UPDATE: Our audience has said that the points made in the original column lacked background research and evidence. However, the majority of prominent search results found surrounding the Fratagonia trend were omitted from the original column because the point was to discuss the trend, not to attack Greek culture in general, and the negative nature of the search results seemed to add insult to injury.
The top three headlines that appeared when “Fratagonia meaning” was Googled (a term that most people outside of Greek culture would use when trying to figure out what it is) included the urban dictionary definition, an article titled “Patagonia sues to shut down ‘Fratagonia’ line” and “Body shots, Sorostitutes and Fratagonia.” That last one is an academic journal, which states the definition of ‘Fratagonia’ as “If someone says they are wearing fratagonia, then they are referring to a term given to the clothing brand Patagonia due to its overwhelming use by members of fraternities.” Which is not only an incorrect definition, but the philanthropy isn’t mentioned at all.
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The coverage available that actually pertains to Phi Delta Theta’s Fratagonia philanthropy effort is rather slim — and it isn’t easily accessible to the average internet user outside of Greek culture. This means that, as far as the concern of conformity goes, there is an opportunity for essentially anyone to purchase Fratagonia merchandise without being aware of it’s meaning, so it’s reasonable to conclude that some people are wearing it simply because it’s a popular trend.
The main problem is that retailers that don’t necessarily have a connection to the philanthropy are selling Fratagonia apparel, drinkware and home decor, meaning that people who don’t understand, appreciate or even know about the philanthropy efforts for ALS have the opportunity to sport them. That’s what I mean when I say the trend has gone too far. The widespread adaptation takes away from the philanthropy’s significance, as well as what Patagonia stands for and values — and they made it clear in their 2015 lawsuit that they aren’t fans of the connection and adaptations of their company’s intellectual property.
The lawsuit stated: “While Patagonia has never sought to popularize this term, other parties, in addition to Fratagonia, have tried to capitalize on Patagonia’s goodwill and this “nickname” by producing products under a Fratagonia designation, requiring Patagonia to protect its famous trademark and consumer goodwill by seeking agreements that sales of this type will stop.”
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“Fratagonia”, “Patagucci,” croakies and Chacos, all have been adorned and adopted by Greek cultures on campuses across the United States, and CSU is no exception to the growing trend.
Since I arrived in college I’ve always noticed that Fraternity and Sorority Life, as a whole tends to adopt similar styles. My freshman year, white converse were trending; worn by both men and women and usually paired with an oversized Spirit Jersey with reference to the letters of whatever house they were in.
This school year of 2015-2016, has emerged the rising trend of outdoor apparel sported by Greek life on campus. This rising trend has become so big that new slang words have been developed like “Patagucci” or “Fratagonia” to the point where those terms are even printed on clothing. Your average fraternity/sorority member is most likely to be wearing some version of this: a Patagonia fleece or T-shirt with the logo of Patagonia but instead with the letters of their organization, most likely some very short shorts, a pair of Chacos, and topped off with croakies dangling around their neck.
Well you might think: “That’s exactly what the Warner College of Natural Resource majors are wearing!” And you’d be correct, however; look very closely at the two versions and you will quickly be able to tell which Chacos have been worn on a river and which Chacos have been stored in a closet next to their white converse. While I’m sure Patagonia or Chacos doesn’t mind the revenue received from the Greek life consumer, the purpose of their products were made for practical uses in the outdoors not as a status symbol of involvement in a fraternity. That’s exactly what these outdoor brands are serving as: status symbols, and Greek life helps to facilitate that.
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As stated in Patagonia’s mission statement, “Alpinism remains at the heart of a worldwide business that still makes clothes for climbing – as well as for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fly fishing, paddling and trail running. These are all silent sports. None require a motor; none deliver the cheers of a crowd.”
Patagonia was specifically created with utility in mind, with deeper core values than “it’s what the rest of my sorority is wearing.” That Patagonia fleece, while it may be trendy, is very useful when you are freezing your face off backpacking in Utah in the middle of winter. Those Chacos are very useful when you are rafting. Those croakies are really useful in preventing you from losing your sunglasses every time you lean over to net your trout you just caught.
