<p>I don't think anyone blames the Greeks for there being drugs on campus, but to me, it seems like a culture that pushes sex, booze, drugs, and partying. Yes, there are these things outside of frats too, and I intend to stay away from that scene as well.</p>
<p>A lot of the stereotypes hold true. My girlfriend is in a sorority so I get to witness and hear about this stuff.</p>
<p>at what school shizz? and what does she say about it?</p>
<p>Cornell. Joining a frat/sor will dominate your social life in that you will probably only socialize with other Greeks. I lost touch with my friends that joined frats because they get caught up in their own thing, and the only reason I am dating my gf right now is because I met her before she pledged. There is a 0% chance I would've met her afterwards. I won't say anything else because: 1) it would be too inflammatory and I'd get banned; 2) it's best to enter college with an open mind. With regard to #2 it's probably a mistake I opened my mouth anyway but whatever.</p>
<p>I'm currently an interning with a former high school classmate of mine. We have been in college since 2001 and haven't seen each other since then. I always figured he would be frat guy at his large state university. But he said frat life is disgusting, as far as living conditions are concerned. I never joined a frat because I just wouldn't be able to deal with the hassle. I was never a big socializing person anyway, so frats definitely wouldn't be the right thing for me. And the drinking? I don't drink much and I hate dealing with drunk people.</p>
<p>Yes, greek life does dominate your social life if you are a member. I am very busy now between my fraternity, classes, and other groups that I belong to. But I like being busy, having appointments, and always being on the run. Actually being in a fraternity has helped push me to become more active on campus because I had people encouraging and helping me get involved in my school. As far as my old friends, I do see them occasionally but since they almost all joined a fraternity or sorority they are just as busy as well. But I always invite them to parties and hang out with them during the day for lunch or coffee. Overall it is a great experience, but I could see how it could be bad if everyone but yourself joins a house. I go to Cornell as well.</p>
<p>The people who judge the Greeks might want to focus on what is so bad in their life that they have to focus their hate on others. Live and let live, people make choices that work for them, and being a "Greek" can be a great experience. The system isn't perfect, but it is beneficial for friendships, and life experience.</p>
<p>I think many people get angry at Greeks because somehow much of what they earn doesn't seem "legitimate." The whole idea of using connections to get ahead will strike many people as unfair...I would guess that many people who object to fields like banking, etc. would not like the concept of fraternities. </p>
<p>Also, the stereotypical frat kid judges nerds (who populate this forum), just as nerds judge frat kids. Many people in fraternities value different things than people in HS think they value (I say think because, as I've gone to college, I've realized that I engage in much of the frat behavior, though not to the same extent). Also, there is a complex in many of us...guys particularly...where people in fraternities can seem intimidating.</p>
<p>jedipsohn,</p>
<p>I am looking forward to all four of those things, college is supposed to be the time of your life. It’s the last time you get to really let go. I will most definatly join a frat when I rush next year</p>
<p>though I have heard that some frat houses are simply unmanagable and that they are treated terribly like the Fiji house at UT, beer cans thrown into the hallways etc</p>
<p>I’m radically anti-Greek, even by CC standards.</p>
<p>I want no part of some organization that is supposed to somehow give me a group of friends. I certainly want no part of it if the idea is to get me a better job. To paraphrase Sarah Palin (which I rarely do…), it’s part of the “good ol’ boys” culture. I don’t want to be a part of that culture, as I find it incredibly inefficient.</p>
<p>Additionally, I would never join a fraternity because I don’t like being around just guys all the time. Some of my best friends are girls, and while fraternity life probably wouldn’t detract from that, I’d no doubt have at least some social obligations to go on trips or whatever. Being around a bunch of guys just annoys me.</p>
<p>There are fees and expenses. I hate spending a bunch of money.</p>
<p>I’m sure the Greek life works for many people. I don’t really have the intention of steering people away from it. But for me, I think it would be a terrible decision, and I’d probably regret wasting my time and money on being in some group. I place frats on the same level as trade unions: All they really do is take the fees and make it look like they’re helping somehow. I don’t need fake help.</p>
<p>ive heard ( correct me if im wrong) that greek groups are full of stupid jerks that need to feel like they belong. it seems like if you want to find the rowdiest, stupidest jocks on campus go to a frat house. am i right? ( i dont go to college, so i just want to see if my perception is correct)</p>
<p>The undeniable truth about frats/sor is that you are ultimately paying for your friends. anyone who says no or otherwise is a compulsive liar, as you have “dues” to be part of the club. I HATE this kind of superficiality. HATE, I feel like I have to prove myself to a bunch of people who are unbeknownst to me. Absolutely ridiculous.</p>
<p>INDEPENDENT.</p>
<p>It does have its good sides though, but its so attainable elsewhere in life that it really doesn’t matter. I think it should be a girl thing to do, though. Men ought live independently because it’s better.</p>
<p>No, you are not “ultimately paying for your friends”, you have dues to run any organization that hosts activities. And think of it this way, when you and your friends decide to throw an apartment party, you throw down your own money so you can buy all the things you’ll need (alcohol, food, cups, etc.). But instead of getting it together at the last minute, you pay up at the beginning of the semester and finance even more social events. You and your friends put in say $800 then you throw a larger party as well as other parties through the year. Dues don’t pay for friends, dues help run the organization. And usually, you are friends with your pledge class because you went through the same things as a pledge, and the older actives have that connection with you because they did the same thing during their pledge period, its a bond that you develop with the people you hang around with and happen to live with, we are just tied together by bonds many outside wouldn’t understand.</p>
<p>blah blah gdis.</p>
<p>I consider Frats to be a place you can just go crazy and not expect any consequences at least not from the school administration. If I ever join one, I’ll probably join after my freshman year but just for partying.</p>