The Dark Power Of Fraternities Essays Examples

In her article “The Dark Power of Fraternities” (March 2014) Caitlin Flanagan reveals the dark side and the problems of the fraternities based on her investigation of Greek houses that lasted for one year. What is really going on behind the walls of the fraternity is known only to its members, who are reluctant to share insider information with the outsiders, and let the curious ones see only the top of the iceberg. But, nevertheless, on the basis of the little information that reaches the ears of the public, Americans are divided into two groups based on their attitude to this phenomenon. Some of them believe that the fraternity is the core of the student life, an integral part of the university culture. The second group accuses fraternity of all the students’ troubles, of the destruction of moral norms and values ​​of youth. The main arguments of those who support fraternities are as follows: they make student life fun; they help beginners adapt to the student’s environment, make new friends and acquaintances; networking (probably the most important advantage of the fraternities), ‘brothers’ often help each other in employment and partnership. The dark side of fraternities are: hazing (certain tasks and activities beginners must do to be accepted to the fraternity) which can be humiliating and even harmful to the physical and mental health of the student; excessive alcohol consumption and as a result worse academic performance, involvement in fighting, vandalism, sexual violence and drug utilization, which in their turn cause accidents, injuries and even deaths.
I differ from the author’s opinion that fraternities are the ones to be blamed for the bad things which happen in them; in my opinion the fraternity members themselves are at fault for the actions they commit. But I do agree with Caitlin Flanagan that the main reason of the students’ bad behavior is that they want to show that they are grown-up and independent. The possible solution to the issues raised by Caitlin Flanagan in this article is teaching the students that in the adult like it is necessary to take responsibility for their actions, i.e. if they break the rules they will be required to pay the fine or do some compulsory works, or they may even be dismissed from the fraternity. If the students know that they will be punished for the actions they are not allowed to do, they will surely think twice before doing them.