravely concerned. The significant increase in the number of non-compliant Greek sponsored events as well as concern raised by a number of reported hazing incidents in chapters throughout the Greek community obligate the University to take action. Such disregard for the policies and procedures designed to assist your chapters in having safe events is unacceptable.

Effective immediately and until further notice, there shall be a moratorium on all fraternity and sorority events with alcohol, both at chapter and university houses and at off-campus events.

Be advised that chapters that violate this moratorium shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including the revocation of chapter recognition by the University.

If your chapter has prior plans for hosting an upcoming social event with alcohol, you may continue to host this event as long as the event is alcohol free. This moratorium applies to all chapter events, including those taking place at locations outside Greek chapter houses and off-campus.

While I recognize the recent efforts that have been made by leadership within the community, late incidents leave me no alternative at this time. In an effort to identify the root of these ongoing risk management challenges, a working group including students, staff and alumni will begin this summer to lay the groundwork for long-term solutions. This group will continue to convene and progress until there is significant change within the community. The moratorium will remain in effect until such time as the level of compliance and progress within the community justifies ending it.

Any questions may be directed to the Greek Life Staff.

Cc: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC and Multicultural Greek Executive Officers
Greek Affairs Staff
Student Judicial Affairs Staff
City of Berkeley Partners (UCPD, BPD, BFD, Dwight Hillside Association)
Chapter Primary Alumni Contacts
Fraternity Alumni Council
Panhellenic Alumni Advisors Council

the worst of times?

2005-05-09T00:13:00.000-07:00

So, Andy beat me to it...
my first post is about the letter [e-mail] writing requesting an increased dialogue between Greek leadership and university officials, considering the particularly alarming nature of recent public comments. A shorter sample letter is below.

Dear Chancellor Birgeneau,

Recently, rumors in the Greek Community have abounded that a moratorium on alcohol is impending. These rumors have been fueled by media attention in which high-ranking University officials have consistently mentioned the possibility—even likelihood—of a moratorium. As a member of the Greek Community, I feel that there are many valid arguments as to why this moratorium is ill-timed, unreasonable, and unlikely to solve the problems at hand. It would be a great injustice to make such a wide-sweeping decision without even consulting the leadership and members of the Greek Community so that you might receive this alternate point of view. I urge you to speak with the Greek Community leadership and hold a forum for the members of the Greek Community to give you feedback before you make any decision on this important issue.

Respectfully,

it would be nice if people could send it in to moratorium@lists.berkeley.edu as soon as possible. maybe i'll put up some thoughts about this next week after i'm done w/ my finals. good luck everyone!

2005-05-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

Continue Writing Campus Administrators with Your Concern About a Moratorium
For those unfamiliar with this, IFC has urged concerned Greeks to send e-mail to moratorium@lists.berkeley.edu, which will go to various campus administrators, voicing our concern over a possible alcohol moratorium. Here is the sample text of an e-mail, and I would encourage other students can cut and paste sections of this to send off also.

To whom it may concern:

My name is XXX, a fourth year member of XXX. I have served four different positions of my chapter’s executive committee, including as president. Speaking on behalf of myself, XXX Fraternity [or Sorority], and all other Greek students and chapters who are affected by a moratorium, I am shocked and dismayed at the lack of good faith, due process, and ultimately, disrespect shown to the Greek community by the university's administration. I speak to my chapter's president on almost a weekly basis about general topics of discussion within the Greek community, and for the past month all I have heard from him is how the administration is making it harder and harder for the Greek community to thrive, let alone exist. With the outlandish fines and long-lasting probations placed on chapters for minor violations, as well as the general witch-hunt attitude that is permeating the Student and University's judicial offices, many chapters are struggling to make ends meet and sustain their membership.

When I was told that there was a possible moratorium on the horizon, I asked if there was anything that I could do. I was told by my president as well as other members of the Greek council that there were meetings planned with Vice-Chancellor Padilla and Dean of Students Karen Kenney. I was encouraged by this news because I remember that when a moratorium was in effect three years or so ago, the administration was quick to work with the Greek community on an effective inclusive solution. Over the past three years since then, I have worked extensively with the IFC and Greg Smith, Kevin Roy, and Taz Patel, where they were provided with proper resources and outlets to voice concerns, as well as with capable advisors to create a sense of proactive problem-solving between the administration and the Greek community.

