“Just Do Us”

Jordan Perry
Contributing Writer

In the media, fraternity life is always portrayed with a misogynistic undertone. Whether it be in GREEK or Revenge of the Nerds, the message is clear: If you’re in a fraternity, you’ll “get some.” Obviously, there are a variety of reasons men join fraternities, whether at SUNY Oneonta or at other campuses, but the idea of receiving sex as a direct result of joining a fraternity is still being broadcasted on the t-shirts of fraternities on our campus.

Although unrecognized fraternities are the organizations that are bluntly wearing rush shirts that read “Just Do Us” with a male figure surrounded by female figures, recognized fraternities have also been seen sporting shirts with vulgar slogans, sliding just beneath the radar of being misogynistic. With shirts that read “It’s Always Better Where It’s Wetter” or slogans that infer the fraternity members are having intercourse, some fraternities are not only promoting a sexist culture, but a culture of heterosexism on our campus. The message your shirt is sending is that you are superior and that you don’t care if your shirt makes others uncomfortable because you know what sells. And that is sex. Heterosexual sex.

As a campus that prides itself on diversity-or at least is working toward a more diversified community-I hope to see more members of these fraternities that wear such garb take a stand within their own organization to adjust to the new standard: equality. If greek life prides itself on being the student leaders they claim to be, I expect to see change in regards to the attire that is being sported by its members. The only way to eradicate the negative stigma that is so far etched into greek life is to start by presenting yourself how you want to be seen and I would hope that you wouldn’t want to be seen as misogynistic homophobes.

I have heard stories of professional staff on campus refusing to serve or work with students that choose to wear such distasteful shirts, as the ones pictured, until they change or flip them inside out—and rightfully so.

Other students, like you and I, can also say something. Don’t be afraid to make a comment, to make a statement that you’re uncomfortable or simply find their shirt repulsive. We don’t need to wait for the administration to piece together some legislation to put into the greek life bylaws. We are the students on this campus and we deem what is okay on this campus. Simply say something.

14 Comments

  1. Just wanted to point out, the shirt being referenced where it says “It’s always better where it’s wetter” was ordered and worn by both a fraternity AND a sorority. It was not for just one or the other. Sex can be liberating and fun. Also as a gay brother of said fraternity, my partners can be wet as well.

  2. Just as you have the right as a citizen living in America to speak your mind in a news article, people also have the right to speak their mind through shirts that they wear. ‘Tis a great and beautiful free country we live in.

  3. Preach it, Greek organizations are some of the larger organizations on our campus, and as a result, have the most publicity. That being said, what the greek life are wearing, or promoting, is not always positive. Without being in the greek community, it may come across as accusatory to stand against these sexist shirts, but there are nongreek members of the Oneonta community standing with you.

    • How is promoting straight sex an act of homophobia? I like sex, doesn’t meen I have a problem with people who like it with dudes. Little mermaid must of been a sexist homophobic movie coming from the evil mind of Walt Disney. I know it’s reference could imply sex…but chill with the judgemental attitude. Not a great piece to publish in my personal opinion.

  4. The culture that is being broadcasted on our campus not only reinforces heterosexism, it also seemingly suggests the perceived inferiority of females. Patriarchy is an issue on our campus in addition to, for lack of better terms, piss poor racial treatment of students of color.

    One has the right to say what they want and to where what they wish to wear; however, when it promotes the inferiority of women in comparison to our standings as males, it is our duty to use our gender privileges to speak out against these sexist apparel being worn by fraternity members and to rally for appropriate treatment of women. These are our future partners and mothers of children – do they not deserve a little more respect?

  5. While I agree that frats shouldn’t wear these slogans, I believe this is more of a problem of the hook-up culture. It’s glorifying casual sex like it’s something everyone needs to participate in. This culture is not a healthy lifestyle mentally and physically and we should focus on that.

  6. I can’t believe you actually wasted your time writing this, and whats even worse is that I read this and wasted time I’ll never get back. You obviously are a narrow minded imbecile and I would bet $5000 you would never say this to someone who is wearing this shirt in person. There’s bigger problems on campus then fraternities and their shirts. Its unaccepting people like yourself who are the problem. Be an adult, grow up and get over yourself. You pick horrible topics I can’t believe this made the main page.

    • I would just like to inform you that I personally know the author of this article, and they would most definitely stand up and say something. Also, you my friend, are by far the “narrow minded imbecile” in this case. The author is an active leader on campus, trying to publicize and make a difference against “unaccepting people like yourself” who would simply look past these seemingly small issues which are unfortunately very common on not just our campus, but campuses throughout the country. How about making your judgments after you actually get to know the person you are making them about? Instead of making false accusations such that the author is a “narrow minded imbecile” and an “unaccepting” person.

  7. Just wanted to point out that wearing a shirt that promotes heterosexual sex does not necessarily make you a homophobe. Not saying I agree with the shirts, I just don’t think it’s fair to judge and sterotype all of unrecognized Greek life!

  8. As a sister of a sorority on campus, I am completely offended by this article. Stop generalizing the actions of certain organizations to all of Greek life. We do not all have the same mentality and you do NOT know all of the people within Greek life (this much was made clear from reading your article). If you did, you would know that this is absurd. Many of us are leaders within our organization as well as outside of our organizations – including athletics, other clubs, and RSO and student government. Just because some organizations decide to wear something offensive does NOT mean the rest of Greek life supports a t-shirt choice. It is people like you that drive me insane and make me ashamed to be a part of this campus. Diversity may be increasing, but acceptance is not. You want more acceptance, peace and love?
    “If greek life prides itself on being the student leaders they claim to be, I expect to see change in regards to the attire that is being sported by its members. The only way to eradicate the negative stigma that is so far etched into greek life is to start by presenting yourself how you want to be seen and I would hope that you wouldn’t want to be seen as misogynistic homophobes.”
    I’m sorry, I EXPECT? If you are not a part of Greek life, you can’t EXPECT

  9. I think people are missing the point of this article. While I do think the use of the word “homophobe” in this article was kind of unnecessary, I think think many shirts are downright misogynistic and sexist. Not all, just like not all brothers are sexist, but this apparel is seen enough where it has a negative effect on the student population.

  10. Communication is 10% what you say, 90% how you say it.

    If I’m not mistaken you’re messages are that you want our society to be more accepting of people’s sexuality, want everyone to be able to be proud of you they are and wish for everyone to have the same opportunities independent of their gender.

    Those important messages are lost in your article through the use of accusations, judgmental metaphors and an overall tone of what feels like anger.

    Don’t accentuate the stereotype that activism is only achieved through outrage. If you push, most people push back.

    You don’t have to scream to be heard.

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