There is no bond like the bond of brothers. It is a bond made infallible. The word “brothers” connotes the dripping, sweet glue that binds men, young and old, together for life.
Together. For. Life.
Brotherhood has no limit, it has no age. It is an unconditionally bound relationship.
Let this be the eulogy to your days as an only child in this great, big world, dear newly-initiated fraternity boys.
Look, men. Look at the days that have passed. Remember them well, those preliminaries. Remember the beginning, when many of you were taken out to fancy dinners. Remember the delicious free meals and the kind smiles that were flashed at you. Remember the petty conversation that may or may not have reeled you in to your respective house. Remember being a chosen one, how good it must have felt to know you were wanted.
The Sorting Hat had done its bit, and you became another component in the category you apparently fit well. Some of you were jocks, some of you were cowboys, some of you were smart, some of you were stupid, some of you were attractive, some of you spent money in great amounts, some of you wore Polo well, some of you had impressive fluid capacities, some of you were good at getting girls, some of you really knew how to party. You all truly had your uses for your respective houses.
As new initiates, we can look back together on all the things you’ve had to do to make yourself worthy of admission. It has been a brutal trek, but you have made it.
When you were just wee little monkeys (we can’t call you pledges, since it’s illegal, and I rather like the name “monkey” — it has a cute little dehumanizing effect), you were made to do awful things. But those awful things were intelligently and symbolically designed so you would feel brotherhood seeping from your pores as you sweat while doing your duties, such as cleaning up the after-party leftovers in a fraternity bathroom while dressed in a nice suit. You were asked to be humiliated for a noble cause, making right-angle turns and speaking to no one but your pledge brothers for a week. You were deemed house-keeper at any hour of the morning, be it 2 or 5 a.m.
Boys, you were disrespected by the guys you would call your brothers, and you trusted they had dignified intentions; they trashed the house and yelled in your face while you were made to clean it all up. Your older brothers taught you lessons in presentation, forcing you to wear a suit everyday for a week without washing it. You were stripped of your identity, given no choices, brought down to a lowly level. You memorized names and numbers and more names and “star facts” about all the members of your respective houses. You were sleep deprived, abused, belittled, humiliated and asked to love it.
I envy you, though, for all that you gained from the experience. You formed a brotherhood with those experiencing the same struggles you were. You have learned, from deprivation, to appreciate so fully the honor bestowed upon you to be a part of something so much greater than yourself. You are one of them now.
You have truly accomplished something in life. You can now proudly display those prized Greek letters. You have been given a number — and it represents you! You are now four digits that say one thing: “I made it, I’m somebody!” And you are. You are somebody.
You’ve come so far. Your traits have blossomed. In fact, you might have added some you didn’t have in the first place.
Many of you have truly been changed. And it’s only the beginning.
Maybe, if you didn’t once sport Polo and Sperrys, you do now. Maybe, if you didn’t have long, side-swept hair under a backwards cap, you do now. Maybe, if you didn’t wear cowboy boots originally, you do now. Maybe, if you didn’t dip before, you do now. Maybe if you couldn’t do the frat snap, you can now. Maybe, if khaki wasn’t your color, it is now. Maybe, if getting chicks in bed wasn’t on your agenda before, it is now. Maybe, if you didn’t drink then, you do now. Maybe, if you cared more about school work than Greek letters, you don’t now.
Maybe, if you were different from everyone else, you’re not now.
Congratulations, guys, you’re a whole lot like everybody else!
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rosa 2 years, 3 months ago
Well done.
FratBrah405 2 years, 3 months ago
KAPPA SIG FOR LIFE!!!!!We're BACK!!!!
William 2 years, 3 months ago
"From the outside you don't understand it and from the inside you can't explain it."
Your submission to mob mentality is impressive. You sir, are a true patriot.
Heh.
pitt7132 2 years, 3 months ago
I agree with the post above, and encourage you to write a follow up article about the good things that stem from having fraternities on a campus like OU's.
brookesmom 2 years, 3 months ago
You go girl! All these "greeks" need to relax. It's an OPINION colomn. O P I N I O N.
Cambrian 2 years, 3 months ago
Great column! I'm glad the Daily fired those hacks from last year (or they graduated) who only talked about abortion and creationism, because this is so much more fun to read. I agree with the author, don't buy your friends and put down that popped collar, because you look like an idiot. Now there needs to be a column bashing sorority girls for wearing Ugg boots with those stupid Nike shorts.
fratastic13 2 years, 3 months ago
It sure is nice to see we have another narrow minded journalist working in our paper. Not only does the OU Daily report single sided stories like this, but it is great to see it march to the beat of this liberal one sided media we see in America today. My guess about you Ms. Myers is that you aren't part of the Greek system? For give me if i am wrong, but if you are in the Greek system then its hard to see your credibility on this subject. I bet if you were in a house, you would see the system in a completely different manner. You would see that not every fraternity and sorority boy and girl drinks or even parties. Many of these fraternities are nationally recognized and for the benefits they bring to this campus and to the community. About only 2 presidents, since the dawn of the Greek system in 1825, were not in fraternities. Also members of Fraternities and Sororities donate over 10 million volunteer hours each year, that is most among anyone in the nation. So maybe next time before you wanna bash the Greek system here at Oklahoma, you better do more research before you print misguided information.
jb17 2 years, 3 months ago
It's not so much "offended" as "frustrated". This is the same ol' song and dance every non-Greek writes about Greek life. It's stereotypes like this that perpetuate movies like "Beta House" and "College", which I'm sure suck but I haven't seen them. (That was essentially your anti-fraternity argument, by the way).
Go to a fraternity party, and I guarantee you would be treated with the utmost respect. Heck, you'd probably make a friend or two. Most people in the Greek system aren't an arrogant product of a conformist machine, but genuinely nice, personable people with the ability to make friends. And to say it's our goal to get chicks in bed is rather shortsighted, don't you think? First, that's not everyone's goal, and second, I bet a GDI wants some chicks in his bed too. Just a thought.
You also discuss our clothing style. What's so wrong with looking good? The typical "frat" look is classy, and is something adults wear. We're in college; it's not some lame dress-up game, it's a maturation from the days of shell necklaces and frayed cargo shorts in high school. Personally, I'd rather not look like an extra from Jersey Shore.
I will say this, though: you are a gifted writer. You're good at humor, and you know how to properly use tricky devices such as repetition without just sounding ridiculous. Your perspective as an outsider, though, led to the same inaccuracies by which anti-Greek sentiment has always been fueled.
audwaddd 2 years, 3 months ago
WOW! I'm impressed. Amazing writing...and you are really daring with this.
Kudos!
leimapapa 2 years, 3 months ago
"the dripping, sweet glue"? What a perv.
scpeyton 2 years, 3 months ago
Please research your subject better next time. Not every fraternity is like what you described. I hope you can understand that.
tayl4008 2 years, 3 months ago
Good satirical column. However completely off base. All you have done is perpetuated the fraternity stereotype that may exist in only a small group of people. These generalizations are not across the board and you have poorly represented the Greek system for the incredible thing that it is.
25 percent of the OU campus is greek. It is an organization that prides itself on philanthropy and lifelong friendship. The greek system does more community service hours than any other campus organization, and has a higher overall GPA than any other campus organization. The bonds that are created are truly eternal and closer than anything an outsider could ever understand.
From the outside you don't understand it and from the inside you can't explain it.
Sure there is a kernel of truth to the stereotypes you mentioned, and those guys do exist. But it is offensive when you include everyone into a characterization where not everyone belongs.
kcreasey 2 years, 3 months ago
Cool story, bro. (a.k.a. (sarcasm) Nice satire there.)
TheJR 2 years, 3 months ago
Because every fraternity is like that, right? Ha.
This article is a joke, full of generalizations that (probably, I couldn't say for sure) don't even apply to half of the fraternities on campus. Wait, do you see what I did there? I didn't know for sure that it applied to every fraternity, so I didn't say it did! How about that.
I just have to laugh at someone who attempts to degrade fraternity life despite never having gone through the process.
rikkitimbo 2 years, 3 months ago
The OU Daily - contributing bad articles to the world of journalism one day at a time.
Not only is this not the case with every fraternity, it's wrong to think even one fraternity is like this. A couple of members who exude certain characteristics or dress a certain way do not define the rest.
EsSmith 2 years, 3 months ago
Brooke, This is the kind of column which could only come from someone who is not a part of a fraternity. You were correct, even if sarcastically, about your definition of brotherhood and its extents. But you are wrong about almost everything else. As a proud member of Beta Theta Pi, I can tell you that people are not asked to join because they wear Polo. We recruit intelligent, motivated, and generally trustworthy young men. And when they're initiated, they lose none of what makes them a good person, including their individuality. Maybe as someone who has no idea what she's talking about, fraternity life may seem silly. I don't know what you're involved in, but there's a chance I would judge you for what you do if I didn't have any experience in that category. I could, for example, insult you for joining a newspaper. But I won't, because odds are that you have a lot of pride in what you do. Likewise. There's no conformity. There's no passing out of "frat gear" to be worn in place of current wardrobes. People are not forced to take up drinking. They're also not forced to get "chicks in bed." I can personally vouch for my fraternity, and I know it holds true throughout the others as well, but there are people who are both sober and abstinent, and respected for it. There is, however, a bonding between a pledge class that will hold strong likely for the rest of their lives.
Also, greek men and women have higher gpa's than non-greek, on average do more community service, and are more involved on campus. Sounds like a pretty good conformity if you ask me.
abcd 2 years, 3 months ago
The fact that the OU Daily would publish an article, opinion or not, that stereotypes and degrades an entire group of OU students is astounding. We have taken it to a new level when it is okay to use unfounded, biased opinion to describe a large portion of our student body.
Is the next daily article going to be titled "Engineers: Awkward Nerds Who Have No Social Life"? As an engineering student I would take offense to that piece as well. I thought the Daily had standards like evidence and research, but I guess that isn't required when you want to print libel.
Thanks OU Daily. You've reached a new low.
troutman 2 years, 3 months ago
Ladies and gentlemen, I'll be brief. The issue here is not whether we broke a few rules, or took a few liberties with our female party guests - we did. But you can't hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole fraternity system? And if the whole fraternity system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our educational institutions in general? I put it to you, Brooke - isn't this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America. Gentlemen!
TheAntiTrevorClark 2 years, 3 months ago
I love this article. Sarcasm is employed beautifully. I don't care if it doesn't accurately portray Greek life; it's just fun to read. Plus, it does bring up the real issue of glorifying the 'brotherhood' of fraternities to a point way beyond reality.
Also, the 'OUDaily' account that posted the comment on here doesn't seem official. And it's just wrong. I've lived in Oklahoma all my life, am male, and that does NOT describe me. Cowboy boots and Polos. PSHAW, good sir. Pshaw.
mom 2 years, 3 months ago
There is a place for everyone at OU. Opportunities abound. Greek life is just one of those choices. Find your place on campus and make it greater than it was before your arrival, but please don't be disrespectful to those that choose another path.
It is a foolish notion to believe that all frat brothers, or for that matter sorority sisters, are cut from the same cloth or are molded to be duplicates of one another.
The OU campus provides an array of activities, events, and organizations. You can choose to focus on the positive side or the negative side of any of them.
Give your fellow students, even those that are members of Greek life, a chance. They just might surprise you!
TheJR 2 years, 3 months ago
I truly don't mean this as a personal attack in any regard, but all four of your published articles could be regarded as having been published just for the sake of controversy. I understand that it's an opinion column, but really, what is the point of writing this?
ChipotleGod 2 years, 3 months ago
While this is an opinion piece, I have to say this might be one of the most small-minded, uninformed, completely stereotypical opinions I've ever heard. The last time I heard I believe there is something morally wrong with making and broadcasting broad generalizations and assumptions about a group of people. What's next week's article? Jesus Freaks that go to church? Why not just go above and beyond and start doing weekly racial stereotype pieces? I'm sure people would love to read that. The fact of the matter is good reporting and writing, even opinion pieces, requires solid research and investigation. Although many of the things you said do occur with some members of a fraternity, it is completely wrong and unfair to paint these images for other students who may not be involved in the greek system or might be interested in becoming apart of it. I can vouch for my fraternity and say that we boast several members who didn't drink before they joined and still don't, have strong moral christian values, and aren't just looking to get chicks in bed. As far as from an academic standpoint, I'm pretty sure if you spoke to a member in any fraternity they would all explain to you that their organizations set extremely high academic standards and push there members to make school a priority. Unfortunately I always choose to be courteous and respectful of all people I meet without judging them for anything else than who they are, so I guess I'm just really having a hard time understanding where you're coming from.
