The inherent corruption of fraternities


The fraternal system is inherently corrupt.

A certain fraternity that we will call Alpha was founded to be different from normal fraternities. They decided that they would not be snobs, keep "those people" out, and engage in other behavior that they saw in other frats. They decided to be a service fraternity. At that time, there was another service fraternity (we shall call it Beta) at the university. However, in Alpha's opinion, Beta was not being the role model that they should, but was full of snobbery. Other, non-service frats were just as full of fratism.

Alpha was fine for a few years, but began to get cocky. They neglected their service projects for parties. They began to seek to keep out "those people." They began to be snobs.

Even members who sought to avoid fratism were caught up in its web, looking down on those who chose not to pledge, or were in other organizations. After all the charter members had graduated, Alpha had mostly abandoned its founding principles. Since then, there have been ups and downs. Not all of the members have been snobs, but the general tone of the organization has been one of fratism.

During this time, Beta was humbled. They were no longer the hottest thing and it began to show. Pledges dropped in number. At least one member actually quit to join Alpha. The membership dropped to a few. During this time, some men of good character pledged Beta. They began to turn it around. Beta's good character was restored. Unfortunately this condition did not last long. Internal power struggles emerged and the positive momentum died.

In other cases, men of good character pledged corrupt organizations in order to reform them. Their reforms were short lived. Sometimes, the good people were even corrupted by these organizations.

These and other events have led many to believe that corruption is intrinsic to the fraternal system. Some have argued that the corruption may be avoided with care. However, no evidence whatsoever exists that a pledging or fraternal organization can exist for an indefinite period without becoming corrupt.


What makes the fraternal system corrupt?

Several factors mar the fraternal system. The main factor is pledging. The completion of pledging rites leads many members to believe that they are somehow special. In addition, the abuses of pledging (including hazing) can induce snobbery. The use of pledging to weed out "those people," the undesirables, easily causes snobbery. Many times, the undesirable completes pledging in spite of the intense hazing, only to not be voted into the frat.

Closed membership and secrecy are also involved in corrupting fraternal organizations. The limiting of membership candidates to a select few can cause problems. Also, pledging is shrouded in secret. Pledge books are secret, pledge meetings are secret, and initiation rites are secret. The typical initiate must take an oath never to reveal what occurred during the initiation ritual.
In grown-up fraternities, the secrecy intensifies. As members advance in rank, they must take new oaths of secrecy. One well-known worldwide grown-up frat has members take an oath which says that the member will go to hell if he divulges any secret information.

Organizational pride is another cause of fratism. The otherwise benign gladness to be a member of an organization can easily become unhealthy pride and snobbery.

Certainly, these factors will not neceessarily cause fratism in every case. Thereare many members of frats who are not snobs. There are non-fraternal organizations that have one of these factors and yet are not snobby. However, when these and other factors combine, they produce an evil greater than the sum of their parts.


In conclusion: there is something in the essential nature of fraternities that makes them eventually and inevitably turn to snobbery.


Post Script:
The effect of said corruption.

The effects of the corruption of fraternities are many and all are harmful. One has only to watch the news to find many examples of this fact.

Corruption leads to hazing, racism, sexism, hypocrisy, fraud, alcohol and other drug abuse, wrongful death, rape, countless other criminal acts, and (of course) snobbery and fratism. One personal example of hypocrisy in frats. This example is illustrative of the corruption that occurs even among good men. These were men of (supposed) character who claimed to be highly moral. They thought it was a big joke. However, it was demeaning to women and hypocritical in nature.

Secular universities and the fraternities on such campuses are much more corrupt in nature. Without the religious and moral restraints, corruption is not noticed or limited as easily. The consequences are much more tragic. Pledges die in alcohol-related pledging rites. Other hazing leaves psychological and even physical scars. Acts of retaliation against rival organizations cause property damage and even injury. Rapes are committed, then covered up by the fraternity.

The corruption inherent in fraternal organizations alwasy leads them in a downward spiral. This descent into evil can be postponed, it can be paused, but it is inevitable. Fraternities are corrupt by nature.


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