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HomeBooksGreek BooksBlack Haze: Violence, Sacrifice, and Manhood in Black Greek-Letter Fraternities (African American Studies) |
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Nice book Apr 21, 2008
Before becoming apart of an organization one must have a real view of themselves in order to accept the POSITIVE (there is negative) change that some of these organizations have to offer. I appreciate this book because it gave me the basis to converse about change and being better role models. We come from different backgrounds and to be able to mesh personalities for the greater good of the community is a wonderful thing. Although I disagree with physical hazing to the extent of pain one should be educated on the benefits of physical wellness (one could do push ups and be a leader of a group which in turn may give him/her the tools necessary to being a leader in their community. Nevertheless, it was a nice book.
 Son at an HBCU loved the book! Jan 19, 2008
My son loaned the book to several friends and they all commented on how well the information about Black Fraternities was presented... timeless. Makes me proud of the jouney that we are on and the accomplishments made.
Black Haze Apr 06, 2007
This book is more than just stories about violence through fraternity hazing, it's also an insightful look at the history of Black America and how these organizations played an important role. I recommend this book to all those that are interested in the history of Black culture and its progression from post disenfranchisement to today.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Brave Book But Foggy Answers Jan 31, 2007
I am such a big fan of the movie "Stomp the Yard," but when asking Greeks about the movie, there was an immediate lash at how the movie was not accurate as to how Greek life really is. I was told that people who were Greeks or who knew anything about Greek life would understand how "stupid" the movie was, so I got curious. In undergrad, I thought about pledging into one particular sorority, but after seeing only ONE Kappa member cross at my school (when there were initially at least 30) and a neophyte having his crutches snatched away from him and Omega members demanding that he hop before he crossed, I quickly changed my mind. I firmly believe in the logo "Slap me and I'll slap you back" and there was absolutely no way I was just going to let someone beat the hell out of me to join their organization. But after speaking with a very dear relative of mine about joining a sorority, I tried to understand the good parts about Greek life. Sadly, the more she told me, the more I concluded that it was not for me. And then I found this book while searching online for material to change my mind about pledging in the graduate chapter.
There is not a doubt in my mind that I absolutely will never pledge now. The horror stories in the Appendix were so utterly evil to the point where I was begging this book to fiction. But as I know from watching the few experiences at my own alma mater and seeing Greeks go offline so many times, I'm sure they aren't. I'd spoken with Greeks BEFORE I read this book, so much of what the author left out, I knew and REALLY wanted him to reveal, but being a Greek, I knew he wouldn't.
Pros: The author was brave to even write this book, considering he is a Kappa. I thought he should be commended for that, specifically the anecdote about the pledge whose butt was split. Jones takes on an analytical look at the process of pledging; tries to come to some conclusion as to why pledging has increased and become more brutal; why black men feel like they have to have a right of passage through gangs, violence, Greeks, the military, African tradition, etc; and discuss some of the history of hierarchy within these organizations. The author gave readers a more detailed view of why pledging and hazing have become intertwined and why it is so difficult to get other Greeks to stop. I was satisfied that he did point out that a lot of these crazy traditions come from those of the military, and from the family member I spoke with who also agreed on that, it was good to know that he did understand the history of how it is being passed down. Overall, it was very well-written and definitely interesting throughout.
Cons: Jones has a habit of repeating the same points over and over again. He repeatedly made comments about the rights of passage and how Greeks didn't feel "paper" members were real. I went through a couple chapters like "Didn't I read this already?" I wanted him to bring up new points but he seemed to rely on those few that he felt strongly about. If I were a high authority member of the Greeks, after reading this book, I still wouldn't really know how to make hazing stop but keep the pledging tightknit so it wouldn't be just hit-happy folks having the time of their lives during the pledging process. He does make a statement about "paper" members becoming high ranking members, but obviously from the gist of this book, the Greeks do not respect them, so it seems all but impossible for a "paper" member to reach the top. Blaming the lack of punishment on predominantly white universities still does not excuse the black authority members who KNOW things are going on. To say that the white universities need to come down harder says nothing to the BLACK people who are letting it go on. I was looking for a way for the author to explain how potential pledge members could respect an organization without any physical contact, but it seems that the author is a little confused about that as well.
Final thoughts: I'm SO glad I never pledged. This book along with my own unofficial interviews tells me it's just not worth it. I have a blood brother, and he never had to beat me up to make me feel like I love him dearly and would protect him from any harm. Comraderie and trust are much more powerful than a paddle or a skillet to the face.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Insightful reading Jan 20, 2007
This book is a blunt account of how black fraternities and the evoloution of the pledge process snce they were founded in the early 20th century. I reccomend this book to all greek aspirants as well as current black frat members. It will open your eyes to the process and insight on how to solve the problem.
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