Maybe if I once had a 2.9 GPA before I signed, I now have a cumulative 3.5 after required study hours and tutoring within the house. Maybe if I was completely uninvolved in my community, I now contributed at least 15 hours of community service last semester because my fraternity makes it a requirement for membership. Maybe I used to have a few friends that I could rely on, and now I know over 75 guys that would be there for me no matter what I needed. Maybe I used to dress like I was in high school and now I simply opt for a cleaner, more adult look.
I don't care if you're just trying to generate buzz for your newspaper, make something that's entertaining to read, or even if getting all of these comments just makes your day complete. I truly feel sorry for you because you are so terribly narrow-minded and will most likely miss out on what life has to offer because you live in such a negative light.
BillBrasky 2 years, 3 months ago
Great job using every stereotype of fraternities in the book. I didn't know it was a bad thing to dress more nicely once you got to college. I'll go home and dig up everything I wore in high school, because that's they way it needs to stay, right? I mean, changing once you get to college is terrible. Thanks for the tip on hazing too. I instantly regret all the memories I have of bonding with my brothers and earning brotherhood. And all those petty talks? Knowing I got a bid only because I could talk about the weather, sports and "getting chicks in bed," not other things like my spiritual life or any other common interests I had with members of the house I was rushing. I used to think everything I had learned in my fraternity such as how to carry myself professionally, how to do things to their maximum potential, and how to treat women with respect, was useful. But now, because of you, I realize the error of my ways. I'm glad a freshman could open up my eyes to my vain and pointless existence. If I had it to do all over again, I'd have just stayed in the dorms.
tulsa264 2 years, 3 months ago
brooke, so although you now wear chacos, like starbucks, and enjoy mountain climbing all because of your boyfriend, its not "cool" for me to conform?
how about you research a little bit more of what you are writing about before you write the article. it makes you seem slightly more educated than, say, a "monkey"
fratlyfe69 2 years, 3 months ago
ZAX!!!!!!!
amoresperros 2 years, 3 months ago
Haha, omg this column is so true! Frat guys are stupid!
Next you should write an article about how all African Americans dress the same, listen to the same music, and all speak improper English! That would be just as funny as this one! Maybe the author needs to go back to middle school, isn't that when everyone else learned about stereotyping?
There are dumb fraternity and sorority members, and there are dumb people who choose not to do it. Not surprising considering that 99% of the human race is, as Rahm Emanuel might say, "f***ing retarded."
whatsherface 2 years, 3 months ago
This is a fine column, Brooke. While I do sense a tad bit of bitterness, I think it takes guts to write a column like this and have it published--especially when you know you'll get a lot of heat about it. In the end, someone is always going to be offended but I don't think those who are greek should take this too seriously. It IS satire, it's not meant to be completely serious. Yes, it uses exaggerated generalizations but that's the point...as "somebody" said above. Sometimes you just have to laugh it off.
r_nicole 2 years, 3 months ago
I posted this link onto my facebook status with this... Why is it that those that aren't Greek dislike those that are??? I guess its true, "From the outside looking in you could never understand it...From the inside looking out you could never explain it." She must not have heard that before...
And these are the comments I received...
Comment - i just read that and i dont even know what to say- what a bitch...
Comment - Pretty dumb
Comment - We live with someone who's completely anti Greek.. It's annoying because it's pointless to complain and bash about it!
Comment - I was shocked whenever I read that aricle
Comment - hahaha!! I wonder what house cut this girl during rush?? such a hater
Comment - I disagree with her on some things, however, it is the paper she has the write to express her opinion on her perspective of frats.
Comment - It sounds like she got her research from TV shows like Greek or movies like Animal House. Very stereotypical article from a person not being Greek. She should definitely write for the Onion because sarcasm seems to be her thing, but not accuracy and fact finding. Unfortunately, I hate to say that so many people have the same view she does.
savannahrose 2 years, 3 months ago
You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. You are so closed minded about others in your community. You are a great example of why this world is having so many problems. Don't JUDGE. I know that I and others of my greek counterparts would accept you for who you are. Maybe you should do the same.
