INTERVIEW / RESEARCH SUMMARIES
DORON
Doron, a black sophomore at a top ranked university, is one of many black students at his school who are uninvolved in fraternity life. When I asked him about his perceptions and opinions on “white fraternities” at his school (and in general), his unique experiences provided me with good insight. Doron actually explored the white fraternities at his school and decided to join one of them. Unfortunately, the high expenses of joining coupled with being the only black guy in the frat eventually dissuaded him from finishing the pledge process. He told me that he realized that he never felt at home. He often felt like “a token black guy”. When asked about his opinion on the black fraternities at his school, Doron told me that he knew very little about them because at the time of his fraternity interest, there were a total of six black students involved in greek life on campus.
RACHEL
Rachel, a black freshman at a top college, had very cemented opinions about the greek life at her school. When I asked her if she was interested in sorority life, she quickly responded with a definite “No”. As I inquired further, I discovered that she found the “sea of white girls” to be discouraging. Because she’d be one of the only (if not the only) black girl in the sorority, she feels that she’d face an uphill battle against stereotypes and misconceptions regarding herself, as a young black women.
BRIANNA
Brianna, a hispanic freshman at a top college, provided me with with valuable input about sorority life on her campus. Although she is not currently in a sorority, Brianna engaged in the joining process earlier in the year. She said that while she did enjoy some parts of the process, she felt that being a minority made it difficult to make connections and that the other girls viewed her as different. Brianna said that of the over 500 girls interested in joining sororities, there were less than 30 girls of color. She thinks that her concerns would be eased by some sort of active effort to recruit and welcome minorities.
MARCUS
My interview with Marcus was short, but still very telling. Marcus, who is in the process of joining a black fraternity, had little to no interest in joining a white fraternity when he stepped on campus. He says that after only limited exposure to the white fraternities at his school, any interest he had in joining a "white" fraternity had vanished. Marcus views the culture of those fraternities as very misogynistic and elitist, which are things he does not wish to be associated with.
IKE
Ike, a black student on a predominantly white campus, decided to go against the grain and join a "white" fraternity. When asked about the process of joining the fraternity, Ike says that he did not feel uncomfortable because he's been in diverse environments for the majority of his life. However, Ike said he did experience some uncomfortable moments during fraternity events with sororities. He said that since the sororities, like the fraternities, are predominately white, some of the girls would act differently towards him. Overall, Ike is enjoying his fraternity experiences, but wishes there was more diversity. He thinks this can be accomplished by reaching out to minorities and and co-hosting events with the black fraternities on campus. He also wants sot encourage discussions, which he believes can bridge some gaps between races on campus
MALIK
Malik, a black student a top university, is heavily involved with the black fraternity he's apart of. Malik says that as it pertains to greek life, Malik never even considered joining a "white" fraternity. He said that they never seemed to reach out and that, had he joined, his role would've been that of a "token black guy". He also says that as a member of a black fraternity at a predominantly white school, being in a black frat does pose some challenges. Fundraising and programming can be difficult due to the lack of campus support, so reaching out to black fraternities at nearby schools if necessary. As for the future, Malik hopes that black fraternities and "white" fraternities can form at least some sort of connection. He feels that it would benefit both sides and the campus community.
Doron, a black sophomore at a top ranked university, is one of many black students at his school who are uninvolved in fraternity life. When I asked him about his perceptions and opinions on “white fraternities” at his school (and in general), his unique experiences provided me with good insight. Doron actually explored the white fraternities at his school and decided to join one of them. Unfortunately, the high expenses of joining coupled with being the only black guy in the frat eventually dissuaded him from finishing the pledge process. He told me that he realized that he never felt at home. He often felt like “a token black guy”. When asked about his opinion on the black fraternities at his school, Doron told me that he knew very little about them because at the time of his fraternity interest, there were a total of six black students involved in greek life on campus.
RACHEL
Rachel, a black freshman at a top college, had very cemented opinions about the greek life at her school. When I asked her if she was interested in sorority life, she quickly responded with a definite “No”. As I inquired further, I discovered that she found the “sea of white girls” to be discouraging. Because she’d be one of the only (if not the only) black girl in the sorority, she feels that she’d face an uphill battle against stereotypes and misconceptions regarding herself, as a young black women.
BRIANNA
Brianna, a hispanic freshman at a top college, provided me with with valuable input about sorority life on her campus. Although she is not currently in a sorority, Brianna engaged in the joining process earlier in the year. She said that while she did enjoy some parts of the process, she felt that being a minority made it difficult to make connections and that the other girls viewed her as different. Brianna said that of the over 500 girls interested in joining sororities, there were less than 30 girls of color. She thinks that her concerns would be eased by some sort of active effort to recruit and welcome minorities.
MARCUS
My interview with Marcus was short, but still very telling. Marcus, who is in the process of joining a black fraternity, had little to no interest in joining a white fraternity when he stepped on campus. He says that after only limited exposure to the white fraternities at his school, any interest he had in joining a "white" fraternity had vanished. Marcus views the culture of those fraternities as very misogynistic and elitist, which are things he does not wish to be associated with.
IKE
Ike, a black student on a predominantly white campus, decided to go against the grain and join a "white" fraternity. When asked about the process of joining the fraternity, Ike says that he did not feel uncomfortable because he's been in diverse environments for the majority of his life. However, Ike said he did experience some uncomfortable moments during fraternity events with sororities. He said that since the sororities, like the fraternities, are predominately white, some of the girls would act differently towards him. Overall, Ike is enjoying his fraternity experiences, but wishes there was more diversity. He thinks this can be accomplished by reaching out to minorities and and co-hosting events with the black fraternities on campus. He also wants sot encourage discussions, which he believes can bridge some gaps between races on campus
MALIK
Malik, a black student a top university, is heavily involved with the black fraternity he's apart of. Malik says that as it pertains to greek life, Malik never even considered joining a "white" fraternity. He said that they never seemed to reach out and that, had he joined, his role would've been that of a "token black guy". He also says that as a member of a black fraternity at a predominantly white school, being in a black frat does pose some challenges. Fundraising and programming can be difficult due to the lack of campus support, so reaching out to black fraternities at nearby schools if necessary. As for the future, Malik hopes that black fraternities and "white" fraternities can form at least some sort of connection. He feels that it would benefit both sides and the campus community.