However, just recently I was told that the administration's representatives have not showed up at any of the planned meetings and have refused to discuss the situation with any of our chapter's presidents and other representatives of the community. I find this disrespectful to the thousands of students who are members of the Greek community and have basic civil rights that are being infringed upon by over-bearing policies designed to solve a problem that is over-blown within the Greek community, yet is not even being discussed campus-wide. We are all aware that there have been recent events that have shed a bad light on the Greek system and have been a publicity nightmare for the university. However, those are isolated incidents that should not cloud the administration's judgment when dealing with the Greek community as a whole. I feel it would be an overstepping of boundaries to punish the more than fifty Greek chapters on campus for the mistakes of a few.

The other thing that seems to be missing from this discussion are the positives that the Greek community brings to the University as a whole, including tens of thousands of dollars in philanthropy, hundreds of hours of community service, and more school spirit than most of the student body can muster on any given day. I realize that there is pressure on the University to respond to some of the incidents that have occurred over the past weeks, but I find it unacceptable that the administration might come to a unilateral decision affecting thousands of people without hearing the opinions of the people a broad stroke punishment would affect. As a concerned CAL student, Greek member, and Brother to the thousands of other students who have found a home within the Greek community, I implore my fellow students to speak out and make their voices heard, because otherwise the university has no intention of listening.

If anyone would like to discuss the issues with me further, feel free to
respond to me at XXX or XXX.

2005-05-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Office of Student Life Hires New Greek Advisor
Please join us in welcoming Melissa Lang to UC Berkeley as an Advisor and Program Coordinator for Greek Life. We are very excited to have Melissa join our team and we believe her perspective and skills will help the Greek community to both surpass current challenges and continue to realize excellence in the years to come.

Melissa is currently finishing her Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Arkansas, where she has served as a Greek Advisor for the past two years. In addition to her academic career, Melissa has worked as a Legislative Assistant in DC and served as a consultant for Alpha Omicron Pi. Through her experiences with Greek Affairs she has advised Panhellenic and co-advised NPHC. She has coordinated the expansion process for Panhellenic, advised to the Greek programming board and Up 'Til Dawn and facilitated multiple leadership programs such as Greek 101 and a new member retreat. Melissa also initiated new programs such as the first annual Greek Week and Hot Pink Ribbon, an organization where sorority women educate other sorority women about violence against women. She completed her internships with Judicial Affairs at the University of Arkansas and in Orientations at George Mason University.

I am sure you will all have an opportunity to get to know Melissa personally over the coming months and the next few years. I know she is looking forward to working with the entire Greek community and our colleagues for quite some time. She hopes to make it to Cal by the beginning of July!

Dilemmas

2005-04-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Question: What should we do about the IFC President and VP of Risk Management, whose chapter is under investigation for hazing?

Question: What should the Greek community do: stand united behind a constituent member, or make that chapter an example?

Question: Is hazing only a fraternity issue, or is this shared with sororities?

Question: Will this incident actually stop hazing?

Proposition: While hazing, alcohol abuse, and sexual assault only happens at other chapters (and not our own), we are quick to state that the entire Greek community engages in a high level of community service and maintains excellent standards of scholarship... including even those chapters that only fulfill the requirement of one event per semester.

We cry when people make assumptions about the Greek community when one chapter messes up: it's not fair, it's not fair, we say. However, we want to make sure that honors and recognition bestowed on one chapter are construed as a reflection of the Greek community in general.

This isn't fair to those chapters (and individuals) who are pulling their own weight.

Bios on Candidates Vying for Greek Positions at Berkeley

2005-04-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here are the details from a recent e-mail from OSL:
Please join us for lunch from 12-1pm on each of the days that these candidates
are on campus. Meeting students will be the cornerstone of their experiences
and I hope we can all show them what a great place this is to work!

