If this story sounds a lot like one that was recently in the news, that's because it basically is...a bunch of fraternity brothers placed a pledge in physical distress and brought him medical help way too late to save his life. How sad is it that the same tragedy happens over and over again...
I'm a Korean American who joined a fraternity back in my undergrad days at Cornell, though not an Asian one. I never saw a reason to do that, because I'd always felt that the point of college was to meet as many different people as possible. This is not to disparage anyone who does want to take a deep dive into their culture during college -- it is nothing more than a highly subjective and personal decision on my part.
As someone who did partake in the Greek system and found a lot of joy in it, I would never dissuade anyone from joining themselves, though reading stories like this should give any Greek-interested students pause. Hazing is one of those things that just doesn't work in any capacity, and perhaps worst in group/crowd situations.
Thanks so much for sharing, sjwoo.
I too was in a fraternity in college and recognized a lot of this behavior.
Great writing, great reporting. Tragic & heartbreaking situation.
Judge Claypool's harsh words (at the beginning of the article) made me think that this story was going to have some horrible details - forced drinking, drugs, extreme violence/torture. I was shocked that the nature of the death (a blind-folded tackle) ended up being so... mild (?)
I wish the whole case could just be thrown away, although I realize that that's not how the law works or even should work. It wouldn't be fair to the family of the deceased. I hope that someday, somehow everyone can move forward with their lives. Not a single character in this story is a bad person.
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We had one of those talks common among people of any marginalized group, in which it’s possible to unload your neuroses without having to explain everything.
I guess it’s human nature to hang out with people who are like you.
Discrimination is what really binds Asian-Americans together.
If this story sounds a lot like one that was recently in the news, that's because it basically is...a bunch of fraternity brothers placed a pledge in physical distress and brought him medical help way too late to save his life. How sad is it that the same tragedy happens over and over again...
I'm a Korean American who joined a fraternity back in my undergrad days at Cornell, though not an Asian one. I never saw a reason to do that, because I'd always felt that the point of college was to meet as many different people as possible. This is not to disparage anyone who does want to take a deep dive into their culture during college -- it is nothing more than a highly subjective and personal decision on my part.
As someone who did partake in the Greek system and found a lot of joy in it, I would never dissuade anyone from joining themselves, though reading stories like this should give any Greek-interested students pause. Hazing is one of those things that just doesn't work in any capacity, and perhaps worst in group/crowd situations.
Thanks so much for sharing, sjwoo. I too was in a fraternity in college and recognized a lot of this behavior. Great writing, great reporting. Tragic & heartbreaking situation.
Judge Claypool's harsh words (at the beginning of the article) made me think that this story was going to have some horrible details - forced drinking, drugs, extreme violence/torture. I was shocked that the nature of the death (a blind-folded tackle) ended up being so... mild (?)
I wish the whole case could just be thrown away, although I realize that that's not how the law works or even should work. It wouldn't be fair to the family of the deceased. I hope that someday, somehow everyone can move forward with their lives. Not a single character in this story is a bad person.
Top quotes: