What’s so great about Greek life anyway?

Fraternities and sororities are two college staples that a lot of people want to join; we yearn for community, so when a manufactured one is right at our fingertips, who wouldn’t grab it?

Fraternities and sororities are organizations that focus on building connections with one another, socialization, academic achievements and networking in order to find jobs and internships. The difference is fraternities are run by men and sororities are run by women.

Movies are made surrounding Greek life like “Monsters University” and “House Bunny.” The college students in them make it sound so enticing that you can’t help but want to join. The community, the friendships, the access to opportunities and the ability to go to parties anytime you want. How fun is that?

So if it is so great, why aren’t there any at community colleges? Should there be fraternities and sororities, or more specifically, Greek organizations at Fresno City College?

Honestly, I hope that never happens.

Greek life began way back in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. The first sorority is debated, but the first to be named was at Syracuse University in New York in 1874.

Fresno State has 38 single-sex fraternities and sororities near campus, each with their own house and block. For over 95 years, these organizations have housed over 1,000 students and there will be plenty more.

I even know a couple of girls who have joined sororities which I think is phenomenal for them who want to create community, build relationships with others and network to earn experience and opportunities.

As the years went on, thousands of these organizations began showing up in different universities and the popularity grew. But there is a price to be paid when it comes to wanting to become a brother or sister.

I find that frats and sororities can be a good source of community and acceptance among those who want to find their place in college. And they are a good source of finding jobs and making connections.

However, I still find frats and sororities to be dangerous and overwhelming places to be in. Plus the amount of allegations and hazing that goes on is enough to kill any interest.

Since 2000, there have been 122 recorded deaths due to hazing. That is roughly five deaths per year. I think these are risks students at FCC should not take, it is far too dangerous.

Just recently, at the University of Iowa, a dozen young men were found blindfolded and covered in strange substances in a basement due to the frat’s hazing rituals. I find that to be incredibly jarring and bizarre.

Diversity is a big issue too when it comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. They are predominantly white and those involved are usually rich as well. It makes minorities less likely to join despite the constant pledge of community and inclusion.

However as society begins to evolve and change, there are now houses dedicated to race so that only specific members can join like the Divine Nine, a string of predominantly black fraternities and sororities.

This is great for universities with a large and diverse community, but I don’t think having a fraternity or sorority at FCC is a good idea, because it could lead to a divide among those deemed worthy and those who aren’t.

The way a person is able to join is through a voting system and a lot of those requirements are set in stone like personality or GPA. It can also rely on extracurriculars or even a letter of recommendation.

Sometimes, it can even cost you money. At Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, a semester in a sorority can cost a new member up to $660. And that is cheap compared to the University of Alabama where a new member fee is $3,800.

This is, again, where that divide can come in especially when it comes to income or wealth. Those who can’t afford aren’t even able to join, which leaves those in power to stay or decide who is worthy.

I think this is an incredibly toxic mindset to have when it comes to wanting to join a fraternity or sorority and could leave people feeling discouraged.

While fraternities and sororities have a lot of good that can come out of them, I think the bad outweighs it. Joining a chapter can come with a price, both literally and figuratively. I think Greek life has a place at a university, but not at FCC.

However, that isn’t to say finding community at FCC is impossible. We have plenty of opportunities here to find our niche and I think these outlets are much healthier and safer than a fraternity or sorority.

At FCC alone, we have 42 different clubs a person can join, each unique in their own way and there is something for everyone like if you’re into anime or social justice, there’s a club for you.

If you are interested in the arts, FCC has plenty of opportunities to get creative like theater or choir or band. Even The Rampage itself is a great place to build connections and network with others.