prejudice in greek system Essay -- essays research papers

A major part of every college campus is the Greek system. Although, many times it goes unnoticed there is major segregation among the fraternities and sororities in the south. Why is such an important issue often overlooked? We need to be more aware of segregation because in many cases it causes conflict. What if an African American wanted to join a traditionally white fraternity or sorority or vise versa? The chances of him/her getting in are pretty slim. In fact, it would be most likely that they would not. The walls of race and the barriers from so-called ?traditions? in the Greek system should be broken in order to diversify the organizations and lead to the changes necessary to end segregation and discrimination for good.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Civil War was over 130 years ago, and racial issues still stand even though it has been so long. It amazes me that discrimination and racism carries on today, especially among such younger generations such as college students. One would think that the younger generations would be more aware and more understanding of racial issues. After all it is these younger generations which were raised knowing that discrimination is wrong and everyone is equal no matter what their race or sex. Everywhere in the south a distinct separation between the black and white fraternities and sororities exists. Taking a look, even within the system ?the white fraternities belong to the InterFraternity Council, the white sororities to Panhellenic and the black Greeks to the National Panhellenic Council? (McCarthy). This separation only adds to the issue of racism and discrimination that continues to this day. Many of us think that it is not our problem or choose to ignore the issue. Many think that it is just the way it is; they are right, that is the way it is, but it does not have to be segregated. By sitting back and watching, we are agreeing with segregation and saying that it is okay. Efforts to conduct more interactions within the system and among chapters should be made. A director of Greek Life, Ron Binder, pointed out that ?we wanted to be the office of Greek Life, not the white office of Greek Life? (McCarthy). The Greek system in the north proves to be different than the south. There is no such thing as a ?black? or ?white? fraternity in the north. In the north you will find many African Americans and other minor... ...old student at Georgia Tech, is a promising one. Against the odds, he has faced the segregation issue head on, and joined a traditionally white fraternity known as Pi Kappa Phi, as the only African American. Even more uplifting is the fact that he is the president of the fraternity as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Maybe now we can see that segregation in the Greek system can be a problem. It is left not up one but to all to take a stand, step outside the boundaries, and acknowledge the fact that segregation and discrimination is wrong. There is a problem and as with all other problems it will not be solved on its own. It takes hard work and a genuine effort to make a difference. In no way is the racial separation among the fraternities and sororities helping to solve the worldwide issues of discrimination. Hopefully in the very near future we can look past the color of skin. Using something so petty as skin color to separate people is only holding us back. Those who still use skin color as a way to judge a person are living a life of ignorance. If we are unable to get past such an issue than we will never be able to grow as individuals and as a nation to our full potential.