The Chimes

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Opinion

This past week I was asked to write an apology to the Greek Council Executive Board for statements I made at a rush party. Instead of surrendering to their demands and lowering myself to the personal agendas of a select few, I have chosen instead to explain why I stand loyal to my fraternity and my principles.

Using the term "frat" is among the list of statements that upset Greek Council leaders. Based on the in depth scholarly look of one individual in Greek life, this is the equivalent of calling my country a "c---."

Needless to say, the character Lenny in the book of "Mice and Men" looks like a Harvard scholar following that analogy. I will provide justification for my use of the term "frat".

I am proud to be in a fraternity that has exemplified brotherhood since 1927. I am proud to wear the letters of Kappa Sigma Upsilon (The Men of Capital). I find a strong connection between our preservation of tradition and the development of principled men. We have earned our title of being a brotherhood (fraternity) and not a mere social network (frat).

This past week I was informed one of our alumni, Lt. Derick Carver, was severely wounded in Afghanistan leading an army platoon.

As I heard this story and the numerous other stories of KSU alumni who have served in the Army, I feel pride for maintaining the traditions of leadership and brotherhood that have been passed down. These values are the fundamental aspects of a good citizen and a decent man.

While the era of political correctness may demand my apology for saying "frat", I do not abide to that standard out of the principle; "to call it as I see it--ridiculous".

Greek Council has tried in vain to disprove stereotypes about fraternities in order to improve recruitment. It's true there exist negative sentiment by some people regarding fraternities.

But to be honest, wearing a Greek life shirt that says "I will live my values" won't change stereotypical opinions when the individual wearing it is doing keg stands, getting trashed, driving drunk or womanizing.

The only way to build a strong fraternity or organization is creating the connection of brotherhood and maintaining traditions from within. Sure, I love to party, there's nothing better that getting some scotch and smoking a nice cigarette with Beth Sharb.

There is, however, value I have found in my fraternity that excels toga parties, drinking, and business suits of typical frats. I have experienced individual growth through the deep philosophical debates with those I call my brothers and their hardships and struggles, which has given me a greater perspective.

Sincerity, honor and loyalty are the character traits any good fraternity should seek along with toga parties. These are the base values that make good soldiers and make respectable men. Without shared tradition there is not a fraternity; it is nothing more than a "frat" lacking the essential qualities on the surface and within the heart of its members. It is what it is.

By Gabe Koshinsky
Contributor
gkoshins@capital.edu

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