BAHAHAHA 2 years, 3 months ago
O man this article was great. I am not biased when it comes to Greek life, but the fact that these frat boys our even offended by this article proves that they are in fact complete douche bags. They need to pull there heads out of their BIG's ass, wipe the crap out of their eyes, and take a look around.
BAHAHAHA 2 years, 3 months ago
O man this article was great. I am not biased when it comes to Greek life, but the fact that these frat boys our even offended by this article proves that they are in fact complete douche bags. They need to pull there heads out of their BIG's ass, wipe the out of their eyes, and take a look around.
Adeshurley 2 years, 3 months ago
Wow what a great, informative piece. Before I read this, I had mindlessly entered the Greek system thinking I would make friends and network- wooooah was I wrong. Even though in the last semester I maintained a 4.0, participated in various activities, volunteered my butt off and made great friends...I guess I was all wrong. The Greek system is evil! Damn those who have money! (even though I am Greek and own nothing polo and am at OU on scolarship) damn those frat boys! (even though some of them are my best friends) and damn those parties! I mean, really who wants to go relax after a long week of working my ass of to maintain the high set standards my sorority sets?? Who wants to go meet new people and have pleasant conversation?? Who wants to have several guys insist to walk her home after a party because it's late and they're gentlemen?? I mean, I thought I had made many great friends and had spent hours volunteering and raising money for great causes, but I guess I had turned into a mindless robot and didn't know it. I'm glad she wrote this. Sounds like she used really accurate references like Animal House.
will0511 2 years, 3 months ago
Brooke,
Perhaps you should have exercised some actual journalism skills instead of citing stereotypes often seen in movies like "Animal House" or any of the many National Lampoon movies. Your entire article is sweeping generalizations about fraternity life. I would not expect you to fully understand fraternity life because you don't have the first requirement of membership...being a man. However, I would ask that next time you go on a rant about the negatives of fraternities you would please do a little investigative reporting to see exactly what the fraternities at OU represent. Instead of popping in "Beta House."
I do not have time to point out the many outrageous, false and sometimes even ignorant generalizations, so I will just discuss a few. Firstly, you discuss the process of recruitment. Fraternities (at least the ones I have seen) do not rush a man based on "his liquid capacity", what he wears, his economic background or his attractiveness (that is kind of weird). What most houses look for is the "well rounded guy." One that excels in academics, or at least has the ability to do so. One that is confident, is active in community service, well spoken and desires to contribute to the fraternity and university as a whole. Fraternities also look for potential members with the same values as the existing brothers. The fraternity goal is to assemble men of like morals, goals and values to create a body of men for brotherhood and success.
Secondly, you mention various forms of hazing that may or may not exist on this campus. If they do I would say that they are not the norm and that it is done in jest rather than disgust. It is true that pledges are required to prove themselves during pledgeship. We need to see that they are dedicated to the fraternity and will to do what it takes to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Most pledges are required to attend study hours, philanthropies, university activities and various other things. However, this is not uncommon in the real world. In the military there is something called boot camp in which cadets must prove their determination to be a part of a platoon, a brotherhood. When a medical student is doing his residency at a hospital he is required to work extremely long hours and do jobs that are less than pleasant and that no senior doctor would do. This is also very common in the business world. So in that aspect the various requirements are just preparing them for real life experiences.
Wish I could say more but im running out of characters, so just remember so do some investigating before you insult a large portion of the university.
Raven 2 years, 3 months ago
Does this mean that she hates the Boy Scouts too?
somebody 2 years, 3 months ago
Oh this is quite hysterical. Little radical frat boys who can't take satire. First, I would like to congratulate you Brooke. You did your job (people are reading your article and talking about it all over campus), you poked fun at the Greek system (which is something many won't do because of fear), you registered the most comments I have ever seen on this site, and you made me laugh.
Maybe these fraternity boys will stop taking an OPINION article so serious. Boys, check out any piece of satire article and you will see writers exaggerate the stereotypes, that's the point. Also, you must admit, most of her generalizations, although they don't represent everyone (like every generalization) are pretty spot on.
