Fraternity Gang Rape: Sex, Brotherhood, and Privilege on Campus

While not a light subject by any means, this was the first book of its kind I could ever find. I also sent a copy to my prosecutor, Police Chief and my husband, a fraternity guy. I am the survivor of a fraternity gang rape and this book really does get to the bottom of herd mentality and why these unspeakable crimes occur, why they are covered up and why they keep happening. If you are a parent sending a son or daughter off or back to college, I strongly suggest you read this. University brochures would have us think there is no such thing as gang rape on our bucolic campuses, but I am living proof that it happens. God bless this author for shining a light on this terrible subject. While this will never be a best-seller, it should. Well-written, compelling, repulsive and edifying, I am grateful it exists.

Sanday is one of the few researchers with the guts to expose the dark side of the American worship of fraternities and athletes. This American obsession runs so deep and has been unquestioned for so long it's no wonder her research angers those in a position of privilege (think Citadel, think Tailhook). Check out Bernard Lefkowitz's more recent OUR GUYS for a male journalist's take on the same culture of privilege. It's time for people to quit shielding campus thugs in the name of letting boys be boys. There ARE colleges where fraternities and sororities don't exist, and those of us who went there still made friends, contributed to the community, and had rich social lives. We also had far fewer rapes.

Sanday is one of the few researchers with the guts to expose the dark side of the American worship of fraternities and athletes. This American obsession runs so deep and has been unquestioned for so long it's no wonder her research angers those in a position of privilege (think Citadel, think Tailhook). Check out Bernard Lefkowitz's more recent OUR GUYS for a male journalist's take on the same culture of privilege. It's time for people to quit shielding campus thugs in the name of letting boys be boys. There ARE colleges where fraternities and sororities don't exist, and those of us who went there still made friends, contributed to the community, and had rich social lives. We also had far fewer rapes.

This book echoed a lot of things I saw and heard about while attending school. I never had a use for fraternities but was around them a lot since I played in a band and we played some of their parties. Maybe things have changed somewhat since then, but I would be surprised if that is the case. I think this sort of thing is a lot more common then the "brothers" would like to admit, like hazing. To be fair, I have seen the positive sides of fraternities but have seen a lot more of the herd mentality in them. Parents who are sending daughters away to school would be well advised to read this. Its better to be aware of what could (and does) happen, then to assume all is safe and well.

Normally, I'd give this title 4 stars, but since a large number of "brothers" who obviously haven't read it are trying to drive down its ratings, it needs a boost from someone who *has*. Before you send your child to college, consider this book an important decision making tool. You may decide to avoid Greek-dominated schools, especially if your college bound child is a girl.