why are we stigmatizing cob

...because it's coming, and soon.

Yep, its all about the almighty $. COB is something we all do at some point to fill the ranks. But, I think what gives it such a bad rap/rep is the way that it is conducted. Most houses do the super secret friend or friend process and this leaves a bad taste both in and out of the house. Some of the smarter houses actually open up the process a bit and post on social media. I really think that the way most houses do COB serves to hurt our community due to the perception of exclusivity and 'having to know someone'. All the potshots taken on here and other places about how our system is from the 'stone age' really ring true when looking at COB of the super secret variety. Sure doing the friend of a friend process is cost-effective and 'allows more time for studying' as are pointed out over and over. But, I seriously question whether these reasons are why the super secret process continues? My guess is that we simply want to surround ourselves with people that look and act exactly like us and what better way to achieve this goal than to simply find more 'friends'. Why don't we just hang out a shingle that says POC 'need not apply'?

Sure Cal Greek life has a lot of race issues and I'll be one of the first to admit that, but you're making an issue out of nothing with this COB post. Race aside, it's sort of a logistical and PR nightmare for houses to make COB so public. While we know this isn't true since houses have been on here bragging about how they went 20 girls under quota, COB can leave the impression that a house "failed" during recruitment. Also, if COB is advertised so openly, it can delegitimize the entire process of fall formal. Why go through the hell of rush when you can just casually walk into a sorority? I highly doubt girls in charge of recruitment want to go through it twice anyways. I am all for calling out problems with Greek life and aiming to make it better, but I honestly see nothing wrong with how most houses do COB. If anything, COB and recruiting "friends of friends" gives new and current members a larger say in who they want to be part of their community.