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"frat" vs "fraternity"

by:    

I absolutely hate it when members of the Greek community use the word "frat". It's really a sign of respect for our brothers, and for those who support us through everything. By calling a fraternity a "frat," we're taking away from all of our hard work to make ourselves a part of respected organizations, and therefore enforcing stereotypes that we're often plagued by. It's really a sign of respect for your brothers, and for those who support you through everything. By calling a fraternity a "frat," we take away from all of the hard work to present ourselves as respected organizations, and therefore enforcing stereotypes that we're often plagued by. "Frat", implies "frat life" stereotypes that include:
- Fraternities are all about boys drinking and partying
- They don't do anything to help the community, or campus life
- They're all just a bunch of "bros" with no respect for women
- All they care about are preppy name brands
- Drinking is the only thing keeping them together
On the other hand, "Fraternity" implies:
- A group of men coming together to better themselves
- Community involvement, and service through brotherhood
- A strong sense of commitment to each other, and to their fellow fraternities and sororities
- Philanthropic events and educational goals
Being a member of the Mizzou Greek Community has helped me realize that word choice means a lot, especially concerning the words "frat" and fraternity. Through the use of "frat," we're degrading the image of fraternities everywhere, and demolishing all of the work that they do to keep a positive image. Fraternities deserve respect, and through abolishing the use of the word "frat," we're stepping in the right direction of giving them the respect that they deserve for their hard work through brotherhood, philanthropy, scholarship, and education.

Posted By: Recap
Page 1 of 1
#1by:    
#1    

To some people, frat is just an abbreviation of the word fraternity with no positive or negative connotation to it. But for so many, the term frat is strongly attached to the negative stigma surrounding fraternities. The stereotype of the "frat bro" is a binge-drinking, hazing, underachiever who has a .9 GPA. He only pledged his Greek organization to screw massive amounts of girls...is life is a scene from Animal House. Pretty offensive in my opinion. In reality, members of fraternities can choose not to drink. Members of fraternities have made it onto the Dean’s List. There are a number of reasons that a fraternity brother can pledge their chosen organization. In reality, members of fraternities can choose not to drink. Members of fraternities have achieved academic honors. There are a number of reasons that a fraternity brother can pledge their chosen organization. It can be demeaning to ignore all of the tradition, ritual, and time put into a Greek organization. I see it as a matter of respect and I respect those individuals who are a part of it, and the organizations they're in. I respect what their letters and their organizations represent. It's sad but true that there are going to be those fraternity members who embody the frat stereotype well - there are always going to be those exceptions. That doesn't mean the other members of Greek organizations should be seen in the same light and be called frat bros.

By: Timbus
by: KeepItSimple   

It really depends on the context. In my fraternity, don't correct anyone who isn't a pnm or a pledge. We tell them that its important to use the entire word, not just the root word, but that they don't need to correct anyone, or tell anyone why they stick to one over the other...keeps things simple. But I do agree it has to do with the connotations of frat vs fraternity. I feel like it undermines the positive aspects of Greek life.

By: KeepItSimple
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#2by:    
#2    

wow too much time on ones hands

By: lmao
#3by:    
#3    

Seems we have a lot more frats on this campus than fraternities.

By: Hmmmmmmmm

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by: Capt   

Hmmmmmmmm, I agree. Kinda curious as to which ones would be considered fraternities. ΒΘΠ probably. As to frats, ΦΚΘ would be on that list.

By: Capt
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#4by:    
#4    

What was the point of this? If you know your fraternity is not a bunch of dbags and do philanthropy work, who cares? Also, your post just states the same thing like three times and is incredibly redundant. Like this was so long for no reason.

By: ok?
#5by:    
#5    

Sup frat bro

By: Chad

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