Blog Post 12 Outline

I. My argument is that fraternities aid immensely in positively developing an individual's character and potential. There are many implications regarding this, mainly because fraternities are always portrayed in a negative light. However, this is because the negative incidents generate much more attention that the positive benefits. Many people are unaware of what truly goes on behind those doors, and i am writing to give the readers a greater insight into the overall Greek Experience.

II. My first paragraph consists of the social capital and benefits gained from joining a fraternity. I tie this into the second paragraph by discussing the academic support and achievement gained from the process as well.

III. I plan on defending hazing and alcohol consumption by using two sources i found. One being that hazing in a sense is a test to see how physically and mentally strong you are. Alcohol consumption being that it is a college experience that should be enacted or lost forever. There are many social implications regarding this as well.

IV. Lastly, I will discuss the various leaders that have benefited greatly, and whom owe much of their success to the support and motivation that the fraternities provide. I still need to find more research on this area.

Blog Post 11

My current case is writing about Greek Fraternities in a positive light. I plan on placing emphasis on the character development one experiences throughout the whole pledging process, and how it will greatly benefit their future. In addition, I will write about the resources that Fraternities can offer individuals in succeeding in life. For example, the networking available through well established alumni, and the increased ease of landing a job due to the shared solidarity amongst members. Also, the fact that current members within the fraternity can serve as role models for the younger generation.

I plan on further supporting this viewpoint by researching various powerful individuals within history, and how the fraternity has contributed to their success. Some examples would include George Bush, John Kerry, and many Fortune 500 CEOs. However, I need to do further research in this area.

Also, There is much negative controversy regarding fraternities when it comes to hazing, and excessive drinking. I plan on using one of my articles I found on Academic Search Premier as a counterpoint to the drinking argument. One defense would be that college drinking is a ritual that must be experienced, or it will be lost forever. Basically, it is a social act with many underlying implications, which i will go further into detail later. I still need to find a trong defense for the hazing implications, however my emerging defense has to do with humility and building a strong character.

Blog Post 10

My current debate is over the benefits of joining a Greek Organization. There are many issues regarding the positive and negative aspects of fraternity involvement. The positive being academic achievement, cultural awareness, righteousness, friendship and loyalty, and character improvement. The negative aspects being, stress, time sacrifice, hazing, excessive drinking. However I truly believe that the benefits outweigh the negatives in the grand scheme. The author that currently provides my greatest support is Thomas Hebert. He goes into great depth over individual development one experiences throughout their process. He offers a lot of insight into the who experience through interviews with the participants throughout the span of their college years. I have only managed to compile research on the positive aspects of my debate.

Blog Post 9

Currently, I have a good idea of where my paper is heading. However, I do need more sources focusing on the underlying reasons behind hazing, and articles discussing the impact of fraternity involvement on successful individuals.

Blog Post 8

My research question is what is the value of joining a fraternity. There are many reasons one may have for associating with Greek life. Whatever they may be, there are profound effects on one's character throughout the process; for better or worse. My paper is going to be based on the process one experiences during pledging. The articles discussing hazing gives me a better understanding to the insight into why fraternities would partake in these rituals. Furthermore, I intend to explore the deeper meaning behind hazing. Also, i want to study the before and after effects on an individual's character once they finish the process. The article discussing moral character will serve as a useful source in supporting this point. Also, I intend to explore the social aspects regarding a Fraternity. From how they communicate and work with each other, to their drinking habits. Finally, I plan on researching successful individuals who owe part of their success to Fraternities. Some individuals being former president George Bush, who was part of the Skull and Bones Society.