Monday April 18th
Forum Location: 36 Sproul
Candidate: Rebecca Jamrozik
Rebecca has worked at the University of South Florida (USF) for the past two years as a Greek Life Advisor. Rebecca serves as the advisor to Panhellenic and Order of Omega and has advised events such as Greek Week and Dance Marathon. She has worked to provide educational programming around leadership development and risk management for all councils and has assisted with Greek expansion at USF. In addition to being a Greek Advisor She concurrently serves as the House Director for an on-campus Kappa Delta chapter house. Prior to her time at USF she served as a full-time professional Student Life Coordinator at Florida Southern College where she advised to Panhellenic. Previous to her time at USF she spent a year as traveling consultant for Alpha Chi Omega.

Tuesday April 19th
Forum Location: 333 Sproul
Candidate: Melissa Lang
Melissa has worked at the University of Arkansas for the past two years as a Greek Life advisor where she has advised Panhellenic and co-advised NPHC. She has coordinated the expansion process for Panhellenic, advised to the Greek programming board and Up 'Til Dawn and facilitated multiple leadership programs such as Greek 101 and a new member retreat. Melissa initiated new programs such as the first annual Greek Week and Hot Pink Ribbon, an organization where sorority women educate other sorority women about violence against women. She completed her internships with Judicial Affairs at the University of Arkansas and in Orientations at George Mason University. Prior to attending graduate school she worked as a traveling consultant for Alpha Omicron Pi.

Thursday April 21st
Forum Location: 333 Sproul
Candidate: Sonja Jensen
Sonja currently serves as the Advisor to Panhellenic and 14 sororities at Iowa State University. The scope of her position includes providing leadership and direction in the areas of Risk Management, Judicial, Recruitment, New Member Education and Scholarship. She has advised on program such as Greek Getaway, Greek Week, Junior Greek Council and Dance Marathon. Additionally, Sonja has facilitated at the National Interfraternity Conference Alcohol Summit and coordinated and facilitated a training weekend for all Greek Executive Council Officers and Chapter Presidents.

Monday April 25th
Forum Location: 333 Sproul
Candidate: Emery Burk
Emery currently serves as the Graduate Coordinator for Greek Life at Eastern Michigan University. He advises presidents for all fraternities and sororities and serves as advisor to Panhellenic and NPHC. In this role he has coordinated leadership retreats and helped institute formal recruitment for Panhellenic sororities. Emery has presented on Black Greek Basics and at UIFI, and coordinated the EMU Alcohol Summit and facilitated at IMPACT. During his internship with the Student LIfe Office at Angelo State University he worked to assess campus climate and create programming to increase overall retention and recruitment of African American Students.

Monday April 26th
Forum Location: TBA
Candidate: Chrysalis Buller
Chrysalis currently serves as an Advisor to IFC at Bowling Green University and is a live-in staff member with Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and a member of Delta Gamma. She is also the Graduate Staff member in charge of Greek Expansion at Bowling Green. She has focused her "Directed Reading" studies on NPHC Fraternities and Sororities and has coordinated programs such as a President's Retreat and Diversity trainings. In other positions during her time in graduate school she has worked with the administration of on-campus chapter houses and residence halls.

More Bloggers?

2005-04-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

I've got Andy Ratto aboard who is sure to bring the same quality of work from both CalStuff and the Daily Cal. Is there anyone else who would want to sound off on the Greek community?

Remember: the purpose of this blog is not to unilaterally criticize the Greeks because, hell, we've got a lot to offer. But, there is a lot of hypocrisy in this system, and hypocrisy screams to be pointed out.

Any sorority gals who want to join in the fun? Let me know.

Help Pick the New Greek Advisor

2005-04-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's Andy from over at CalStuff... "Frat" Boy lent me the keys to this place a while ago, and I'm finally getting around to take it out for a test drive. Time permitting, expect me to spend some time over here discussing some of the big news currently occurring within the Greek System here at Berkeley (and some suggestions about how to bring about some positive change).

The first news I wanted to pass on, as a follow up to the post below, is that the horrendously delayed process of bringing in some new advisors is finally drawing to a close. Someone from OSL was at the President's Council meeting tonight, and she said they are currently reviewing four applicants for the top position. She will be sending out brief bios on those candidates, and I will pass those on to you when they are available.

