The Atlantic

Letters: Is There a Difference Between a Frat and a Gang?

Readers react to Ibram X. Kendi’s essay on the similarities between fraternities and gangs—and the differences in how they’re treated.
Source: Rinzy999 / Atstock Productions / Shutterstock / The Atlantic

What’s the Difference Between a Frat and a Gang?

In a recent essay on TheAtlantic.com, