My name is Josh, and I am a god damn independent, a GDI, a non-frat. I don't go to frat meetings, I don't party with sorority girls (unless I'm lucky), and the only brother I've ever known didn't have me to pledge to the family.
It's not to say there's anything wrong with either the absence or the abundance of the fraternities. But as any student progresses through their experience at this institution they call higher education, they can no doubt notice the subculture within the culture that exists here. On one side are the Greeks, on the other, the Independents. And whatever side you're on will greatly alter your college experiences.
It'd be wrong to say that we don't all do the same things. Understand this first and foremost: some frats are dedicated to the art of education and advancement, as well as many students, while some frats are dedicated to the high art form of beer pong, and as I can attest, many students dedicate themselves to this art form as well. It is simply the manner in which all of this is achieved which defines the difference in culture between frats and non-frats.
It's an issue of networking which structures the major differences. Fraternities literally create a society within themselves and within their actual houses. This networking allows for much easier access to large groups of people, as well as sorority houses and other benefits. The networking occurs immediately upon entry and the strength of a frat's network determines the social activities of the frat. Another characteristic of a frat's network is the fact that it is never-ending. Whereas friends may lose contact, separate, or stay low for a while, fraternities are constantly participating in any number of social events, sometimes without choice.
The point is the opportunity. Frats have this organization that they can fall back on. An organization which funds and organizes events — from socials to school activities to the infamous frat party. However it is this front of being a somewhat serious organization within the school which requires them to conduct themselves professionally. And believe me, considering the recent sanctions against many frats for violations ranging from alcohol to simple failure to live up to certain standards, frats do (at least attempt to) fulfill this requirement to conduct themselves with high integrity, even if there's a keg tapped in the basement. Go to a frat party (GDIs do go sometimes) and besides the awesome party atmosphere, you will notice more rules and structure in place to protect the organization. This downside to a frat is part of the price paid for the advantages in terms of the people met and social events attended.
Frats are simply more organized and structured groups of friends. Money is necessary for this as it funds projects, pays rights, and yes, pays for parties. But the consequence of friends and parties is inappropriately assessed to the money. Brotherhood is not a guarantee of friendship. Frats are large and not everyone likes everyone within a particular frat, friends are made like normal, life is played like normal.
But the most important thing to realize about frat brothers and independents is the same point I made in the beginning: we are no different. We do the same things, we wear the same colors, and we all drink beer (sometimes we even drink it together.) The concept of frats against independents is a real one, but a very weak one at that. It exists mainly because we are two separate networks and cultures of students doing the same things in different ways.
But we don't hate each other.
And in the end, when all is said and done, you will have either done it one way or the other. You will have either drank at the frats or MySpaced your last party, you will have either participated in the homecoming parade or tailgated alongside it. In the end, it's not a matter of what, bur rather a matter of how that defines us.
Reach the reporter at: joshua.spivack@asu.edu.