More importantly, OSL either highly values student input when making this selection, or is pretending to in order to humor us students (I have no idea which it is). To that end, there will be four interview sessions with the prospective candidates, that OSL is strongly encouraging students to attend. Here are the details on those meetings:

Monday, April 18th, 12-1pm 36 Sproul Hall
Tuesday, April 19th 12-1pm 333 Sproul Hall
Thursday, April 21st 12-1pm 333 Sproul Hall
Monday, April 25th 12-1pm 333 Sproul Hall

Crucially, there will be food at these sessions, and although that hasn't been finalized, I definitely heard something about cheese, which bodes well. Cheeseboard... cheesy sticks... it's all good!

Where Are the Greek Advisors?

2005-04-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't been aware, the University has been looking for new Greek Advisors to replace Rob Maneson and Tiffany Jones, whom I feel were vastly unappreciated and probably overworked due to the thankless nature of being a Greek Advisor.

Actually, they are only hiring one Greek Advisor; they are additionally creating the position of Assistant Director of Greek Life. So, the hierarchy is: IFC/Panhellenic, Greek Advisor, Assistant Director of Greek Life, Director of Greek Life, Director of Student Life, and then the Dean of Students.

I'm not very optimistic about this whole process. It will take someone of a very high caliber and great fortitude to deal with the shit dealt by both the University and the Greek community. Let's face it... we want someone who will help us drink and party, and then defend us when things go awry. Unfortunately, the Greek Advisor / Asst. Director of Greek Life are paid and employed by the University, and the University's number one priority is to reduce risk and therefore liability.

The argument has long been made against the existence of IFC; many people ask why the IFC is necessary and why they have to pay dues to support an organization that doesn't directly benefit them. This is a subject that deserves its own post, but in a nutshell being a part of the IFC, in addition to being required by most national headquarters, reduces risk for chapters in that serving alcohol to minors is not a criminal offence but something to be taken care of by the Judicial Committee and/or Student Judicial Affairs. The relationship I am drawing here is that the Office of Student Life (and in particular the Greek Life contingent) serves roughly the same purpose as IFC (as buffers), and are both probably just as held in less-than-high regard by their constituencies.

GQSA? Oscar Wilde?

2005-04-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Where did the Greek Queer-Straight Alliance go? After selling plain and rainbow sprinkle-covered brownies at "Tastes of Berkeley" last semester, it seems that this organization--that had high hopes for the Greek community--has gone defunct.

Perhaps because its leader, Andy Ratto, has been busy with CalStuff and running a humor-filled campaign for executive office. This is not to attack Andy, but to ask him why the GQSA is no longer in existence, and if he has any plans for it in the future.

I was just forwarded an e-mail from the IFC philanthropy chair, Joon Song, about a dinner/meeting at the Oscar Wilde House, which is geared towards eventually building a relationship with the first LGBT-themed house in America:

"As leaders of the Greek community, we have the unique opportunity to build a lasting working relationship with the Oscar Wilde House, and through it, gain a deeper understanding of the LGBT community. Even in Berkeley and in this day and age, hate crimes, discrimination, and acts of violence are perpetuated against members of that community, and we have the responsibility to ensure a safe place for everyone. Furthermore, this gives us the opportunity to show the world that Greeks are tolerant, active, and socially aware. Your input and support would be greatly welcomed at this event."

While Joon's efforts are well-intentioned, do they have any chance of succeeding? Is gaining a deeper understanding of LGBT issues really high up there on "to do list" of frat boys?

Social Ruminations

2005-03-09T01:01:00.000-08:00

Next door a fraternity is having some sort of beer pong event with a lot of scantily-clad women. It is loud, and it is at 1 am.

There are a few rules being broken or otherwise circumvented.

If this were the product of an earlier exchange, then it is a common practice whereby frats get sorority women over to drink and engage in debauchery after getting to know the women in a more socially-and legally-acceptable manner.
This is an unregistered event: amplified sound, alcohol, quite a number of people, and definitely at a late hour.
It's not too much of a stretch to believe there are minors drinking at this event.

For the first point, I recognize the dangers that sorority women face in going to frat houses. However, I feel that many of the dangers are present during early in the morning and not the evenings or afternoons, during parties and whatever other events we shady frat guys concoct. This is not to discount the fact that fraternities can be a dangerous place regardless of time and event--however, any place can be dangerous at any given time, but that is a moot point.