These outdoor items have a purpose and it is not to establish who is apart of your group and who is not. Students, specifically members of Greek communities, are taking group conformity too far. We should express our individuality, interests, and personalities based on us; not based on whatever group we have chosen to identify with.
I’m not interested in looking identical to someone else or wearing a certain style to fit in with my chosen group. I’m going to wear my Chacos because they’ve been used for their intended purpose and I would like to wear my croakies without looking like I’m in a frat.
Collegian Columnist Bridgette Windell can be reached at letters@collegian.com, or on Twitter @Bridgette_Rae.
Riley Derus • Mar 4, 2016 at 2:35 pm
I better not see you on campus wearing any Nikes, if you are not wearing them workout, or God for bid I see you wearing any dress clothes if you’re not in the business school. This article is the most close minded opinion I have ever seen. Awfully written and lacks any sort of insight
McKenna Wood • Mar 4, 2016 at 11:54 am
Just because it didn’t pop-up in the first page of your google search doesn’t mean there isn’t information about fratagonia out there. “The widespread adaptation takes away from the philanthropy’s significance” You don’t get to decide that its popularity as a product takes away from the huge impact it makes on peoples lives. With no involvement in the philanthropy the fact that you would pass judgement on it is completely unfair. As a journalist (yes even in opinion articles) you should put more effort into finding information about your topic. Especially if you’re going to write an entire article insulting a huge group of people. I like your other work for the collegian (especially the article about moving from CU to CSU) but this article just seemed like shallow judgements. There’s really only one type of conversation an article like this can start as i’m sure you’ve seen in the comments below. Quite frankly all of Colorado wears chacos and Patagonia’s. We are one of the most physically active states in the U.S. You don’t get to decide who can wear it and for what purpose.
disqus_NYwFNIoCaM • Mar 4, 2016 at 8:25 am
You know what results are given when you search for Fratagonia in Google’s shopping tab? Quite literally a single result, which is a measly sticker.
courtney • Mar 3, 2016 at 6:46 pm
this is honestly such an awful representation of the FSL community and I suggest this be taken down immediately. do your research next time.
Kyle • Mar 3, 2016 at 5:44 pm
I can’t believe that you used urban dictionary to support your argument. For one, it is not a credible source and two, it is filled with demeaning stereotypes and ignorant statements. Don’t believe me? Type in the phrase “African American” into urban dictionary. I am not even allowed to repeat what information came up due to its graphic and obserd nature. Bridgette, since you are using an obtuse, insolent, and down right offensive website to support your argument says a lot about the moral and ethical standards that you have (or don’t have) as a journalist.
Tanner • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:59 pm
“The point was to discuss the trend, not to attack Greek culture in general”
Not to attack Greek Culture?
“Your average fraternity/sorority member is most likely to be wearing some version of this: a Patagonia fleece or T-shirt with the logo of Patagonia”
“That’s exactly what these outdoor brands are serving as: status symbols, and Greek life helps to facilitate that.”
“Students, specifically members of Greek communities, are taking group conformity too far”
“I would like to wear my croakies without looking like I’m in a frat”
Yup. Sounds like we’re just discussing a trend here. Let’s see how ignorant this article sounds if I simply replace any reference to Greek culture with African American. If this article is truly “discussing a trend”, the following sentences shouldn’t sound offensive at all.
“Your average African American person is most likely to be wearing some version of this: a Patagonia fleece or T-shirt with the logo of Patagonia”
“That’s exactly what these outdoor brands are serving as: status symbols, and African American’s helps to facilitate that.”
“Students, specifically African American’s, are taking group conformity too far”
“I would like to wear my croakies without looking like I’m an African American”
Now I hate to bring race into this but that just goes to show how ignorant this article truly is. Would an article with these racist sentences have made it into the collegian? Absolutely 100% not. I fail to see why discriminating and stereotyping Greek life is perfectly fine when similar behaviors towards anyone else are completely unacceptable.
