Prior episodes of Silent Generation have focused on secular social movements that emerged around the turn of the 20th century. Fraternities technically predate this era, but they occupy a similar niche, and Joseph shares an important connection to them as a former fraternity brother. Why did they first emerge, and why do universities continue to tolerate them on campus? 

This week’s episode of Silent Generation addresses those questions. The boys begin with a survey of the history of fraternities and related groups (social fraternities, professional organizations, secret societies, and fraternal orders). They then discuss commonalities between fraternities, the architectural characteristics of fraternity houses, the prevalence of hazing and hazing deaths, and the 1978 sex comedy Animal House. 

Links:

Fraternity by Alexandra Robins

The Founding of the North-American Fraternity and Sorority System

Fraternity and Sorority

Mies van der Rohe’s Forgotten Frat House Design Is Resurrected and Repurposed by Lauren Moya Ford

The Sorority Quad at Northwestern University by Fran Becque

Join HOTEL KAPPA for PC ‘25! - #RushTok

IN DG WE TRUST: Empowering Community Engagement - #RushTok

Lorax - #Sorority - #RushTok

Mr. Bobinsky Halloween Costume Tik Tok Video

It's Time for Congress to Ban Fraternities—Sororities, Too by Matt Robinson

Here’s how much more money you could make just from joining a frat by Yoni Blumberg

Why Colleges Tolerate Fraternities 

Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life (2024)

My son was blindfolded, led to the basement and left to die on a couch by Ruth Bashinsky

Animal House (1978)

Gay History of Men’s Fraternities

Image archive of the Theta Chi chapter at Penn State University

Artwork:

Theta Chi of Penn State - Spring 1988 Initiation 

Recorded on 11/5/2025