Anyway, the behavior sororities should be "regulating" is what happens outside the IFC/Panhellenic-sanctioned realm of social exchanges. I realize, though, that I am not privy to the thought behind last year's Panhellenic's decision, so I invite anyone who has more information to comment and fill me in.

The Greek Social Code is a sham when fraternities regularly get away with parties such as the one described above. It is a sham when chapters that have members on IFC have unregistered parties. I believe that the legal drinking age should be 18, not 21, and as such have no problem with alcoholic events. However, it is hypocritical that we have these rules in place, break them, and then punish those that unfortunate or stupid enough to get caught.

The IFC's big thing right now is reforming the Social Code, as they informed the fraternity presidents. Let's see what they come up with.

Juxtaposition

2005-02-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

"There comes a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part, you can't even passively take part; and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop. And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, the people who own it, that unless you're free the machine will be prevented from working at all."

~ Mario Savio, Free Speech Movement

The Tsunami Relief Coalition, "touted as the largest student coalition since the Free Speech Movement," is near over. We are still awaiting the Greeks' contribution to the cause. The goal for both the Residence Halls and the Greeks was to get 50% of their populations to donate an average of three dollars. For the Greeks, according to Panhellenic sources, this would amount to about $3300.

The deadline for the collection envelopes that have been distributed to the Greek houses was pushed back a week and will be collected on Wednesday's Presidents' Councils.

Results notwithstanding, the Greek community has been receiving pretty favorable press. This is a great development; hopefully philanthropy could continue being a motive force in this system.

Going back to the Free Speech Movement, however, it doesn't seem that there were very many participants or volunteers. The most recent Daily Cal article described 50 runners lacing up their shoes to run in this past Saturday's 5K run/walk.

I don't want to make speculations as to how hard the organizers of the events worked--most likely, they put a lot of dedication and time into the process. However, what does it say when our campus, the flagship of student activism, can only muster up 50 runners, or can only fill part of Upper Sproul for the candlelight vigil, held last Tuesday?

One could argue that the issue of free speech was more salient and had more inspirational leaders. But, how are the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the destruction of huge swathes of coastline not reason enough to go to one single student-run event back at rainy, but safe, Berkeley?

Never mind how much the Greek community raises. A three-dollar donation is a start, but it is not enough. We will be stuck in the same rut of getting busted by police for illegal parties unless we can think along the lines of Savio and his compatriots in the Free Speech Movement.

There is change that needs to be made. What are we doing to effect that change?

Give to Get?

2005-01-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

Though the purpose of this blog is primarily to take a critical look at the Greek system, there are things still that I take offense to as a fraternity man.

Ignoring all the health and social implications of such behavior, my chapter--as do many others-- has parties once in a while, to which an eclectic mix of people are invited. Other frat guys, sorority women, freshmen from the dorms, and non-Cal students mingle in the air of sociability. Nevertheless, we have a group of people who come by all the time, not for the alcohol or the party, but because they are friends with members of the chapter.

These people are respectful, both of the house, its members, and our supplies. They do not try to commandeer alcohol, steal laptops and iPods, break windows, or create a ruckus. They come by, drink a little, talk a lot, and create a good time.

However, there are some others who are disrespectful. Their attitude is that they are a frat and that they can do whatever they want to it.

They forget that this "frat house" is also a home, that the "party" is also just a chance for some guys to catch up with friends, and that if something goes wrong it's not their necks that will be cut.

Some who read this post might think that this is just some rich privileged frat boy complaining that someone is raining on his parade. I will accept these charges, because the fact of the matter is that I am privileged (though not rich), just as equally as every other student attending Cal; that at times I am a frat boy; and that I am complaining.

My message to the frat boys and fraternity men is to not stand for such behavior from our "guests," and to not engage in such behavior when we are guests at other chapters or other people. We have to think about whether we want to continue letting people take advantage of us and our hospitality and getting little in return, or if we want to start standing for something other than parties.

We give and get little respect in return. Maybe this is a sign that we should give something other than alcohol to the community.

Welcome, fraternitydude!

2005-01-28T01:59:00.000-08:00

Another writer has joined me on this modest blog. I expect great things from fraternitydude.

