Recently The Agorean posted a story about TFM. We asked our Director of Greek Affairs what his take on TFM.com and if he even had a total frat move himself. Here are a few of the things Mr. McCreary said:
Q: How do you feel that the site totalfratmove.com is portraying Greek life at both the University of Alabama and as a whole?
A: I think the website, while occasionally harmless and humorous, portrays viewpoints that many would interpret as elitist, socially and culturally insensitive and not representative of what it really means to be in a fraternity or sorority. Then again, the actions of fraternity and sorority members (both at UA and abroad) occasionally do the same thing. So, I would say that while the site misses the boat on what fraternity and sorority membership is intended to be about, it portrays an accurate representation of what many fraternity and sorority members (both at UA and across the country) think being in a fraternity or sorority is about.
Q: The site allows students to post comments on something “fratty” they did and then post where they are from so that Greeks can recognize that particular frat move was from Alabama. Are students at Alabama discouraged from using this site from a public relations standpoint?
A: There are no policies at the University regulating students constitutional rights of free speech. I think our chapters should fill the role of discouraging members from posting items that would cause outside parties to view them or their organizations in a negative light.
Q: Is TFM.com helping or hurting Greek life at Alabama?
A: I think it certainly does not help our image. Given our history as a Greek system and many of the stereotypes that persist about out Greek system, I think many of the things posted on the website only serve to perpetuate those negative stereotypes.
Q: Does the constant posting of negative things about “GDIs” hurt the campus Greek relations with students who are non-Greeks?
A: I don’t think it helps improve relationships between fraternity and sorority members and the other 72 percent of undergraduate students that choose not to join a fraternity or sorority. I think the term “GDI” is often used with a condescending tone, and I’m sure that non-Greek students don’t appreciate that. I also think the term is misleading – I know many fraternity and sorority members who also happen to consider themselves independent, free-thinking individuals.
Q: The site constantly posts comments about binge drinking, unprotected sex, using girls, and making fun of “GDIs”. Does this effect students on our campus negatively or influence them in any way?
A: It glamorizes the stereotypes that committed leaders in our Greek community continue to fight. These activities are not consistent with our values as organizations or as an institution. I think most current students have already formed their own opinions on binge drinking and unprotected sex, so I’m not certain that it changes the behavior of our current students. I do worry about the mental impact these posts have on prospective students. If potential UA students of high quality and character read these posts, it probably decreases the likelihood that they will join one of our organizations. Students who seek out depravity and elitist behavior may be attracted to the UA Greek system because of some of these posts, which means we could be inadvertently perpetuating a culture of hazing, binge drinking, unprotected sex and a number of other undesirable activities. The context and environment of our fraternities and sororities are very critical in shaping the culture and behaviors of new members that are assimilated into that culture. If they perceive these activities to be the norm, then they are more likely to participate in them, if for no other reason than to “fit in.”
Q: Have you personally ever had a “total frat move?”
A: If I told you, I’d have to kill you…..
