Quote:
Originally posted by LatinaAlumna
My question is this: How do women feel about being referred to as a fraternity man's "little sister"? Are you not his equal? I understand the concept of having "big sister/little sister" within a sorority, because usually this involves a mentoring-type relationship. I guess I'm just trying to understand how it works between fraternities and sororities.
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As far as I know, here at Larry U. we don't have Sweethearts. I wish we did. I think it sounds sweet. As for the little sisters program, I think that was the point made when it was outlawed. In a lot of cases, the little sisters were more or less a combined fraternity harem and maid service. If a woman wants a fraternal experience, she can join a fraternity/sorority.
My best friend on campus is a Phi Kappa Tau. He's also younger than I am. I call him my big brother. Why? He looks out for me. He has done so since we were kids. He gives me guy advice. He's also more than a foot taller than I, but that doesn't have so much to do with it. But the interesting thing is that he calls me his big sister. Why? I look out for him. If he's trying to pull something, I call him on it. I proofread his papers. I give him girl advice. We tell each other everything and we take care of each other.
My point is that "big brother" is more of a role that's played, not a status symbol. It can switch in a heartbeat. If a woman becomes dependent on "big brothers," then she needs to assert herself. I don't see that as being okay. But if she's a perfectly independent person in her own right, then having a few well-meaning guys to keep drunk party guests off her back can only be a plus.
I hope that clears some things up.