If you want to join, please contact me via e-mail with a sample writing. Thanks!

Criticism

2005-01-28T01:51:00.000-08:00

"Why are we linking to an anonymous asshole like Frat Life?

Anonymous bloggers are losers, whining and libeling from the safety of their own foxhole. For example, his idiotic 'IFC Facebook' comment, as if anyone should take seriously a comment on a silly facebook post. Way to force an IFC rep to spend an hour responding to your idiotic concerns.

It's sick that we'd give any publicity to a coward who makes an entire blog to criticize his community, but can't handle any criticism of his own."

~ Kevin!
_______________________________________________

Many charges have been leveled against me and my condition of anonymity. To any rational person, it would be fairly obvious why it's necessary for me to go unnamed.

Also, though I responded to Kevin!'s comment (posted in this CalStuff article), perhaps the most simple way I can defend myself is by directing you readers to my first post:

"However, I fear that I am being too harsh. The Greek system has its strengths, but they are not for me to name. I challenge you to be offended at what I write. I challenge you to find the strengths, but more importantly, stand up to the weaknesses. There is much that is wrong, but life demands we as youth be optimistic. What can we do to change these things we see?"

Kevin! apparently accepted my challenge to be offended.

I criticize because I believe strongly in this community and in the ideals it espouses. Those who don't care about its problems stay silent.

Another Reason Why You Should Go Greek

2005-01-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

Although the aim of this blog is not to criticize thefacebook, it's been brought to my attention that there is a facebook group called "I Have Taken at Least 1 V-card."

I see the humor in the whole concept, something that would be discussed in a "guys' (or girls') night out." It's not as humorous when one of the quotes on that particular page says:

"You all remember what it was like--guys squirt and girls hurt!" - J.S.

(Coincidentally enough, the initials J.S. correspond to one Justin Sperling, who apparently with his 2.75-inch penis can make girls hurt.)

What's as disturbing is that of 27 members, 14 belong to "CAL GREEKS" and 8 belong to "I Was Totally Blacked Out When I Took My Facebook Pic." Is there some connection between Greek membership, crassness, alcohol abuse, and wanton sexuality?

If there is, it appears that "I Have Taken at Least 1 V-card" is their confluence.

(EDITORIAL NOTE: All this makes me wonder why any self-respecting human being would want to have sex with the members of this group. Or, more appropriately, how these people get laid to begin with. Maybe I should do a post on roofies or something.)

Recruitment Rule Number One

2005-01-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

Rush is upon us.

Recruitment Rule Number One: No sorority women allowed at chapter houses during formal recruitment.

Recruitment Reality: Sorority women continue to patronize fraternities.

One part of me as a "frat boy" revolts against this rule that seems to unfairly take away one of the main draws of the fraternity system: women. The common argument is that taking women out of the picture during rush will hurt frats' chances to attract guys. Take away the sororities, they say, and you are taking away about one-half of the attendence at rush keggers (a topic which itself will be discussed in detail later).

While this rule does keep many women off of fraternity front decks and backrooms, it is so often the case that sorority women are indeed found gracing the arms of frat boys, or very often the rim of toilet bowls.

Regardless of whether they actually do come to fraternity events, what ends up happening is that more freshmen/sophomore girls are called upon to come to these events. While there is nothing inherently wrong with boys and girls having fun together, there is something wrong when alcohol and other drugs, raging testosterone, broader societal norms/expectations, and gender roles are added to that equation. I have to reiterate that not all fraternities engage in this sort of behavior, and that not all women would succumb to the various pressures. I do admit that I paint a simplistic picture. However, I will refer to the Golden Law of Greek Community Health (as defined by me):

If something bad happens to someone in our community, it is a problem.

I want to avoid getting caught up in tangents, but I must qualify this statement by saying that I don't mean if Julie Doe gets a cold it's horrible. Bad things happen to people all the time, which is the nature of life, apparently. But sexual assault, alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, academic failure, etc.--situations that could be prevented from occurring but aren't--are problems that must be addressed but are not.

So coming back to the original topic, why is this rule in place? I surmise that there were too many breaches in the Golden Law of Greek Community Health at fraternities committed against sorority (and all other) women.