And people, quit taking everything so serious. I know your feelings are hurt and you want to stick up for your "brotherhood" but lay off. I think your Polo hats might be a little too tight.
haveagooddayandboomersooner 2 years, 3 months ago
Ugg boots: $180 Polo:$75 Nike shorts: $30 Ultimately knowing you will be working for me one day: Priceless
7thardw 2 years, 3 months ago
This link should clear up any misconceptions any one may feel victim too.
http://www.videosift.com/video/Brohemian-Rhapsody-Frat-life-musical
Fraternally yours,
Turner Moore Hardwick
BabyArm 2 years, 3 months ago
That was really neat, Brooke. It’s so reassuring that we have such independent, daring co-eds like yourself in this world to pull the wool off everyone’s eyes and reveal the dark secrets that make up a fraternity. Man alive, it’s so mysterious! Way to stick your neck out there and call it like it is, or, like you perceive it to be through questionable happenstance of what you might’ve thought to be a “monkey” doing something during “monkey-ship”. Don’t worry, there’s no chance in hell it was just a couple of 18-year old freshmen acting like idiots for the sake of their own hilarity- THAT’S LUDICROUS!
We honestly have too few of you cutthroat, campus publication “bottom-feeders” (I can’t call you a columnist, since it’s a wild overstatement, and I rather like the name “bottom-feeder” — it has that cute little belittling effect) that can’t seem to live their own lives and feel so much better when they can, not only live vicariously through the more rewarding experiences of others, but continuously attempt to berate the affairs of other groups of people and actually think that if, and when, people do read it they will actually give a sh*t! (Sorry, that was a run-on, but I’m sure you already knew that…)
Keep trying though Brooke, I hope that one day you’ll learn how to write about something marginally important that some reader could actually benefit from. I doubt it, but in the mean time, get a life.
ohreallyman 2 years, 3 months ago
What if all that happened/we learned was that we are indeed better than and superior to people like you?
TLM11 2 years, 3 months ago
I remember when making blind generalizations about a sect of people was cool...it was called the 1800's.
Brooke, I don't know you personally, but you went to my high school. I have tried to figure out your thinking behind the writing of this article, but I couldn't. I understand it's your opinion, but some opinions should not be shared...let alone published in a newspaper (I blame your editor).
Yes, I'm in a fraternity, and I wear Polo and Sperrys. I don't dip, frat snap, or wear backwards hats. Getting chicks in my bed has always been on my agenda. All of these things have been the same since high school. But that's not the point...
Everyone conforms. You conform. You weren't born with makeup on, but you wear it. Why? To make your appearance appeal to others? Sounds like conforming to me. I bet you watch tv as well. Such a conformist. And let me guess...you liked Chacos BEFORE they were "in"...right? Conformist.
You offended a lot of good people. And for what reason? To let others know that you are a GDI and that you aren't a fan of fraternity life? What does that accomplish? Maybe you wrote it to get your name out there, but I hope not. I, personally, now think of you as a writer that writes with no backing, no facts, no proof of anything other than word of mouth. Just blind stereotypes. So basically you write at a level of an angry pre-teen.
Maybe for your next ingenious article you can "bitch and complain" about how you think tuna is gross, because hell, it's your opinion.
ryanallen 2 years, 3 months ago
I just spent the last hour reading your article and everyone else’s comments. To the few who side with Brooke: I don’t think you really understand why fraternity men are so annoyed by this. We're all pissed because she has taken lame stereotypes and placed them on all Greek fraternities. Yes, there are those certain members who get to college and go nuts at parties, give into peer pressure, change their whole lifestyles just to be "accepted" by their peers. However, making this a full generalization on every fraternity is disgusting! I don’t sit here and bash you. In return, I expect the same respect. I could care less if this is an opinion because your opinion needs help! As a devoted member of Alpha Tau Omega I’m insulted and disgusted by you. I know what I went through with pledgeship, excuse me...."monkey-ship", and you dont. Despite what you think, hazing doesnt really occur like you think it does! If I wouldnt have gone through that experience I wouldnt know my brothers as well and wouldnt have the bond that I do. Pledgeship is not all about the hazing. It’s about getting to prove that you love your brothers and are devoted to your house. I strongly suggest you re-think your opinion. If you really do want to know the TRUTH, find me or any other fraternity guy, and we can show you what the truth is about fraternity guys. There’s no doubt in my mind that every fraternity on campus has quality guys; and who would know better than all the guys who have been through rush?
