Subject 1: Belonging to fraternities and sororities is beneficial to the members
Claim A: These organizations provide an excellent networking opportunity
Evidence A: “Greek organizations maintain active alumni relations programs that offer possibilities for career networking and mentoring. Many groups have active alumni/graduate chapters providing opportunities for continued involvement.” ( http://ofsa.rutgers.edu/how_to_join/faq.htm)
Assumption A: All members would want or need the opportunity to network
Claim B: These organizations provide solid academic support
Evidence B: “A major goal of Greek life is to encourage and assist members in attaining their academic potential. Each Greek organization offers academic support programs including national and local scholarships and grants, incentives and awards, study skills workshops, tutoring programs, established study sessions, and grade point requirements.” (http://ofsa.rutgers.edu/how_to_join/faq.htm)
Assumption B: All fraternities and sororities are focused on academics
Claim C: These organizations provide a life-long brotherhood or sisterhood
Evidence C: “For many individuals, the most important component of Greek life is the lifelong friendships. The fact that members call themselves “sister” and “brother” demonstrates the sense of family that the groups provide. In this often overwhelming university environment, Greek women and men find that a sorority or fraternity offers a place to be
comfortable and at home.” http://ofsa.rutgers.edu/how_to_join/faq.htm
Assumption C: All members become close to their pledge brothers or sisters and stay in touch with them
Subject 2: Belonging to fraternities and sororities is harmful to its members
Claim A: The initiations into fraternities and sororities can be dangerous and even deadly
Evidence A: “A series of 168 cases of injuries and deaths related to fraternity hazing activities…[occurred] in the United States between 1923 and 1982″ (http://www.essaydepot.com/essayme/650/index.php)
Assumption A: Initiations always include hazing and excessive drinking
Claim B: Peer pressure among the members often makes people do things they otherwise might not do
Evidence B: “I felt sophisticated and savvy going in, but quickly discovered I was out of my league among the Rolex-clad Texas debutantes and new-moneyed California beauties. Yet I reveled in the acceptance and status my sororityinstantly conferred. The attendant freedoms and social opportunities overwhelmed my tender brain. I indulged, partied hard and, a scant two months into the semester, lost my virginity.” (Valen)
Assumption B: Sororities and fraternities often lead members down a dangerous path
Claim C: Many sororities and fraternities have a “cookie cutter” type of person they want
Evidence C: “For weeks I coasted in a daze until one day my sisters placed me on probation, ostensibly for failing to dress in ”appropriate sororityspirit.” The sweat pants I preferred to de rigueur Laura Ashley prairie dresses weren’t cutting it, they said.” (Valen)
Assumption C: People who don’t fit the mold are left out or kicked out
