Greeks vs. Gangs

THIS IS NOT TO OFFEND ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP, IT IS MERELY AN OBSERVATION AND OPINION MADE BY MYSELF AND OTHERS. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY OF MY COMMENTS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE TO BE OFFENSIVE. FEEL FREE TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS.

“Across the country, young black men gather wearing matching colors, throwing up signs with their hands, and using unique calls recognizable and exclusive only to their circles” (Black College Wire, Thomasos).

According to some individuals who are involved in Greek organizations, the purpose is to establish a good case of networking, a brotherhood and sisterhood relationship and most importantly community service. Some might say that gangs aren’t much different. They also establish brotherhood and sisterhood, networking and involvement in the community. So now we must ask ourselves what is the difference between the two?

Both organizations are not much different from each other. First, for an individual to be initiated into a gang, they must go through a series of tests that include verbal humiliation, physical abuse and more. From RUMORS and other sources it has been said that Greek organizations go through similar types of initiation, not the same. At the end of this process only the fittest and finest will survive and be able to be a part of both organizations.

Second, the colors and callings of both groups distinguish what type of group they are. How will an individual who knows nothing about Greeks, but knows about gangs distinguish the difference between Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., whose color is red and the gang known as Bloods? How will an individual distinguish the difference between Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. whose color is blue from the gang Crips who are also blue? Same goes for fraternities, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. Each of these fraternities have their own colors and callings that distinguish the difference between them, just as gangs. With these observations what is the difference between both groups?


Concluding my analysis, one can establish that there is a major difference between the two groups. The purpose of both may be to establish a brotherhood and sisterhood, but one promotes violence to the community, while the other promotes community service. Gangs promote violence, and the background of gangs can not be used as an excuse for violence. Greeks promote community service through actions of volunteering, and helping one’s community become a better and safer place. IF WE COMPARE GREEKS AND GANGS, WE MIGHT AS WELL COMPARE CHICKEN AND BEEF, THEY COME FROM DIFFERENT ANIMALS, HAVE DIFFERENT TASTES, NO LOGICAL SENSE.

Shawn V.