Robyn Linsey Coles • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:20 pm
Seriously who the hell cares what you wear. Implying that wearing these things defines you as being part of a certain group is ridiculous. If I want to wear a Patagonia fleece I will. And if I want to wear converse I will. you aren’t conforming just because you happen to like what other people like. Wear what you want to wear and what you feel comfortable in. Discriminating and singling out students and organizations for what they choose to clothe themselves in is beyond shallow. Shame on you. And shame on the collegian for allowing such bias and distaste.
Alden • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:08 pm
This couldn’t be less factual…. you remind me of Donald Trump. Your spewing nonsense and clearly know nothing about your writing topic of choice. I’m not even associated with Greek life here, nor do I really want to associate my self with them. However I’m not nearly naive enough to overlook the clear good they do for the community. There ALS fundraising has raised literally thousands upon thousands of dollars for those in need, and thats year after year i mind you. Your using urban dictionary as a source, are you ill? That website was practically designed to give robust and incorrect definitions to common slang terms. I’m disappointed the collegian even let you publish this. You should try fact checking things every once in awhile, and by that I don’t mean on urban dictionary. I honestly hope that you consider getting out of the journalism career because you have no business being there. and yes I read your article on why people who don’t play basketball shouldn’t wear mid calve socks…. well I’m wearing ski socks right now and I’m not on the mountain, instead I’m on campus, what do you have to say to me? All I have to say to you is my toes are cold and I’ll wear whatever socks I want.
Amanda • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:03 pm
Maybe you should have made this article about copyright issues around brand logos instead of some convenient outlet to stereotype and criticize apparel that Greek members (may or may not) wear?
CSU Collegian • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:02 pm
To all commenters: thank you for the input. We just want to remind everyone that this is an opinion column, not a news article. It reflects the views of one writer and not the Collegian as a whole. We give our opinion writers the space to air their views, no matter how controversial, because they are students too, so their opinions likely reflect those of others on campus. The goal of our writers is to provoke thought and conversation around these topics.
Alex • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:31 pm
This article does not provoke thoughtful conversation about a controversial topic. This article is blatant bullying. I would hope that the CSU Collegian encourages its writers to present higher quality work to the student body rather than attacking specific groups or organizations on campus.
Madison Y • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:43 pm
Amen to that one.
CSU Collegian • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:48 pm
Your comments, the comments of your peers, and the conversations on campus today on Greek life have been insightful and interesting. Several Greek life members have come to our office and talked to us about their experiences in fraternities and sororities. We are getting many letters to the editor on the topic that we will be publishing soon. This is what we mean by thoughtful conversation. If you wish, please do come by our office and share your views so that we can have an open dialogue about this topic.
CSUGreek • Mar 3, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Thoughtful conversation is not, under any circumstance, individuals expressing their disappointment and anger at a topic. This is especially so when the topic is lacking any depth as this article is. Allowing a writer to justify their two sources as a “google search” and “urban dictionary” reflects greatly on the quality of the Collegian, especially when thousands of sources on the Greek community and their “trends” are abundant on this campus.
Robyn Linsey Coles • Mar 3, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Are you really trying to excuse this behavior? Opinion columns are supposed to bring intellectual and researched opinions from different sides of certain issues. This was a pathetic one sided attack. How was this supposed to provoke intellectual thought? And airing your views is vastly different from using this platform to outwardly attack, degrade, and unfairly judge an entire portion of the student body for what they choose to cover their bodies with. Last time I checked we were encouraged to wear what we feel comfortable in and what we want to wear. If I want to wear converse or fleeces then I should be damn well able to without being judged. Shame on you for allowing this to happen and for trying to excuse this behavior as “oh it’s an opinion piece blah blah”. No. This is 100% unacceptable and only encourages judgmental values.
Kathleen Keaveny • Mar 3, 2016 at 7:31 pm
Just because an article is in the opinion section of the newspaper, does not mean that research should not be done. Citing URBAN DICTIONARY is probably one of the least credible things a ‘journalist’ could do. The point the author is trying to make, if there is one, is entirely lost in her petty language and lack of research.
There are thousands of students she could have talked to on this campus that would have been better research than a google search.
This is simply sloppy journalism. If you can even call it ‘journalism’.