I don’t want to insult your writing; that isn't the problem. It's the fact that you have published false statements about all fraternities at OU that now others will read and begin to have the same stereotypes. Because of this, you have degraded one of the best sources of community services, academic achievements, and prestige that OU has. Just thought you should be aware of your failings and disrespect you have shown to your school.
bulm8944 2 years, 3 months ago
Thats the kind of thinking that turns people off to greek life, Mr Oh Really Man. "Superior to people like you" is the kind of comment that suggests some sort of delusional grandeur you are experiencing because of the people influencing your life. You really think you are better than everyone else because you are in a frat? I was unaware that the fraternities here possessed knowledge of such magnitude that the members are uniquely superior to the rest of us sheep.
Not all fraties are snobby, but a lot of you guys are and you know it. I know several people who have left that scene because they became sick of the lifestyle and the people involved with it.
But hey, to each his own. If people want to do it, by all means go for it. But dont act like you are better than other people, because you arent. Don't be obnoxious. Regardless of what you think, its annoying and it makes you look bad. Amid all of the things taught to you guys, there isnt anything in there about being good to you fellow man? And again, I dont think they all are bad, or that everyone in a specific house is bad. But everyone knows there are plenty of bad apples.
Cant everyone just be nice to each other, greek or not? This whole thing seems immature and ridiculous. Its like a continuation of jr. high and high school. I keep thinking these ideas will diminish one day, but its seems that they wont.
bighair 2 years, 3 months ago
Wow. I didn't even get on here to read your article cause I already did, I came here to read people's comments on your article after reading Daniel Jones's reply in the paper.
Let's be honest here. Frat guys wear the polos, they wear the Sperry's, sorority girls wear the Nike shorts and the Uggs, and oh my God I was so happy when the winter came around I thought to myself I wouldn't have to see Nike shorts at least for a couple of months. No. They still wear them but now with tights. .and yes. . Ugg boots.
But I have frat guy friends. (Not too many sorority girl friends) And they're great. I think it's more of what people take out of this article. What I took is what I always knew, and a few laughs as well. It's the idea of frats. I swear after I get out of my 6:30 class on wednesdays I always see this group of frat guys walking by, all wearing khaki pants, sperry's, and polos with navy blazers. All making sure their voices are heard on the other side of campus, and all talking about what happened at the LAST party. The idea that for a guy to be in a brotherhood he has to wear a certain thing, become a binge alcohol consumer, and talk in really loud annoying voices and always has to be an ass is pretty pathetic.
I never wanted to be in a sorority. I never wanted to be a cheerleader. To be completely honest, I didn't even know what people REALLY are like in frats or sororities until I came to OU. LET'S BE HONEST, even you sorority girls and fraternity guys that are sitting here trying to act all proud of your greek system and what not, trying to be somewhat of a badass, most of you, are the same. I mean, you guys probably have the same view on hipsters, or on athletes. It is what it is. You can't deny it. No matter how hard you try, no matter how long your going to sit behind your computers and try to type up some bull sh*t to make Brooke sound like a dumbass, her article was awesome, and most of what she said. . .is true. Sorry to break it to ya.
kobe1925 2 years, 3 months ago
everyone should just remember that this article is under the opinion column. it's an opinion- it isn't a fact, so chill. i read a comment that said "this is your opinion and it shouldn't be posted" hahaha what a joke. look im also greek and brooke does make some generalizations but you cannot say that hazing is only in movies.i really think that the reason why you guys are all ticked of is that some of her observations have some degree of truth behind it. and all these personal attacks, are they really necessary? try to refute her arguments and not look like a prick and attack her. who cares if she wears chacos and wears makeup, you're gonna call her a 'bitch'? really. common bro, you need to rep us better than that. i know Jenks is a good high school so try to argue better than that. And for the cat who said that brooke has "degraded one of the best sources of community services, academic achievements, and prestige that OU has" you need to relax. im sure your frat has had accomplished major feats over the last few years and that will speak for itself. however, the greek kids who are calling brooke names and stuff are only proving her point. guess who got the last laugh? she did. hey brooke i commend you for having the guts to post this but i do agree that some of the statements are pretty general. dont let a few angry greek kids prevent you from writing your "opinion".
