Ever heard a news reporter or causal commenter ask what a victim was wearing or drinking while discussing an allegation of sexual assault? Ever heard rape jokes being thrown around in the locker room, in hallways, in the middle of classes? Chances are, most people have. This normalization of female objectification and sexual violence that is so prevalent in our society—the phenomenon commonly known as rape culture—can be seen in virtually all aspects of life. It is a problem so deeply imbedded and far-reaching that it cannot reasonably be attributed to a single factor. That being said, these toxic ideas are undeniably more present, accepted, and actively promoted within some facets of society than others. One of the most glaring examples is collegiate Greek life.
The manifestations of sexism that one sees so frequently within fraternities are often violent, ceaseless, and terrifyingly calculated. Reports of frat members harassing women publically—at sporting events, outside of women’s centers, even in the midst of protests and events organized to show solidarity for survivors of sexual assault—are rampant. Several studies concur that members of frats are at least three times more likely to commit sexual assault than other men on college campuses.
This is by no means coincidental. In fact, much of the sexual violence within frats is disturbingly intentional, and encouraged with a cultlike fervor. Several years ago, an instructional guide issued by a Georgia Tech frat brother entitled “Luring your Rapebait” was circulated to other members before eventually being exposed. This is not an isolated incident. Reports and personal accounts have shown that new members of certain frats in many universities—Cornell included—are routinely taught something known as the “2,1” system. These guidelines advise men to invite a girl to two parties in which they behave well, don’t try to hit on her, and ensure that she doesn’t drink too much. At the third party (the “1”), once they’ve built trust, the system encourages them to get their victim as drunk as possible, and do whatever they’d like.
This kind of disgusting behavior and the attitudes and sense of entitlement behind it is undeniably a major issue in its own right. The actions so often associated with fraternities are nothing short of horrifying and should be treated as such. However, it is important to remember that these realities are emblematic of a much greater problem: the fact that our society at large either ignores or openly condones them.
Think about how frequently rape allegations against prominent frat members are dismissed, or seen as a shame on the off-chance that such an allegation might ruin said rapist’s life. Think about how many times the phrase “boys will be boys” has been thrown around as a trump card against these young men’s harassment and violation of their female peers. While frat culture at large promotes misogyny and rape culture in just about every way imaginable, when the world around them belittles and ignores these unavoidable realities, they promote it too.
When it comes to the rights, safety, and autonomy of others, “boys will be boys” is never an acceptable answer. Frat boys will be held accountable for their actions, and we must be the ones to hold them accountable.