Abbey • Mar 3, 2016 at 3:55 pm
Bridgette, you are a bigot. Your own personal disdain for Fraternities and Sororities is palpable. I may not be a member of greek life, but how dare you? How dare you insist that only non-Greek life outdoor enthusiasts can wear high-quality, long-lasting, and practical clothing from companies that are generally sustainable companies. The generalizations in this article are rampant. I’m astonished that this got past an editor without raised eyebrows. You may want to consider why more people could be wearing these clothing options. We live in Colorado, people are active, some just becoming active. If someone has moved from downtown Los Angeles, they’re not going to have perfectly worn chaos. I fear for your journalism career, what is presented here is of the lowest caliber. Although here is some advice you might want to take to heart next time you do an article with no research or understand of WHY something is occurring; you can use logic without statistics but you can’t use statistics without logic.
Kathleen Keaveny • Mar 3, 2016 at 3:54 pm
You are citing URBAN DICTIONARY as research and a reference? This is not journalism.
If you would have researched the use of “Fratagonia” as it pertains to CSU, ON campus, like any ‘journalist’ should, men and women involved in Fraternity and Sorority life would have discussed the thousands of dollars the men of Phi Delta Theta have raised in support of ALS research through their annual philanthropy event they call “Fratagonia”.
After having interviewed and discussed these trends among men and women involved in Fraternity and Sorority life, you would have understood that these are entirely universal trends around campus that serve several purposes, such as being comfortable while participating in outdoor activities OR making the mile+ walk to, from and around campus OR becuase you just think Chacos look cool. Who cares? This article is superficial, discriminatory and pointless.
If you are trying to make a point with this article, it is entirely lost in your petty, close-minded and superficial ‘article’.
Instead of attacking a group on campus, why don’t you interview some members and try to understand their values and goals.
A better headline would have been “Phi Delta Theta raises thousand for ALS research through philanthropy event”, you say internet research doesn’t present information about this event? How about step out onto campus.
Other headlines regarding Greek life could be:
“Members of Pi Kappa Phi bike across U.S. to raise money and awareness for disabilities”
“Chi Omega grants terminally-ill make-a-wish child’s wish”
“Zeta Tau Alpha spends month of October fundraising for breast cancer research”
“Students involved with Greek life have highest GPA on campus”
Christopher T Collins • Mar 3, 2016 at 3:23 pm
“I’m not interested in looking identical to someone else or wearing a certain style to fit in with my chosen group. I’m going to wear my Chacos because they’ve been used for their intended purpose and I would like to wear my croakies without looking like I’m in a frat.”
First and foremost, its a Fraternity not a frat so you might want to start researching how unprofessional it is to use a derogatory term with such slanderous allegations about clothing of all things. Secondly, that’s great that you want to be unique but if you had taken the time to look at the entire membership of a real chapter at CSU you would have realized that there is far more diversity than you think. I won’t make any assumptions about you or the life you choose to live, even though you clearly had no problem doing that to all of us but I hope you realize that ALL of the people you intended to hurt are your fellow Rams… You must be lost, Boulder is down the road!
Megan • Mar 3, 2016 at 3:20 pm
https://www.phideltatheta.org/2015/11/colorado-gamma-colorado-state-raises-13000-for-brother-who-was-in-life-threatening-car-accident/
Just wanted to direct you to an article acknowledging the amazingly hard work and dedication the men of Phi Delta Theta put into their philanthropy event.
Here is their “Fratagonia” philanthropy event from 2015 as well: http://theodysseyonline.com/csu/csu-men-greatest-versions-brotherhood-philanthropy/141056
Not too hard to research and find some information on…
disqus_NYwFNIoCaM • Mar 3, 2016 at 3:00 pm
What “retailers” are you finding who sell Fratagonia merchandise? I know for a fact that every piece of clothing that is worn on CSU’s campus saying “Fratagonia” is from the fraternity’s philanthropy event.
