In Search of Civility: Greek System

Chapter 2 Summary

 By: Jordan McClendon

   During this chapter the author discussed the idea of civility through the Greek system. It is important to note the prominence of Greeks in our everyday society. As of the year 2000, it had been noted by researchers that 324 universities/ colleges recognize Greeks, 242, 332 are already active members and that there are 86,450 pledges, and that within the student body that 17.5% of the population was apart of the Greek population. In addition to these numbers, 95% of the Supreme Court Justices since the 1980s have claimed Greek. Although organizations do many things that display civility such as charity donations and community service, they also have been associated with uncivil acts as well. One of the most important is that of "compulsive conformity". This act can be attributed to Greek organizations attempting to maintain their "look" and their core ideals. This look involves a strict "character model", this character model is often based off of looks, instead of meaningful ideals such as G.P.A. and social standing. All in all these superficial factors hold a higher standing, the Greek system insures that they uphold a commitment to "diversity and inclusion". Lastly, the chapter continues to display how negative behaviors often go hand in hand with that of the Greek system, especially with pledging. The statistics display a higher average of alcohol consumption in the Greek system. This was accounted for on both the male and female. 

    On behalf of the group, we can see all three of the main ideas being relevant on the campus of Hampton University. However, it is believed that on our campus the Greek systems the internal  factors are equally as important, if not more important, to the Greek system. An example of this would be the requirement of a particular G.P.A. or higher. As a result of the continuous statements made by Greeks about the system being a "business", joining the Greek system is upheld to the highest regard, especially in the public sense. They do not want to be viewed as a liability yet as a family unit and a privilege.  

  Although there are ups and downs to pledge, our group sees that from a business and family prospective pledging is a great idea. Therefore the group recommends going along with the pledging task as long as what you are pledging for fits your ideals, because it is your job as a pledge to fit what they believe and not the other way around. Moreover, the "compulsive conformity" may go beyond the realm of which you are comfort. When this occurs it is the choice of the pledge to continue or to stop. Insure that before making this decision that you way both the pros and the cons of the situation. Consequently, the final decision that has been made by the group is that an individual must be able to see more pros than cons when pledge and actually believe in what the Greek system believes in. Allowing for success and a chance to become a part of a large community, that has accomplished great things in high places.