Many of you may be familiar with the Fraternity and Sorority
scene here at Binghamton University. They are most famous for their drinking
parties and hazing allegations. For example, there are facebook events every
few weeks or so advertising for events such as “Yom Kipparty.” And for those of
you who were not here last spring, all of Greek Life was temporarily shut down
and unable to cross pledges because of hazing reports. Now I’m not saying that
all of Greek Life fits this stereotype, but this is the traditional image that
people associate frats with.
What people don’t realize however, is that most Fraternities
and Sororities also have a sort of quota on the amount of philanthropic/charity
events that they must participate in or organize. An example of this is the
blood drive organized by Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE) that my friend participated
in last semester. There are other types of events as well, such as fundraisers
and community helpers.
My questions are whether the frats can improve their image
by showcasing their philanthropic efforts, or can they use their normal
activities to further philanthropic goals? I don’t think that the stereotypes
will be defeated unless the parties and hazing accusations stop, which will
realistically never happen. This is regardless of all the good that they will
do in order to improve their image. For the second question, what if a frat
hosted a party and donated the money that they made from all the drunk
partygoers to nonprofits, instead keeping it for profit? Could illegal activities
for charity be a legitimate form of philanthropy? It’s certainly an interesting
ethical situation, but I think it’s possible.
On this campus, there is definitely an issue with the reputation that some of the fraternities and sororities have due to hazing and other activities. I believe that Binghamton needs to change its Greek life system before it gets any worse, but I think that although Greek life is rocky here, a majority of the organizations have great philanthropic intentions. Even some of the off campus Greek organizations are still giving back to the community by way of various fundraisers and events. Frats and sororities could try improving their images by upping their philanthropic goals, but I do not believe that will completely solve the problem. Even if they raise tens of thousands of dollars for a cause, it doesn’t change the fact that some organizations torture their new members. The stereotype can only be changed by actually changing the new member pledge system. In regards to hosting parties in order to raise money for philanthropy, I’m not too bothered by it. Many of the frats and even some sororities host parties and collect money for organizations during certain times during the year. This may not be legal, but I think it’s practically impossible to try and stop college students from drinking and wanting to party. The frats and sororities might as well be able to support their causes during these events.
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan! I honestly think you have raised a very interesting point about whether or not the good that an organization does can outweigh the bad. Personally, I feel that this moral dilemma is very situational and depends both upon the degree of the good and bad, as well as the underlying motives behind each. Aside from this issue being raised with regard to Greek life, the conflict between good and bad is evident with Livestrong founder Lance Armstrong’s dope use. Despite the fact that both Greek partying and Armstrong’s cheating seem to diminish the good deeds that they do, I find Armstrong’s deeds to be more forgivable.
ReplyDeleteThe primary reason that I view more of the good in Armstrong than in Greek life stems back to the issue of what instigated their giving. On one hand, Armstrong started the Livestrong foundation because as a cancer survivor, he believed in giving hope to other cancer patients. Armstrong gave because he truly believed in the cause, not because he wanted to improve his image, which is demonstrated by his willingness to step down as chairman in the midst of his scandal. Armstrong was willing to give up something that could have improved his image to spare Livestrong from any negative effects of his controversy, while still offering to volunteer when they need him. In contrast, Greek giving stems from an obligation to reach a certain philanthropic quota. This necessitated giving comes across as a way to improve their image, rather than a true, heartfelt attempt to make a difference in the community. While I am sure this is not the case for all fraternities and sororities on campus, and I am certainly not trying to offend those who are truly passionate about giving, I have a hard time believing that the same people who are willing to haze other students have a sincere interest in bettering the world. Therefore, as this giving seems insincere and forced, I believe that it fails to outweigh the bad things that occur in Greek life.
Because I believe that this giving is not the primary motivation of these groups, I do not think that raising donations through parties is feasible. Fraternities use this money to fund other parties, so I doubt they would be willing to give that up for the community. Additionally, I think that nonprofits would be hesitant to accept such dirty money if they knew of its origin. Organizations that truly seek to better the world would likely not want their mission to be propelled by underage drinking and partying. Not only would this likely go against what they believe in, but it may also cause some legal trouble or bad publicity. Therefore, I believe that the only way Greek life could reform their image would be to stop the parties and hazing and focus on giving, but as you said, this is unrealistic, at least in the foreseeable future.