CSU and FSL Alum • Mar 3, 2016 at 2:40 pm
Bridgette, I’m glad you wrote this because it only reflects poorly on you. Your goal of trying to shame your peers and fellow Rams backfired. As we can all see, you are incredibly judgmental, poorly informed and ignorant. I don’t understand why you even care what members of the FSL community are even wearing. I mean, news flash – this isn’t a new trend. College students and people in general (outdoorsy or not, greek or not) all around the country have been and are wearing Chacos, Croakies and Patagonia… it didn’t originate at CSU. Regardless of people are hiking, fishing, skiing, biking, rafting, etc. the products are serving a practical purpose! Chacos= shoes so you don’t burn your feet on the pavement or step on glass, Croakies= don’t lose your sunglasses, sunglasses won’t fall off when you bend over to fix your chacos, Patagonia= keeps you warm AF. Get off your high horse and start embracing the people around you and the good they do for the campus and community.
Hanna Reeder • Mar 3, 2016 at 2:39 pm
As for the “update” that has been posted, are you really relying on the internet to provide you with credible information on Colorado State University Fraternity & Sorority Life? This is absurd. As someone who has worked in the office for the past three years and has dealt with Collegian journalists before, why don’t you walk to the office and ask for information? If you are going to write an article on a community of CSU, then use sources that are relevant to the CSU FSL, not the whole country. I am ashamed and disappointed in the Collegian. This is not journalism, this is downright discrimination.
CSUGreek • Mar 3, 2016 at 2:37 pm
Ms. Windell in response to your edit:
You are acting as a journalist writing about the Greek community at a school you attend. Would it be too much of me to ask of you as a journalist to do some research beyond a simple Google search?
Possibly (and forgive me if I am going too far) interview one of the thousands of students at this school that participate in the community that makes up your subject matter?
In next week’s column: “I’m mad at people who are wearing baseball caps when they have never even played baseball!”
Vickers • Mar 3, 2016 at 1:35 pm
I bet you’re a ball of fun at parties
Lauren • Mar 3, 2016 at 1:15 pm
I appreciate your article as CSU is a place where students can freely speak. I hope you have reached a number of people who can now see the ignorance some students have when it comes to certain organizations/ groups on campus. To summarize your article, “The Greek community is bad because they dress in outdoorsy clothes.” To summarize the below comments, as well as my personal thoughts, “Calling out a group because of the way they dress makes you a bully.” Everyone finds friends/ groups who are like-minded and share the same passions. Do the people in your group, Bridgette, not wear similar clothing to you? The Greek community shouldn’t be chastised for loving and embracing the outdoors, especially being in Colorado. They also shouldn’t be banned from wearing the clothing simply because you don’t want them to. Again, I hope this has been a learning experience for you and many others and that in time you will see this is a perfect example of cyber-bullying.
Josh • Mar 3, 2016 at 1:12 pm
It’s so much more than a t-shirt.
Mike • Mar 3, 2016 at 1:05 pm
Why don’t you do you’re research next time and actually find out what Fratagonia actually is. The Philanthropy they put on for ALS is nationwide and just so happens to have that name for CO Gamma. Also, since when is it socially non-exceptable to where whatever you want to school? Is it not okay for people to wear Patagonia or Chacos to class? Fratagonia has raised thousands of dollars for ALS, so before you shit on this Philanthropy and what people wear, do your research :))) I hope you think about writing an apology article about how ignorant you sound:) I hope you go to Fratagonia next year supporting ALS!
Haleigh • Mar 3, 2016 at 1:01 pm
An update to this column will be published later this afternoon. Thank you for your feedback, an we hope you check back!
Madison Y • Mar 3, 2016 at 1:08 pm
Thank you, Haleigh.
Sky • Mar 3, 2016 at 12:55 pm
“Well you might think: “That’s exactly what the Warner College of Natural Resource majors are wearing!” And you’d be correct, however; look very closely at the two versions and you will quickly be able to tell which Chacos have been worn on a river and which Chacos have been stored in a closet next to their white converse.”
It looks like you wear outdoor gear to preserve your status as an outdoor enthusiast. This is really funny considering what you go on to say:
“the purpose of their products were made for practical uses in the outdoors not as a status symbol of involvement in a fraternity. That’s exactly what these outdoor brands are serving as: status symbols, and Greek life helps to facilitate that.”
