What makes Greek life "hot" in the south?

[SWTXBelle]

Well, if being a part of the same organization isn't what makes you brothers - if having the same ideals, same creed, having gone through the same ritual, being a part of a chain of men going back over a hundred years isn't what makes you brothers, what does that say about your GLO? You would say a man who has gone through all of that is not your brother because of his choice of clothing? A man who wears a hoodie instantly is somehow inferior? Pardon me for thinking that your standards are rather superficial if that is the case.
I also want to know about this sweeping generalization that all the northern chapters have no standards and will pledge anyone - what is this based on? Running into a few brothers from northern chapters you don't feel would make it on your campus? Are you so sure their standards aren't different, as opposed to inferior? (I know - it's a rhetorical question)
I sincerely don't understand why you would want to remain a part of an inter/national GLO if you feel this strongly. Far better to be a local, and not have to deal with those non-southerners.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

You would say a man who has gone through all of that is not your brother because of his choice of clothing? A man who wears a hoodie instantly is somehow inferior? Pardon me for thinking that your standards are rather superficial if that is the case.

Clothes do tell alot about a person in certain circumstances, but no not on that basis alone obviously.

I also want to know about this sweeping generalization that all the northern chapters have no standards and will pledge anyone - what is this based on?

www.greekchat.com...you should check it out sometime. It usually reaffirms my sweeping generalizations.

Running into a few brothers from northern chapters you don't feel would make it on your campus? Are you so sure their standards aren't different, as opposed to inferior? (I know - it's a rhetorical question)

I've already established they were different. By our standards, inferior.

Fraternity life is so much more than just brotherhood.

It's regional tradition, rites of passage, a status symbol, a method of gaining wealth through connections and so on.

edit: I apologize for being 1 minute late so that you could "render me speechless".

[nittanyalum]

I have male family members that were greek at an expensive, elite Ivy League college in the north and got the crap hazed out of them.

So would they be cool with you guys?

[SWTXBelle]

Oh, silly me - you read some things in an internet chat room that lead you to your generalization about all northern chapters. And here I was thinking you were relying only on rumor and hearsay!

I guess I've got egg on my face!

eta - nittany, does he wear hoodies?

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

Fraternity life is so much more than just brotherhood.

It's regional tradition, rites of passage, a status symbol, a method of gaining wealth through connections and so on. So, the north doesn't have regional tradition, rites of passage, status symbols, or a method of gaining wealth? I yield to no one in my passionate love for the south, and my appreciation of what makes us different, but I don't see these particular aspects of greek life as being restricted only to the south.

edit: I apologize for being 1 minute late so that you could "render me speechless".

I'm sure you are just intimidated by my hotness.

[bowsandtoes]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Well, if being a part of the same organization isn't what makes you brothers - if having the same ideals, same creed, having gone through the same ritual, being a part of a chain of men going back over a hundred years isn't what makes you brothers, what does that say about your GLO? You would say a man who has gone through all of that is not your brother because of his choice of clothing? A man who wears a hoodie instantly is somehow inferior? Pardon me for thinking that your standards are rather superficial if that is the case.

That's one way to look at it. The only problem is that a lot of the time they haven't gone through the same experience. From rush to pledgeship their experience is not nearly as intense. In our eyes, they haven't "earned it". Maybe it's just my fraternity, who enacted a 'Balanced Man' program that's met widespread criticism for lowering the standards of admittance. I talk to friends from other schools and there we are known as "Sigma Phi Everyone" because the chapters have a reputation of bidding anyone who walks in the door.

Obviously, this is not always the case. I have friends at Northern chapters of my fraternity and other organizations that I have a great deal of respect for because of the way they conduct themselves. It's those chapters I previously described they tend to 'cheapen' I letters that I take exception to.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by bowsandtoes

Maybe it's just my fraternity, who enacted a 'Balanced Man' program that's met widespread criticism for lowering the standards of admittance. I talk to friends from other schools and there we are known as "Sigma Phi Everyone" because the chapters have a reputation of bidding anyone who walks in the door.

I think that as far as that's concerned, it IS fraternity specific since that's a fraternity specific program.

In this case, a policy has been enacted that is directly having an impact on who is chosen for membership and how.

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by bowsandtoes

That's one way to look at it. The only problem is that a lot of the time they haven't gone through the same experience. From rush to pledgeship their experience is not nearly as intense. In our eyes, they haven't "earned it". Maybe it's just my fraternity, who enacted a 'Balanced Man' program that's met widespread criticism for lowering the standards of admittance. I talk to friends from other schools and there we are known as "Sigma Phi Everyone" because the chapters have a reputation of bidding anyone who walks in the door.

You may say that, but as a Northern greek who knows many Sig Eps personally, I can say with confidence they are one of the top fraternities around, 'despite' their Balanced Man program.

So shut up. I can't believe I have to defend your own fraternity brothers to you.