Fraternity men, shouldn't rush be about introducing brotherhood? Shouldn't it be about getting to know guys, about building relationships that will hopefully carry over from recruitment to active membership? The last time I checked (apparently in the last century), fraternities were generally about scholarship, philanthropy, growth, brotherhood... not that anyone in college actually cares about these things.

So women at rush is here to stay. That in of itself is fine. What is the issue--and what was addressed by this recruitment rule--is that women are taken advantage of at rush and non-rush events. Had this not happened, sorority women would still be at fraternities to kick off recruitment festivities.

thefacebook Speaks!

2005-01-07T01:41:00.000-08:00

Despite my earlier pledge to not update until after the start of the spring semester, I found myself in an insomniac stupor tonight, wasting time on the phenomenon we know and love as thefacebook.

I was browsing through one of the best and worst features of thefacebook, groups, and came across the "Panhellenic & IFC for Life" group, which is comprised of--surprise--both current and past members of Panhellenic and IFC.

The group description: "we OWN the Greek community... yeah, that's right, we said it."

Whoever created that group was probably just kidding around, but for elected and slated officers of the Greek community to say that they--and not every single active member of every single active chapter--own that community is redolent of the same sort of elitist tendencies that turn many people off to Greek life. Furthermore, being officers (equivalent to elected officials and civil servants in the real world), they should keep in mind that they are serving their community's interests and not theirs. This thefacebook group, as trivial as it may be, seems to exist solely for the purpose of Panhellenic and IFC's self-aggrandizement.

Then again, I might just be sleep-deprived, in which case I apologize profusely.

Given the dearth of actual communication in the system, a far better method (both in terms of effectiveness and in propriety) would be for the members of these two bodies to go regularly to different chapters to bring news and information straight to the people. That way, instead of being the cool kids with their own group on thefacebook, they are showing Joe Frat Guy and Jane Sorority Gal that yes, they do exist, and yes, they do serve CalGreeks.

But then again, perhaps they only want the right to be on the "Panhellenic & IFC for Life" group on thefacebook. Let's hope they prove me wrong.

Happy Holidays

2004-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! It's hard to update via dial-up, so please check up when the new semester starts up.

Until then, stay classy, Berkeley.

"Hooking Up"

2004-12-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting journal article on the phenomenon we know and love as "hooking up."

Another article, this one from the Journal of Sex Research, has some further insight.

A few excerpts:

"Researchers have considered many correlates of casual sex attitudes and behaviors, including psychological (e.g., personality dispositions, self-esteem, attachment style) and social (e.g., alcohol use, Greek membership) variables, and partner gender."

"Others argue that alcohol use by a woman is a powerful cue for men of the woman's sexual availability."

"Gold, Karmiloff-Smith, Skinner, and Morton (1992) found intoxication to be a predictive factor at all points in casual sexual encounters (from the beginning of the encounter to the period of sexual contact); the highest level of intoxication occurred at the start of sexual intercourse. Moreover, males and females were found to be more likely to consume alcohol when they were less well acquainted with their partner (Temple & Leigh, 1992)."

The article goes on to discuss individual psychological predictors, in addition to social influences. Is hooking up necessarily good? Bad? Are people taking responsibility for their own sexuality?

Become a Member!

2004-12-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Please e-mail me if you would like to join the "Frat" Life team blog. Being a member will allow you to create posts on this blog, so that you can actually facilitate discussions and not merely respond.

It is absolutely crucial in the maintenance of a community to allow free and open expression, and to allow the exchange of different perspectives. As such, everyone--men, women, straight, LGBT-IQ, Greek, and non-Greek are invited.

My e-mail address is: cal.frat.boy@gmail.com.

IFC/Panhellenic Elections

2004-12-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

IFC elections are a sham.

There were twelve actual people who took the time to complete an IFC election application, who took at least a nominal amount of time to answer the questions that were on that application.

These people also took at least some time thinking about speeches, and in the case of the public relations chair candidates they created supplemental materials to hand out.

When the actual elections were held on December 1, the chapter presidents were allowed to nominate candidates for unopposed positions. Never mind that there was already an anemic pool of legitimate candidates; guys dressed in jeans and t-shirts came in from off the street to run for the highest offices in the fraternity community.

