<p>Good lord, after the rooms I've had at my fraternity I couldn't imagine living in one of those sardine cans they call the dorms. And I did it twice. Cal really needs to do even MORE to improve the dorm situation. Building up new, nice dorms is just fine, but the old dorms are still the pits imho.*</p>
<p>*Pits in terms of the amount of space and privacy you can have. Clark Kerr is not so bad, if just because the rooms are larger.</p>
<p>Yeah...Bowles doesn't cut it whatsoever.</p>
<p>But back on topic...the Greek System is awesome.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, but the greek system is elitist. You don't pay dues in order to make your fratority run. Real sisterhood does not involve ranking sisters and giving them points for their qualities. While I don't know much about fraternities, I can certainly speak for how superficial elitist sororities are. But the fact that the greek system excludes certain people translates to social discrimination, and inequality.</p>
<p>And those that talk about how AWESOME your pledge process is, it's NOT AWESOME to have to stand in a spot for 24 hours in the cold (UVA does this to some frat), and have a brother tell you that you're part of them because you could overcome some stupid thing that you'll never do again - assuming you're in.</p>
<p>Anyone have any additional information, or any updated from this semester (maybe party-wise?)?</p>
<p>Jesus Christ Tenniscraze, get off your horse. The Greek System is not for everyone, but it definitely helps a lot of people. If its not for you, its not for you. Your preaching and attempts to evangelize against and besmirch the system are only making you look like a complete jackass.</p>
<p>Is it better to join a big or small frat? I know bigger frats would have the parties that freshmen usually go to, but I'd think that for a smaller one (<20), it would be a tight, close knit community where everyone gets to know each other well.</p>
<p>We all practice social discrimination. You, me, and everyone else on Earth practices social discrimination by choosing who I hang out with. Some people won't fit in in a fraternity...why should that person be allowed in? Social discrimination is necessary, and we all do it.</p>
<p>They work just like any club or organization. it's just that each group has its own requirements for getting in. I think you misinterpreted the civil rights movement.
firax, you can still be pretty tight if the frat is even bigger than 20 (even 40). i think how close the brothers are depends on each frat (not necessarily their size).</p>
<p>So, you're saying it's okay to socially discriminate just because according to you, everyone practices it?</p>
<p>Yes, social discrimination is fine. People shouldn't have to socialize with other people if they don't want to. If someone isnt right for my organization, they shouldnt be allowed in.</p>
<p>What a shallow statement. This is the way further segregation is created, through organizations like greek ones who exclusively admit people they like. Greeks are not about diversity. They're about dues, buying friends and having fun in their own, exclusive circle. While the experience itself can be good, it creates an aura of elitism which is filtered into the university community. People shouldn't have to socialize with other people if they don't want to, but they certaintly shouldn't be excluded.</p>
<p>like I've already said - based on the way you talk about the greeks, it would be wrong to have any type of group or club since it would just exclude people who don't have the same interests (that's like saying BCR is excluding democrats). you're making mass generalizations about fraternities and sororities based on what you've seen in movies. and what do you mean by, "they're about dues, buying friends and having fun in their own, exclusive circle." people that aren't greeks can be friends with greeks. it's not like once you join house you cut off all communication with the rest of the university. if you don't go greek, you still will most likely have a close group of friends that you hang out with most weekends. does this mean that this group is exclusive?</p>
<p>The buying your friends argument is quite old and really holds no water. Do you even know where dues go? They go towards house maintenance, scholarships, funding philanthropy events, rent, nationals, and trips in addition to parties. I don't see how this is any different than other clubs on campus that do the similar things. Also, a lot of houses will waive dues if a bro legitimately cannot afford them. </p>
<p>The Greek community isn't for everyone and there are aspects of it that warrant some criticism but "buying your friends" certainly isn't one of them.</p>
<p>greek isnt for everyone definitely but that list of 'ranking frats and sororities' is ridiculous
personally, being in the greek system has benefits that are greater than pledge and all that other crap i have to deal with
regarding the first page about sigma chi, fiji, and all that crap
its all bs
maybe some guys are more standoffish than others but sigma chi is definitely not a dumb frat. i know a few guys in there and they have the 4th highest gpa in ifc at like a 3.3 or something pretty high.
please, just dont criticize if you have not experienced it.</p>
<p>The greek system, like many other things are subjects of sterotyping. It is far easier to go with a preconceived perception then to view the group with an open mind. Learning is always hard, because to learn, you have to realize your previous thoughts were wrong. </p>
<p>There is good and bad with every situation and good and bad people. That's just the way it is. As others have posted it's not for everyone, but if someone is interested they should check it out. That is sound advice. The blanket attacks come over the same way someone talks with mean spirits towards different races or economic situations. </p>
<p>I'm sure the poster might find a nasty frat/soro person once and awhile. However, are you certain the membership in the frat/soro caused that personality? Isn't possible that person was jerk long before joining anything from a frat to Campus Crusade for Christ? </p>
<p>I used to have grave reservations about my kids joining a frat/soro but I looked into it, talked and observed and in their cases, not a bad group of people to associate with. Sure they party, but they also help with reading programs in local elementary's, built two HH homes around the campus, rasied money for people in need and worked the area special olympic events. So I guess if you ONLY knew them in one view you might be wrong about them. </p>
<p>Does it make you a bad person to enjoy Beer and social work? </p>
<p>Going greek is a personal decision that should be made only after close examination and honest conversation. It may not be for everyone, but many things fit that description.</p>
<p>Opie: Hey, going Greek was one of the best decisions I ever made. If I hadn't, I would likely have transfered to an inferior school or dropped out and either be playing in the sand in Iraq or flipping burgers at this point. (Not literally on the latter, but likely in some really dead end job I would have hated.) </p>
<p>Before I joined, I had literally hit rock bottom. I was depressed, I had transfer apps out, even though I was seriously considering just dropping out. I came to my house and I didn't buy my friends like TennisCraze seems to claim all Greeks do. I earned their respect through my efforts, kindness, friendship and contributions to my house. It gave me the courage to go abroad, it has helped me become involved in the local faith community, and do social and charity work. And to say that Fraternities discriminate, sure, but for most, the basic criteria is not too difficult, it's just finding a group of guys (I can't speak for sororities) -- that you fit in well with. As long as you aren't a total jackass who loves to cause drama or creep people out (Trust me! There are tons of creepers at Cal) you'll pretty much find a house you can fit in at and make some of the best friends you'll have in your life.</p>
<p>I'm not in the Greek system, but I have some friends in frats. I'll say this much. Sometimes frat guys try too hard to seem "cool" when in reality we know they are smart and were probably nerds when they were younger. All in all though, most frat guys are pretty chill. Personally, I'm not a fan of the race-oriented ones. I dislike how certain people at Berkeley only hang out with their own race. </p>
<p>I totally agree with Andrew about tons of "creepers" at Berkeley. Literally stalkers. It's scary how many I've met.</p>
<p>
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I totally agree with Andrew about tons of "creepers" at Berkeley. Literally stalkers. It's scary how many I've met.
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</p>
<p>They're probably GDIs.</p>
<p>Please, everybody resist. We know what was meant.</p>