Delta Sigma Phi, A Relic From a Forgotten Era
The United States of America was my mother’s first true home. She grew up as an Assyrian, Christian woman in Iraq, a region in which her people had lived for thousands of years. Assyrians have been targeted throughout history, perhaps … Continued
Rebuttal: Fraternities & Gangs Have Plenty In Common
I remember watching a television series detailing the rise and fall (or sustainability) of gangs throughout American history. After learning more about gangs I came to a realization: “Gangs are fraternities.” An article by Ibram Kendi for The Atlantic made … Continued
Education is Exploration
My progress was slow as a swimmer in high school. After early improvements, my times were flat year-over-year. So, my coach decided I should try something new. Our top swimmer in breaststroke was graduating the following year. I would spend … Continued
Re-Thinking Fraternity Chapter Meetings: “One Meeting a Week”
My fraternity suggests that chapters meet 20 times or more each year to win our big trophy. That requirement was referenced as an example of an “energy cost” in my last post. [Read: The Dues Are Too Damn High] It’s … Continued
The Dues Are Too Damn High
It is fascinating how various quests for utopia can bring out the worst in people or groups. As many as 60 million people died in the Soviet Union’s experiment. The Chinese Cultural Revolution, in which dictator Mao Zedong endorsed violence … Continued
FM Quip: Failure, the Fertilizer
FM Quips can be read in 5 or fewer minutes. See other FM Quips by clicking here. Connect with Fraternity Man (Nik) on Twitter to share your thoughts. From death sprouts life, and vice versa. The idea that failure is … Continued
Editor's Choice
The Authoritarian Backlash Against Hazing
New state laws, proposed federal laws, zero-tolerance coalitions and repeated slandering of self-government highlight the hypocrisy in fraternity leaders’ attempt to use coercion against coercion. Taking a “Test” No lifeline candles remained. I... READ MORE
Fraternity Parties Would Suck Less If We Persuasively Explained The Rules.
I never drank “Nile Juice” from the penis of a statue of a Sphinx. It was never on my bucket list, but the way alumni describe the expired tradition is weirdly enchanting. We... READ MORE
It’s Easier To Start A Business Than A Fraternity Chapter
Over the course of five minutes I went from business hopeful to business applicant. Then, within 36 hours of filing, I was approved by the state of Indiana to do business. Compare that... READ MORE
Who Owns The Fraternity Experience?
As a part of your new member experience, next executive board meeting, or next retreat, take some time to look through your fraternity or sorority's governing documents and take note of the chain... READ MORE