Day-Book Entry 10/27

What is the background research youve done for your mini-ethnography group?
The group Im going to write the mini ethnography on is the fraternity Im pledging,
Alpha Sigma Phi because the paper is based off of first hand observation and Im going to be
around them one way or another. I also have someone to interview for the paper, and Id be
more than okay with paying extra attention during the rituals and events that Id be attending
regardless. The fraternity would be easy to write about because of my familiarity and I feel if
Im genuinely interested in something then Im bound to create better work. This is also a great
way to give me a little insight into my future with the fraternity.
What makes it a group? The fraternity is a group because it is the conjunction of multiple
people who associate with each other, conduct activities together, and they undergo original
rituals unique to their establishment. They also are bound by charters and tradition.
Norms or beliefs? Every brother must start as a pledge and earn his way to brotherhood, you
must uphold the values of alpha sigma phi, and live by the seven points of the pledge pin.
Any Jargon/Slang? They all typically maintain the mode of speech that you can find in the
average young male adult, but common terminology within the brotherhood could be
something such as the constant bad mouthing of pledges.
What are concerns of the group? Concerns of the group are to uphold a good reputation for the
fraternity, follow the values we boast, and to better the man.
How are meetings? We conduct chapter meetings, pledge education meetings, and the casual
get-togethers that occur over the weekends.
Any Laws? The Seven Points on the pledge pin.

Any Stereotypes? Any true or false? It is often assumed that men in fraternities are alcoholics
and live purely for the next party, which in some fraternities cases are true, but not Alpha Sig.
We enjoy it, but everything must be enjoyed in moderation.