fratboysrule 2 years, 3 months ago
You made your choice not to pledge a sorority. Why wasn't that enough for you? Why did you have to attack others who had made a different choice? Obviously, you had hoped that those who did join, would hate it. And when they didn't, when they actually loved being a part of a fraternity, you spent hours in your room sulking, wishing you could diminish them, make them regret their choice. What jealousy! What arrogance! And so, you penned a letter to make them smaller. To make them pay! Just like the jealous high school brat who can't or won't be a cheerleader, you want to make those who walked a different path pay for being different from you. Your irritation is that all these fraternity boys are the same. And by definition, they aren't the same, because you have chosen NOT to join, and so they are different. It is obvious that you don't mind that people would be the same... as long as they are the same as YOU. And now, I come to their defense. I made my choice too. I didn't pledge a fraternity. But I respect the right of others to do so without being attacked for their choice. Can't you find someone more deserving of your criticism, more original? Should we criticize you for your choice to go into Journalism? Maybe everyone should be an Engineer... or go into Business. No, I see now that EVERYONE must become a Journalist... just like you. Get over yourself.
fortherecord 2 years, 3 months ago
HEY FRAT IDIOTS LISTEN UP:
YOU GUYS THAT ARE SAYING THAT BROOKE DOESN’T KNOW WHATS GOING ON AND THAT SHE’S MAKING UP A BUNCH OF GENERALIZATIONS THAT ONLY SHE BELIEVES, ARE A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES. WHICH ONE OF YOU HYPOCRITES EVER ASKED HER WHERE SHE GOT HER INFORMATION FROM? WELL GUESS WHAT, SHE INTERVIEWED FRAT GUYS! YEAH YOU TOOLS, SHE TALKED TO PEOPLE THAT WENT THROUGH RUSH AND THEY TOLD HER EVERYTHING SHE WROTE ABOUT. SHE TALKED TO FRESHMEN THAT ROOM WITH FRAT PEOPLE WHO WERE ONCE THEIR CLOSE FRIEND BUT WHO THEY NEVER SEE NOW BECAUSE THEY ARE HANGING OUT WITH THEIR REAL “brothers”.
YOU GUYS ACT LIKE NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD OF THESE GENERALIZATIONS. EVERYONE THAT’S NOT IN A FRAT THINKS THESE THINGS ABOUT YOU GUYS. WHY? BECAUSE YOU GUYS HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO BUILD SUCH BAD REPUTATIONS. EVERYONE (EVEN YOU) KNOW THAT MOST OF YOU ONLY CARE ABOUT HOOKING UP WITH GIRLS, PARTYING, AND LOOKING COOL. YOU DON’T THINK SO? WHAT DO YOU DO ON THE WEEKENDS? YOU PARTY. IF YOU GUYS DON’T THINK YOU ARE TOOLS, JUST LISTEN TO THE SPEECH THAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTHS AND OUT OF YOUR “frat brothers’” MOUTHS.
WHO CARES ABOUT THE CHARITY THAT YOU DO. YOU ONLY DO IT SO THAT YOU CAN BRAG ABOUT IT LATER OR BECAUSE YOU HAD TO BECAUSE YOUR FRAT MADE YOU, OTHERWISE YOU WOULDN’T HAVE DONE IT. HOW MUCH HAVE YOU DONE ON YOUR OWN? AND STOP TALKING ABOUT YOUR GPA, I WOULD HAVE A BETTER GPA TOO IF I HAD ALL THE PREVIOUS TESTS THAT MY FRAT BROTHERS HAVE EVER TAKEN.
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU DO SOMETIMES, IT MATTERS WHAT YOU ARE KNOWN FOR.
MOST OF YOU ALL DEGRADE WOMEN.
YOU GUYS MAKE ME SICK. STOP BEING HYPOCRITCAL.