It's hard enough to get qualified candidates; one can't help but wonder if these walk-in hopefuls even knew the responsibilities of the positions they were running for. Luckily, none of these "off-the-street" candidates won positions.

For Panhellenic, word on the street is that the new president has no previous Panhellenic experience. Though this in of itself does not disqualify her from service, one would hope that the leader of the sorority community knows a thing or two about the governing body.

Panhellenic slates its candidates, which means that the Panhellenic delegates from each chapter meet to select their new officers. Is this a better system than the IFC elections? Is it worse? We wait to see...

Women, Not Girls

2004-10-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

Women, not girls.

There is a profound lack of respect for women in the fraternity system. This, of course, is nothing new or particularly insightful. It has been known for a long time; the bad thing about it, though, is that this objectification of women, Greek or otherwise, is condoned and even commended by many. The other bad thing is that, despite society's alleged political correctness, women continue to be referred to by disparaging terms.

The fraternity system is far from politically correct when it comes to the secret meetings between boys.

The terms--ho, skank, bitch, girl--are derogatory in of themselves, but have an enormous impact on how women are treated by men. These demeaning, oftentimes sexually-derived designations support this disrespectful treatment, much as taking away someone's identity makes it much easier to hurt and exploit them.

But what of being a gentleman? Of chivalry in this day and age?

When a man gives his umbrella to a woman when it rains, does that imply the woman is weaker? When a man stands on the outside of the sidewalk while they are walking together, does that imply that the woman needs to be protected?

Here we see respect driven by an implied, if often unacknowledged, message of male superiority over women.

But isn't being a gentleman better than being a dick?

What do you think?

Inauguration

2004-10-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

Here in this little corner of cyberspace I start this modest blog. I create. I give life to an idea, however trivial and insignificant it may be.

As Donnie Darko said, "Destruction is a form of creation." I choose not to destroy to create, but create for the sheer wanton joy that is present in giving form to something that once did not exist.

Unfortunately, there are many in the Greek community who would not agree to me. With alcohol comes a lowering of inhibitions, and with the lowering of inhibitions comes destructive tendencies manifested in broken glass, cracked walls, torn-up flowers, and deflowered women.

This community--"community"--is so rife with disorder and hypocrisy that it is sickening. How can one be a part of it and not pay heed to the problems that, while indicative of college in general, are so magnified as to become the hallmark of the Greek system?

This community is one that pays lip service--not only through fellatio--to the ideal of brotherhood and camaraderie. No true brother will cheer on the slow, gradual destruction of a another man's virtue and physical body through substance abuse and moral debauchery.

This community is one that espouses the value of philanthropy but "serves the community" through self-serving events that merely recycle funds: part of the money raised by Alpha Beta at their charity dinner is given as the entry fee to Beta Alpha's basketball tournament, and so on.

This community is one that champions leadership but breeds cronies and men without spirit.

This community is one that has reduced sororities from bastions of chastity (itself a flawed concept) to cheap dens of whores that perpetuate cycles of lowered self-esteem, degraded body image, and sexual assault.

This community is one where fraternities prey on sororities for a quick lay, and one where the concept of "beer for bros and jungle juice for ho's" reigns as the basis for sexual relations.

This community is fixated on looks and popularity, much like high school.

This community is lazy.

This community is filled with vicious gossip and rumors.

Finally, the male portion of this community takes great offense at being labelled as "frats." I contend that nothing we have done so far merits we be honored with the title of "fraternities." A "frat" is characterized by all of the above. What have we as frat boys done to challenge those characterizations? I say that we have gone as far as to embrace much of what is wrong with the system. We cement our identity as frat boys when we cheer on a "brother" for taking advantage of a drunk freshman girl. We cement our identity as frat boys when we haze our pledges. In my humble opinion, we have not earned the right to be called "fraternity men."

However, I fear that I am being too harsh. The Greek system has its strengths, but they are not for me to name. I challenge you to be offended at what I write. I challenge you to find the strengths, but more importantly, stand up to the weaknesses. There is much that is wrong, but life demands we as youth be optimistic. What can we do to change these things we see?

This is why I created this blog. This is my challenge to you.