You’re just upset that what you once perceived to be your unique trend is becoming more popular among the masses. But that’s what happens with trends. Similar patterns can be observed across music, movies, television and fashion (as in this case).
Also, by your logic, no one should be wearing Patagonia or Chacos on campus, because your interpretation of “Alpinism remains at the heart of a worldwide business that still makes clothes for climbing,” is that this gear can only be worn in an alpine sport setting. Going to class is not an extension of Alpinism.
And if you think I don’t know what Alpinism is, you are incredibly mistaken. I have climbed and skied 14ers, I have backpacked through the most grueling portions of the Appalachian Trail, I have spent 2 weeks sleeping under nothing but the stars, I have my Wilderness First Aid certification and my Avalanche Level One certification, I have made a chocolate cake from scratch in a canyon in the middle of a desert, I have raced sailboats, I have caught North Carolina State Citation size fish, and backcountry skiing is my favorite activity under the sun.
I am also a member of CSU Greek Life, and I wear my Patagonia gear because it’s awesome, sustainable clothing and by purchasing it I am supporting a responsible company. If that makes you mad, I’m sorry. But I think it would make Yvon Chouinard quite pleased to see an entire community rallying around his life’s work.
You are being incredibly judgmental of a community I don’t think you fully understand.
Sophie • Mar 3, 2016 at 12:52 pm
As someone who is a lover of the outdoors and NOT in a sorority, I found this article flawed, disappointing, and judgmental. It was basically a piece where the author could whine about a pet peeve of hers, without bothering to double check her facts. For example, “fratagonia” is actually a philanthropic event that is put on to raise money for a charity. And “patagucci”? That term has been thrown around since I’ve been a freshman in high school, referencing how expensive the brand is in general. I hope that in the future The Collegian thinks twice before publishing this sort of judgmental content that attacks people in our own community, for how they dress.
Madison Y • Mar 3, 2016 at 12:48 pm
I have tried really hard to not comment, but this has been bothering me since I read your post.
1. I have worn chacos since I was in high school. I actually use them for what they’re intended. Even if I didn’t, do you really think Chaco cares? They’re making money.
2. Patagonia is the comfiest thing I have ever come across in my life. It’s like wearing a blanket, but more socially acceptable. I don’t really care about the brand, I just like how comfy they are. I also do outdoorsy things in them.
3. Mind you, converse was created for basketball. So, you should probably start telling everyone that unless they play professional basketball, they shouldn’t wear converse. But that would sound absurd..
4. I’ll just leave this here so that you can do further research on “Fratagonia” Props to Amber for this awesome article- http://theodysseyonline.com/csu/csu-men-greatest-versions-brotherhood-philanthropy/141056
5. Croakies are awesome. I lose my sunglasses every 20 minutes, so now, I never lose them. They’re great for the beach and the lake too, but why can’t I wear them when I’m not there?
I did not join a sorority to be a clone. I joined because diversity is valued, support is given, and we are pushed to be the best that we can be. Not only does greek life have the highest GPA on campus, but we also are the most involved. These people are some of the most selfless people I have ever met in my life and I’m dreading graduating because I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to find people as genuine as these. I am super disappointed that you felt the need to degrade a big group of people that you don’t know. Take time to sit down and interview some of us about our passions, dreams, hobbies, etc. You will probably regret writing this article.
All I ever see is negativity these days. I encourage you to be different and write about things that will uplift people rather than hurt them.
CSUGreek • Mar 3, 2016 at 12:43 pm
The glaring fact that you didn’t research “Fratagonia” before you wrote this article has me questioning your journalistic integrity, as well as the qualifications of the Opinions page editor. Lambasting a group on this campus that raises money for ALS because of a harmless play on words is by far the lowest I have seen this paper go.
Ms. Windell, if the height of your journalistic aspirations is to write antagonistic attack pieces based on people’s appearance you don’t need a four year journalism degree for that – you can join my illiterate high school friends in writing their presidential opinions on Facebook.
disqus_NYwFNIoCaM • Mar 3, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Fratagonia is a fraternity’s annual philanthropy event, which has raised thousands of dollars in the past few years for the ALS Foundation. Stop trash talking a good cause.
