The Bros of USC:
A Whimsical Examination of Fraternity Life
A Whimsical Examination of Fraternity Life
I am in a group with Burke Mohan and Bryant Cannon. Together we are “Team Bro.” We are creating a comical examination of fraternity life through a video we have created. For me, this examination is not too far from home, as I am a member of a fraternity, and funnily enough, is part of the reason this blog post was late. There are many stereotypes that are pinned to fraternity brothers. With songs such as “I Love College” by Asher Roth, and reality television shows such as “Bromance” on MTV, becoming so popular recently, it felt natural to tackle the issues and stereotypes surrounding brotherhood. USC Greek life is also such an integral part of the school, so it is something many undergraduate students have experienced directly.
I must say, our intentions are comical and point out the faults and stereotypes with the Greek system at USC. I do, however, believe that the Greek system is in a dire situation at USC, and I must use this post to voice my concern. It seems the higher powers at USC are slowly, but surely, squeezing and draining the life from the USC Greek system. When I was a freshman here, I remember Fraternity Row was always packed with people on Thursday night. Because of strict regulations applied to the culture, the fraternity system has become painted as “dangerous, unsafe, and unhealthy.” Because of this, today, there is a slow trickle of students mulling up and down the street on a Thursday night. Not to mention, the number of incoming freshmen that rush houses now has dropped significantly in the past two years. In light of recent activities (the sexual assault incident), I must admit I can see where the negative energy toward the Greek system spawns. Let us be honest with ourselves, however, these incidents are secluded and infrequent. If compared to the campus social scene, one cannot argue that horrible incidents are more likely to happen at a fraternity than any other rowdy party. For that matter, let us look at incidents at clubs in downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. I would venture to guess, there are more incidents outside of USC. This doesn’t make it a good thing. Every incident should be taken extremely seriously, but to punish the entire system destroys the integrity of the culture.
So, in many ways, this project has taken on a personal aspect for me. It is as much a mockery, as it is a tribute to keeping the system alive and healthy. I hope USC does not completely phase out the Greek system, as many brothers and fraternities believe at the moment.
I must say, our intentions are comical and point out the faults and stereotypes with the Greek system at USC. I do, however, believe that the Greek system is in a dire situation at USC, and I must use this post to voice my concern. It seems the higher powers at USC are slowly, but surely, squeezing and draining the life from the USC Greek system. When I was a freshman here, I remember Fraternity Row was always packed with people on Thursday night. Because of strict regulations applied to the culture, the fraternity system has become painted as “dangerous, unsafe, and unhealthy.” Because of this, today, there is a slow trickle of students mulling up and down the street on a Thursday night. Not to mention, the number of incoming freshmen that rush houses now has dropped significantly in the past two years. In light of recent activities (the sexual assault incident), I must admit I can see where the negative energy toward the Greek system spawns. Let us be honest with ourselves, however, these incidents are secluded and infrequent. If compared to the campus social scene, one cannot argue that horrible incidents are more likely to happen at a fraternity than any other rowdy party. For that matter, let us look at incidents at clubs in downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. I would venture to guess, there are more incidents outside of USC. This doesn’t make it a good thing. Every incident should be taken extremely seriously, but to punish the entire system destroys the integrity of the culture.
So, in many ways, this project has taken on a personal aspect for me. It is as much a mockery, as it is a tribute to keeping the system alive and healthy. I hope USC does not completely phase out the Greek system, as many brothers and fraternities believe at the moment.
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