Special to The Daily Cardinal
While some in the UW-Madison community view fraternities on campus in a negative manner, they should attempt to distance themselves from the Hollywood stereotypes to see the fraternities for what they really are'a sense of community within a community. In essence, fraternities foster a feeling of friendship, brotherhood and learning. These organizations enable members to give back and continually improve UW-Madison and to unite with one another'regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation or disciplines'under the common umbrella of friendship.
The unnoticed discrimination problem on campus is the prejudice fraternities receive as a result of stereotypes portrayed by movies such as \Animal House"" and ""Road Trip."" For UW-Madison, which, historically, has been adamantly against prejudice, it is comical how a group that represents a decent percent of the campus population'fraternities'are discriminated against every year.
Granted, there are much more important issues facing the UW-Madison community and the nation at this time, and it is easy to take shots at something such as a Greek organization. But for those of us who are proud of what we stand for, the stereotypes can be very hurtful and we feel it is our duty to clear up some of the misconceptions that seem to be prevalent on this campus.
To clear up one common generalization, it is correct to say that fraternities do engage in social events that involve alcohol. However, this is no different than the social functions that many sport teams or independent student organizations engage in as well. Whether you find it morally correct or not, alcohol is incorporated into most social activities on campus. As visible members of the community, fraternities make every attempt to drink responsibly and adhere to proper risk management guidelines.
Contrary to popular belief, fraternities actually give back to the UW-Madison community and the city of Madison through public service'more than most other organizations on this campus.
For example, the Sigma Chi Fraternity has already been involved in two major service projects this semester, raising nearly $4,000 to benefit such organizations as the Alzheimer's Association and the American Cancer Society. Two additional philanthropies have tentatively been planned for November and December, including hosting a blood drive to benefit the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks and a toy donation that helps provide holiday gifts for needy children in the Madison area.
Despite these achievements, many argue that fraternities exploit their philanthropic endeavors just to cover up their negative characteristics. This could not be further from the truth. It is undeniable that fraternities have continually provided a foundation upon which successful men, friends and husbands are built. According to a 1998 study by the Center for Advanced Social Research, fraternity men have gone on to hold many of the most respected positions in our nation. For example, approximately 80 percent of the top executives of Fortune 500 companies are fraternity men. The majority (71 percent) of those listed in ""Who's Who in America"" are fraternity men. Seventy-six percent of current U.S. senators and representatives are fraternity men. Forty percent of the 47 Supreme Court justices since 1910 have been fraternity men. One hundred of 158 cabinet members since 1900 have been fraternity men. And finally, all but two U.S. presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men.
Before you associate all fraternities with those negatively depicted by Hollywood, remember that this small group of individuals are an integral part for the continuation of a successful UW-Madison community. The discrimination fraternities consistently receive does not seem justified.
