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Monday, October 10, 2005
Nalzaro: The Greek letter society
By Bobby Nalzaro
FRATERNITIES usually use Greek letters for their names. That is why they are referred to as Greek letter societies. But not all fraternities use the Greek letter, like the brotherhood organizations Masons, the DeMolays and the Aquila Legis Fraternity, the exclusive fraternity of law students at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Some local fraternities do not use Greek letters, like the UP Vanguard, Samhang Ilocano, and the police and military brotherhood organization, Guardian Brotherhood, which was formerly known as the El Diablo Squad.
Fraternities originated in the United States of America before spreading to Europe and later in Asia. The Phi Beta Kappa, recorded as the first American college fraternity, was organized on the campus of the College of William and Mary in 1776. Men and women are members of this honorary scholarship society.
The Greek lettered fraternities and sororities have played a major role in American college life since 1776. Black college fraternities and sororities did not emerge until the early 1900s. Unlike their white counterparts, the black groups remain very active at the graduate level. Since their founding, these groups have played a major role in the cultural, social and civic life of their communities.
In the late 18th century and in the early 1900s, several international fraternities put up chapters here, like the Alpha Sigma Phi, which was founded in 1845, the Alpha Phi Omega (1925), Beta Sigma (1945), Sigma Rho and many others. Likewise, fraternities that were founded locally have been able to establish chapters abroad.
If we trace the origin of fraternities, they really have objectives, vision and mission, aside from brotherhood and camaraderie. Each fraternity adopts a motto and principles and most of the mottos are centered on leadership, perseverance, scholarship and service towards members and community. They adopt the values we commonly practice such as honesty, integrity, truthfulness and love for country. Each Greek letter it uses has a meaning for fraternity members.
But gone are the days that fraternity members are respected in and out of campus because they excelled in various fields. Great people like our former and present national political leaders are members of fraternities. Former senator Jovito Salonga, Marcelo Fernan, Ed Angara, Franklin Drilon and Juan Ponce Enrile are members of the UP Sigma Rho.
But times have really changed. Those who join fraternities now do it for plain and simple companionship. That’s why they get involved in conflict and fighting, acts that practically shattered the good image of fraternity.
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/09193181404)
(October 10, 2005 issue)
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