If you think this might be a personal attack on you, you also might just be stupid.

[theweaselking]

This apparently hasn't been posted recently enough.

For everyone:

Read.

Learn.

If you recognise yourself, grow the fuck up.

That is all.

Comments

True in other ways

[fengi.livejournal.com]

I first read this as "Five GREEK Social Fallacies" because boy howdy, the entire fraternity/sorority system is built on almost all these fallacies. Except Greeks don't see this as a problem.

Greek Social Fallacy #1: Belonging is essential.

GSF1 is one of the most common fallacies, and one of the most deeply held. Many Greeks had a formative experience with feeling part of the group, and the notion of being on the other side of the transaction is repugnant to them. Even if this sense came just before or after the ritualized humiliation that is hazing, which no sane person would consider worth whatever temporary bonding comes afterward.

In its non-pathological form, GSF1 is benign, and maybe commendable: most clubs and organizations involve a bit of false or artificial camraderie. It's just that Greeks take it to the extreme, involving coercion and demands of loyalty - to people usually haven't earned it at all - which typifies cults, not social groups. Plus they charge for the privelege.


Geek Social Fallacy #2: My Bros Accept Me As I Am

The origins of GSF2 are closely allied to the artifice of GSF1. After being put through the faux bonding ritual, most greeks experience their "tribe" as a non-judgmental haven where they can find acceptance no matter what the cruel world outside says - as long as they conform to type.

Geek Social Fallacy #3: Bros Before All

Valuing friendships is a fine and worthy thing. GSF3 takes it to an unhealthy extreme. It's also where the drive for conformity negates any freedom provided by the not-so unconditional acceptance in GSF2.

Greeks often sacrifice work, family, and romantic obligations at the altar of friendship. In the end, the carrier has a great circle of friends, but not a lot else to show for their life. This is one reason why so many greek circles include people whose sole redeeming quality is loyalty.

Greek Social Fallacy #4: Brotherhood Is Transitive

Every carrier of GSF4 has, at some point, said: "Wouldn't it be great to get all my groups of friends into one place for one big happy party?!" If you're a geek, you might eventually have accept this as unrealistic. If you're a greek, this is your life. GSF4 prevents the carrier from perceiving evidence to contradict it; a carrier will refuse to comprehend their friends don't much care for each other, largely because they are also not allowed to acknowledge it.

Greek Social Fallacy #5: Bros Do Everything Together

One might think this GSF5 involves barely suppressed homoeroticism, which might explain the occasionally hypersexual nature of greek life as compensating. Which is true.

Yet despite contempt for outsiders, especially those of another gender, sex and having a girl/boyfriend can provide a refuge from the relentless forced friendship with people who you may not know or care for beyond some half-assed pledge made freshman year. Thus while greeks often bemoan those who dare place some piece above the sacred bond, it's also a means of escape the claustrophobia of GSF5.