Some love them. Some hate them. Some can't live without them. But why? Why is it that I find myself attracted to someone my age who looks like my dad at an Eagles concert crossed with a closet full of something you'd wear on Easter Sunday? You know the saying that gets tossed around Greek Life a lot - "from the outside you can't understand it, from the inside you can't explain it"? That's kind of what it's like when talking about a frat boy. Stereotypes have made people believe that becoming a frat boy makes you arrogant, conservative, racist, sexist, self entitled, and an overall jerk. When really, this could not be further from the truth. So what is, exactly, "the frat boy"?
First thing to know about the frat boy is that he is not a frat boy. He is a fraternity man. He makes the decision to find a fraternity that aligns with his values and ways to develop him into a better man. He is looking for a group of men to change his life, to be there for him when he needs it. He is looking for brothers. Some say going through pledgeship is like a part-time, unpaid job. It takes endurance, dedication, and perseverance. In the end of his pledging he is developed into a brother of his fraternity. He has taken a vow that is about as strong as the vows he will take with the woman of his dreams one day. He will never in any way expose these sacred vows taken with his brothers because his word is his bond.
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He puts in the hours. The frat boy works hard for his GPA that is usually higher than the average college student. He works hard to put on events with his brothers to raise money and awareness for a disease or cause that speaks to him along with supporting other houses in their philanthropy. He utilizes his connections and networking opportunities to develop his resume and obtain internships that open doors to exceptional jobs. He doesn't always have money from his parents to rely on for rent, tuition, or even food. He sometimes works a part time job or two to pay for his school and his personal expenses, even his dues.
The frat boy works hard and likes to play hard. Then again doesn't any other man who works hard? They just happen to throw crazier parties. He likes to have a good time with his brothers alongside copious amounts of liquid courage. But doesn't the non-Greek man like the to do the same things as well?
The frat boy is not out to seek cute blonde prey every night and take advantage of them. Believe it or not, the Fraternity man cares. He makes sure there is a sober pledge to take you home when you cannot operate your vehicle. He apologizes for spilling his full cup of trashcan punch all over your white shirt and offers you something dry to wear.
The frat boy is not perfect. He makes mistakes and he screws up, just like any other man his age. A non-Greek man makes plenty of mistakes as well. Don't put this man on a pedistool because he is human and he will mess up plenty of times. Don't let a few rotten apples that have made mistakes in Greek life ruin that fraternity or Greek life for you. His fraternity didn't develop him into his bad qualities, his bad qualities came with him when he came to college. But don't mistaken me, the stereotypes do indeed exist. There are some boys who have joined a fraternity for all the wrong reasons. They don't see what they could do for their fraternity, they see what their fraternity could do for them. They have skewed views of what a fraternity is and the bad name they place on their fraternity when they take advantage of what Greek Life has to offer.
So why wouldn't you want to date the frat boy? He works hard, is disciplined, takes part in philanthropy, strives for higher education, utilizes his networking opportunities, knows the meaning of sacred vows, loves his country passionately, and knows how to have a good time. So I raise my red solo cup to you, Fraternity man. I have gained respect for your hard work, dedication, and ability to dress like my dad from the 80's. You're a good man, and I'm sorry not everyone can see what I see. Honor your letters and show the world what good you can do. Cheers.
