Dartmouth fraternity brothers Noah Smith And Douglas Payne shed some light the Greek system, and their experiences run counter to many campus myths about fraternity life.

Amidst a slew of recent attacks and accusations made about the Greek system at Dartmouth, we thought it would be helpful to present some thoughts on frat life from a perspective that is not often heard — that of the black male fraternity brother. Lately we have heard a lot of “–ist” labels being applied to “the inherent structure” of the Greek system — racist, sexist, homophobic, classist — and as people who live their normal lives within “the structure,” we have been scratching our heads trying to reconcile labels that are overwhelmingly disconnected from our experiences. While we do not wish to dismiss or discredit the observations of those who have had a less positive experience with Dartmouth Greek life, we feel obligated to offer a different perspective.

…In fact, the whole concept of brotherhood that we value so deeply is predicated on the very idea that, regardless of socioeconomic or racial status, everyone within the brotherhood is equal. To us, this seems natural, which is why we are a little confused by the argument that the Greek system needs to be abolished because it inherently divides based on long-standing hegemonic structures that prioritize X and degrade Y and hate Z. In our experiences, the opposite has proven true. We have found both equality and others who strive for it by fulfilling the tenets of the Greek system, not by attacking them. And while we acknowledge that recent events seemingly run directly counter to our entire narrative, we would like to say that in no way do the actions of some accurately reflect the characters of many. Neither of our houses had any involvement in the most recent uproar, and thus attack dogs have been kept at bay.

As two of the very people the system supposedly oppresses, trivializes and diminishes, we find that the only aspect of Greek life that has made us feel marginalized is the argument that it should not exist. Current campus rhetoric has created a palpable tension that puts us in a truly awkward position — as black students who unwaveringly see the Greek system as integral to our emotional well-being at Dartmouth, how is it that we have dodged all of the bigotry within the system? How did we become what detractors deem as exceptions?

Well, after careful consideration, we have come to a decisive conclusion. We have not missed it because, at least in our brotherhoods, it just does not exist. And there you have it, the untold story of two black guys who love the Greek system.