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All-TigerNet [13888]
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TigerKing and the perception of Greeks
Mar 11, 2015, 10:03 AM
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I was just thinking about the role of greek orgs on campus. At first I thought that the answer is improving their public image to highlight the good they do. But then the catch hit me. They cant oversell the service aspect. Why not? Because their revenue doesnt come from the outside. The perception that the community at large has wont pay the bills. By and large students join greek orgs to party and meet friends. The service aspect adds a sense of legitimacy for mom and dad.
The greek group must walk a fine line from being too much of what mom and dad want and being too much of what mom and dad dont want. Just rambling thoughts from an old man
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CU Medallion [64730]
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I was in a fraternity at Clemson.....
Mar 11, 2015, 10:18 AM
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My wife was in a sorority at Clemson. It was a great experience for both of us and on that basis, we would encourage others to consider getting involved in Greek life. In fact, our oldest daughter is currently in a sorority at Clemson (and no....no pigs of wife or daughter).
That said, I do think the greek letter organizations have some serious image and perception issues (largely because you only hear about the bad things that occur), and they all need to do more in the way promoting the philanthropic and educational aspects of their organizations.
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All-TigerNet [13888]
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But, like me, you're older now and see that
Mar 11, 2015, 10:23 AM
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but kids arent looking for a service organization. It's tough. If they overpromote
the good, they risk turning into Kiwanis. Kids looking for service join service
clubs.....not greek life. It's tricky.
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Head Coach [787]
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Misperception of Greeks
Mar 11, 2015, 11:03 AM
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My fraternity certainly didn’t have the problems that are so well publicized today.
And as some others have said, the good done for the community is seldom reported and when it is, it’s not front page news as when it’s something bad.
However, I’m not a Clemson alumnus, as I wanted to play football but had to go to another school to do so. But I still have true, deep feelings for Clemson University and only wish the best for the Clemson family.
Go Tigers!!
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All-In [30967]
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the perception of Greeks Will not change.
Mar 11, 2015, 11:22 AM
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People like me who saw them 1st hand will always rely on our past personal experiences which will never change.
People who were in frats will certainly not admit any wrong doings.
People outside will base thier opinions off the nEws and movies which typically paint them in a negative light.
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CU Medallion [64730]
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My fraternity....
Mar 11, 2015, 12:26 PM
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was involved in quite a few philanthropic endeavors including Habitat of Humanities, PUSH, distribution of food items for the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, and distributing child safety products (ID tags for kids shoes).
That's not to say we didn't have our share of parties, idiots or delinquint conduct? We did but those type of people and that conduct absolutely did not make up the majority of our mambership or the membership of any fraternity with which I was familiar.
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All-TigerNet [13057]
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If left to their own devices i wonder how much community
Mar 11, 2015, 11:24 AM
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service the frats would do?
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CU Guru [1330]
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Re: If left to their own devices i wonder how much community
Mar 11, 2015, 11:31 AM
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Nobody requires them to do it at all...so in that aspect I'd say they are "left to their own devices." Those who join understand that there's more to it than partying.
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110%er [6308]
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Re: If left to their own devices i wonder how much community
Mar 11, 2015, 12:21 PM
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we were required to do a certain amount of hours per year. yours may have been different but most are required
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Heisman Winner [108390]
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required by the house, chapter or national?***
Mar 11, 2015, 12:23 PM
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Team Captain [484]
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Re: required by the house, chapter or national?***
Mar 11, 2015, 12:36 PM
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I was required by the university to do community service for an incident that happened at the frat palace... So in all reality, fraternities do promote community service, right?
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Heisman Winner [108390]
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seems the university did so in your case.***
Mar 11, 2015, 12:41 PM
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Team Captain [484]
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Re: seems the university did so in your case.***
Mar 11, 2015, 12:43 PM
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Without the fraternity there would've been no incident, therefore I give all the credit to the fraternity.
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Heisman Winner [108390]
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without you there would have been no incident, but of
Mar 11, 2015, 12:53 PM
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course the university punished you without cause.
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Head Coach [787]
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Of course things have changed...
Mar 11, 2015, 12:00 PM
[ in reply to If left to their own devices i wonder how much community ] |
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but my experience was helping with community planned events (supplying manpower, helping local schools--helping children with reading disabilities, visiting nursing homes for those that seldom have family or friends come by.
I know that rules have changed with schools and perhaps even nursing homes, but those are my examples.
But of course, there were parties!
I just hate when people only have bad things to say about Greek like.
But even though there are homeless in our society, criminals, drug dealers and white collar crime, I don't think those segments make up the majority of our population--and neither do I believe those individuals making headlines for inexcusable behavior make up the majority of fraternity membership.
Go Tigers!!
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110%er [6308]
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I have an idea
Mar 11, 2015, 12:19 PM
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if you want to change your image, become a dry fraternity, and do philanthropic work 30 days or more of the year. As long as alcohol is the staple of a fraternity, the image will never change.
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Mascot [18]
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Re: TigerKing and the perception of Greeks
Mar 11, 2015, 12:50 PM
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Greek life is very relevant to the college experience to those that choose to pursue it. The ability to create lifetime bonds with people of different backgrounds with some common objectives is a powerful concept. These organizations have not existed for more than 100 years by being a fad. There is substance. Ideally the ability to help each member grow from the experiences of other members is real. For minorities, it is a way of not feeling like a minority and still attend some of the great institutions that we all love.
Unfortunately the history of hazing overshadows all of the great things that these social organizations are built upon to the point where the liability threatens their existence in the undergraduate forum.
So yes these organizations have purpose. However, just as any other institution, modern greek life must continue to evolve and remain relevant in this ever darkening society. Some organizations will not survive, but the premise is still valid.
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