If anyone is interested in seeing more about Armstrong’s resignation, his announcement can be found at http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9120-lance-armstrong-steps-down-as-chairman-of-cancer-charity. Finally, for a similar perspective on good versus bad deeds in Lance Armstrong’s life, check out http://www.ethicalocean.com/content/lance-armstrong-does-good-outweigh-bad?visitor=good.
To me, this debate stems from the second day of class when we discussed whether the motivation behind giving mattered (whether it was anonymous, or a certain percentage). While perceptions of fraternities and sororities can stem from a multitude of things, it is true that I rarely hear of the volunteer things that they do, except from individual friends. If I heard on a more regular basis what each fraternity or sorority was doing in the philanthropic world, it would paint a different picture in my head of what the organization uses its time for.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing each spring a fraternity doing a bicyclethon for to raise money (having at least one member bicycling at all times for a 48 hour time period). I also remember seeing one that camped out in the Dickinson amphitheater for 3 days to raise money for the homeless. I remember being a bit skeptical as to what organization it was going to, which makes sense with what you were saying about it being a sort of obligated philanthropy with not much passion for the cause. However, I donated because I thought it was a great thing for college students to be spending their time doing. I think if fraternities and sororities included the campus in more of their philanthropic events, it would help give validity and support to them, rather than the frat itself just volunteering itself. I realize that doing things by themselves is essential to the bonding of the fraternity, but as far as image goes, I think making their activities more public would help.
My first question is, are these organizations philanthropic groups that happen to be very social, or social groups that are required to be philanthropic? I’m sure every group is different. But this reminds me a bit of Laura’s post on forced giving in China.
ReplyDeleteIf fraternities and sororities are only giving to reach a quota, and not because it is something that is meaningful to them or part of their organization's mission, their giving might not really be well thought out. It might not be meaningful, and it might even be apathetic. But does that even matter? If they are doing good works for the community, does it matter what their motives are, or how much they ‘care’? (Again, I am just posing a hypothetical situation, and I am not speaking for every sorority or fraternity). I’m not sure I have an answer to this question. Thoughts, anyone?
I do, however, have an answer to your question. I do not think that using the excuse of fund raising to hold an illegal party should be a legitimate form of philanthropy. There are so many other ways to go about giving. I realize that Greek life is well known for their parties, and I am not arguing that they should cease all sort of social activity. I am mostly thinking about how this sort of philanthropy might reflect upon the charities they choose to donate to. Would the Make a Wish foundation still be held in high regard if it was discovered that their wishes were being funded by underage drinking?
I agree that fraternities and sororities do not have the perfect image of being philanthropic. If they are trying to reach a quota, how efficiently are they doing it? They aren't as educated as this class is on what nonprofits do with donations. So do they just give it to any organization and check philanthropy off the list so they can go on to plan their next party? I am not sure on their process of donating but maybe that's because they aren't well known for being philanthropic fraternities and sororities, so how can the rest of the public see the impact they are making either? I think it would be better if the Greek life became more involved with their philanthropic process and started to show more effort in their cause, to better their image. It could even better the Greek community, getting together and understanding each others' values and how they want to help the community instead of getting drunk at parties, making drama and not even remembering it. I sound a bit rough on the Greek life right now, but that's because this is what their image has led me to believe.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like it would be bad publicity for a nonprofit to accept donations from a frat party, nothing about that reflected off of person values in helping the community. It would be more beneficial if the fraternities and sororities were seen out in the community using their time to better society instead of just writing a check.
Hi Ryan!
ReplyDeleteI really like this post, and I think it sheds a new light on Greek life on campus. I think, in answering your first question, Greek organizations can certainly improve their images by having philanthropic events. I think that any events which they put on would attempt to show the rest of campus that, in fact, there is another side to Greek life besides parties and allegations of hazing. With that being said, I don't believe that organizations can completely change their images from a few philanthropic events.
As far as your second question goes, I think that this poses a very interesting quandary. It is important to point out that a dollar taken from a drunk partygoer is worth the same amount of money as the dollar taken from a willing, sober, and knowledgable donor. While an organization that is supported by money from a fraternity or sorority party is certainly not one that will have the best public image, it will undoubtedly be able to buy the same things that an organization supported by money from other sources will be able to purchase. However, with that being said, we must also recognize that there are Greek organizations which continue to condone these kinds of illegal and unethical events.