Mike Hattel • Mar 3, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Oh I guess my boat shoes are just for looks despite the fishing I do. Or that fleece jacket is just for looks despite that they are perfect to wear under hunter orange or camo. I find it hilarious that this person assumes that beacuse I keep me gear clean so I can use it for more than just the outdoors that they’re more nature oriented. Those backpacking trips you take in national parks, I have been paying for since I was 5 with all the taxes on my hunting/fishing liscences or ammuntion. You’re welcome by the way.
Max • Mar 3, 2016 at 11:43 am
Colorado State Universities first Core Value:
“We embrace diversity in all its forms and for its ways of contributing to the intellectual and social vitality of our campus environment”
To a CSU Alumni who loves their university and is a proud Greek member, this article (along with countless other articles degrading and stereotyping Greek life in the past few years) is extremely distressing. How, Bridgette, can you find it acceptable to lambaste a group or organization for how their members chose to identify? This is plain and simple discrimination. Most importantly, it goes against CSU’s first and most fundamental Core Value. Before judging others, maybe you should judge yourself.
Kay • Mar 3, 2016 at 11:34 am
As someone who has written for The Collegian, I am shocked this was published. It does nothing to start a meaningful conversation or discuss a topic worth debate. It merely calls out a specific group on campus for the way they dress… Simply perpetuating stereotypes and preconceived notions. Clearly the author knows no one in Greek life and has an outspoken distaste for them. Disappointed in The Collegian.
Kevin • Mar 3, 2016 at 11:28 am
I am more disappointed that we have students like Bridgette writing garbage like this rather than some students wearing the clothes they want to wear. It’s unfortunate that the rest of the CSU population has nothing better to do than to rip on members of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community. Maybe the Collegian should go back to actually updating the student body about campus news, events, and truly relevant happenings… the paper was a little bit thinner back then and I was actually happy to pick up a paper every morning. I’m just sick of hearing about the same stuff every week. Like, we have ~30k students on this campus… run a story on the other 88% sometime, yeah?
CSUFan • Mar 3, 2016 at 6:25 pm
Hahaha do you actually read the Collegian? Opinion articles, and ones about Greek life in particular, make up about 1% of their content.
Alex • Mar 3, 2016 at 11:14 am
When people who aren’t lawyers wear suits… really grinds my gears. Or when people who aren’t playing golf wear polos. or when people who aren’t lumberjacks wear flannels. Or when people who aren’t sleeping wear pajamas. And how dare people wear athletic shorts when they aren’t at the gym. C’mon can you hear how baseless this is? The Collegian was specifically created to, and I quote (cuz ya know, research): ” serve as a news source, create a platform for discourse, and provide skill development opportunity for student staff. The Collegian strives to cover and explain the relevance of issues that impact the Colorado State University community, primarily students, by providing a broad scope of perspectives.” How does this article address any of that?
Hanna Reeder • Mar 3, 2016 at 11:01 am
This is extremely disappointing. As a member of a CSU chapter, I thought by this point in our FSL reputation and philanthropic work that the community has done, people would not be so ignorant. The fact that research was not thoroughly executed to understand that Fratagonia is an annual philanthropy event for Phi Delta Theta’s national philanthropy for ALS is insulting and downright rude. Do not generalize us or put us in a box just because we stand for something bigger than ourselves.
Rachel • Mar 3, 2016 at 10:19 am
I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that if you were in a fraternity or sorority you couldn’t like the outdoors. Many of my sisters wear Chacos. And do you know why they wear them? Mainly comfort and hiking, the purpose they were intended for. Please stop trying to dictate what people can and cannot wear. Is it group conformity because almost everyone at CSU wears CSU gear? Or group conformity because all the football players wear sweatpants? Where are the articles about those? And just because I choose to wear converse and a spirit jersey does not mean that I am not an individual and can’t think for myself. Also, those Fratagonia shirts you are talking about? That’s actually a philanthropy event put on by one of the fraternities that raises money for ALS awareness. Please do your research next time before writing such an ignorant article. This isn’t high school. No one should care what other people are wearing, let alone be writing obnoxious articles about it.