I just can't understand the way some people think

[1gobluedem]

The father of a friend from college died last week. In the obituary, my friend's brother was listed among the survivors with his gay partner's name in parenthases, same as my friend's wife was, and as it should be; they are committed life partners and he was as much a member of the family as any other in law.

My friend belonged to a fraternity in college; the same one that one of my college roommate's huband belonged to. The husband is the stereotypical, loud-mouthed frat boy jerk that gives all of them a bad name. I tolerate him for my roommate's sake (although I forbade him from ever discussing his political views under my roof; he does it just to bait me), but I really can't stand him. She just told me that the fraternity members are having a great time making fun of the gay brother and his partner being listed in the obit.

Why? Why? Why would they care? I asked her if they are really that homophobic and she couldn't give me a good answer.

I don't get it. I don't understand why something like this is a target for mockery. I don't get why people like that act the way they do. I just don't get it.

[redqueen]

1. I don't know why there are so many hateful assholes...

but I suspect that quite a few simply do it because they're mimicking their hateful asshole parents.

[Chan790]

2. Sheep are stupid flocking creatures

The experience of Chan790, former Catholic University Inter-Greek Council President (3 6-month terms).

I had to hear discipline cases regularly and some were beyond dumb. Others were just scary and some of these assholes still have never grown up. Last year at homecoming two of them went on a panty raid...the perpetrators were 46 and 51.

Please don't group me with the assholes though. Greek life can be fulfilling and meaningful experience in a co-ed's life. Sometimes it's just the conduit to asshole. Assholes attract assholes...when they do it in a organized setting, the attention is focused on the organization, not the assholes.

[khashka]

4. Don't worry, we don't group you with them

I've never seen you be bigoted. I'm glad your greek experience was fulfilling (oh goddess, can't that be taken the wrong way!). It wasn't my thang in college, but I can see that it could be a rewarding experience - but the assholes ruin it for everyone.

Khash.

[1gobluedem]

9. My brother was in a fraternity

And it was a great experience for him. He would never act like this, though.

[Gormy Cuss]

3. Don't ask why.

If you're not stupid enough to act that way then no explanation of such behavior will ever make sense.

[LeftinOH]

5. My fraternity is having a reunion in the fall.. and at least two alumni members

are bringing their same-sex partners to the banquet.. just like many who are bringing their wives. I doubt anyone's going to get bent out of shape- we're a pretty relaxed group (which is why I joined in the 1st place).

[Oeditpus Rex]

6. They fear that which they do not understand

To coin a pun and a metaphor at once, mockery such as this is equivalent to whistling past a gay bar.

[Deep13]

7. The psychology is a bit complicated, but I will try to explain the nuances to you.

He's an asshole.

[Zuiderelle]

8. It is fascinating that Cro-magnans still live among us.

I have no idea why anyone would think that was appropriate or even the slightest bit humorous. Unfortunately, it's not surprising. :(

[mzteris]

10. my daughter just told me

that her dad's fraternity doesn't know he's gay and he left there in 1976!

He's very very out everywhere else in his life, I'm really suprised he hasn't told them.