Spring Break
Thinking for yourself: Fraternity style
Sam Sheffield
Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: News
Ross also gave some advice to current members and those who are looking to pledge in the future.
"Remember when you're initiated that you're a servant to the community, to move the African American community and the community in general forward," he said.
Ross warned about what he called "false pride." He said to consistently remember who you are.
"It's a 24/7/365 job," he said. "You're a member of the fraternity even when you're not wearing your letters. It's okay to drink, but don't have pictures of you with a beer bong on Facebook."
He went on to talk about hazing versus pledging and how they're both part of fraternity and sorority history. But he noted that pledging has a purpose and hazing doesn't.
"So many people go on and on about what they did to pledge. But what you do as a member should be more memorable than your pledging."
He continued, "College is meant to learn how to think for yourself. Don't do things because others do them."
Banks continued on Ross's message of unity by saying that all fraternities, black, white and Hispanic should do more events with each other.
"Most of it is just getting together, and both realizing they're having a good time just having fun and kicking it," Banks said. "It's a way of finding common ground."
Ross closed talking about how black fraternities need to show a united front in their community because, "Regardless of flaws, we are the people who are in the arena. We're not fixin' or fittin' to do things, we actually do them."
ssheffield@unews.com
"Remember when you're initiated that you're a servant to the community, to move the African American community and the community in general forward," he said.
Ross warned about what he called "false pride." He said to consistently remember who you are.
"It's a 24/7/365 job," he said. "You're a member of the fraternity even when you're not wearing your letters. It's okay to drink, but don't have pictures of you with a beer bong on Facebook."
He went on to talk about hazing versus pledging and how they're both part of fraternity and sorority history. But he noted that pledging has a purpose and hazing doesn't.
"So many people go on and on about what they did to pledge. But what you do as a member should be more memorable than your pledging."
He continued, "College is meant to learn how to think for yourself. Don't do things because others do them."
Banks continued on Ross's message of unity by saying that all fraternities, black, white and Hispanic should do more events with each other.
"Most of it is just getting together, and both realizing they're having a good time just having fun and kicking it," Banks said. "It's a way of finding common ground."
Ross closed talking about how black fraternities need to show a united front in their community because, "Regardless of flaws, we are the people who are in the arena. We're not fixin' or fittin' to do things, we actually do them."
ssheffield@unews.com
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