Hey Ryan, I am actually a member of a fraternity here at Binghamton and a lot of stuff in your article I do agree with. In fact, your question of “whether the frats can improve their image by showcasing their philanthropic efforts…?” was actually brought up at a Greek Life conference earlier this semester. And basically the answer is yes; Greek Life can better portray itself by doing more community service and holding fundraisers for the less fortunate.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the problem is not that organizations do not hold enough philanthropic events. The real issue is what media decides to shed light on. I do believe hazing is wrong. But many organizations, for example sports teams, haze, not just Greek fraternities or sororities.
Fraternities and sororities can do as much community service as they want. But until their efforts are better published in newspapers and other media outlets, their efforts will be overlooked.
And it’s not just the media’s responsibility. Fraternities and sororities also have to do a better job of showcasing their philanthropic efforts. One way this can be accomplished is by posting more pictures of community services events on social media sites. Social media is the main source of information for many college students, so that would a good way to reach out and hopefully promote a more positive image.
I think that Greek organizations do for the most part get publicity for their events along with a decent amount of student organizations. Of course the New York Times isn't going to cover TAU's BBQ for Boobs event and would cover a story on hazing. As I go onto the Pipe Dream's website this morning Delta Chi's Miss Aprhodite event is the featured story. I think the bigger issue in terms of media recognition is students' biases. Could it be that none of the events are big enough that students recognize Greek Life is doing something good. For example, at Penn State their Greek Life organizes Thon which has raised tens of millions of dollars. I think the vast majority of Greek Life events at BU are on such a small scale that it doesn't trigger in students' minds. If they could do a big event that brings students together then I think they could overcome some students bias over Greek Life.
DeleteYou pose some great questions about Greek life and philanthropic efforts in Binghamton. I for one, am a believer that philanthropic efforts are a great way to improve the image of individual fraternities and sororities and even Greek life in general. Although there are numerous philanthropic efforts that are given throughout the year, I don't think there is enough recognition given or advertisement for these events to have significant contributions to their images. Additionally, Greek life in general in Binghamton is not the most condoned or supported among other colleges which makes it harder for these said fraternities and sororities.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your second question about money toward philanthropy from illegal activities, I believe it is very different from donating with money obtained legally. For example, I am sure no one wants to accept "blood money" as a form of payment. I would think it is the same case with money that is coming from the profit generated from parties. These parties promote illegal activities that should not be happening for either profit or toward philanthropy. If I was the one accepting a donation from a fraternity that generated their revenue from parities, I might have to decline.
Hahahaha Seoyoon… “blood money?” At first, all I could picture was a bunch of frat and sorority members making money off of illicit activities. Only, those illicit activities are not being members of the mafia or selling drugs, but throwing parties and having fun.
DeleteGreek organizations are only catering to their audience. Let’s be honest: a really huge party will generate more revenue than a bake sale. I don’t know if this quantifies as blood money, or just as students wishing to have a good time. If students are harmlessly having fun (well, hopefully it’s harmless), and thy make $3000, I would love to see this money going to an organization that promotes education or that helps alleviate the conditions of people living in poverty, rather than going towards more illicit activities.
Greek life has a bad name on this campus. Maybe donating to an organization is only a part of sustaining their image and putting a Band-Aid on their reputation, but I’m actually okay with that.
Ryan, everyone will agree with me here, your blog is absolutely thought provoking and certainly intriguing! I love that you’re writing about campus life and relating it to our class. I would have never associate Greek life here with the kind of philanthropy that we’re attempting to do. Nevertheless, it’s clear to see that many of the good works done on and beyond campus are collaborative efforts of various fraternities and sororities. While rumors about hazing and intense partying are becoming synonymous with Greek life, we failed to acknowledge that members of these fraternities and sororities are ordinary students like us. Sure the throw wild parties and events, but students who aren’t involved with Greek life take parts in the show too. So in the first sense, I think we ought to look at Greek life not by each fraternity’s notoriety, but rather as a (an exclusive) student organization. In the second sense, unless we can redefine Greek life for what it truly is and not for what it’s socially assumed to be, then can only frats and sororities’ efforts to give to philanthropy to be properly recognized.
ReplyDeleteAs for the second question on posted about condoning or evaluating the legitimacy of donating money made on party-goers to a non-profit, I want to point out that many organizations have raised funds through social events like charity ball, auction, etc. If these frats and sororities are genuine about their philanthropy, I’m confident that they’ll develop some sense of moral decency and try to raise money in a better way. Needless to say, I would agree with you: frats and sororities are within their rights to donate their resources to a non-profit as long as they attained their funds legally (I know underage drinking is illegal, but that is within the responsibility of party-goers too). In ending I just want to say you did a good job in facilitating a wonderful debate in our class.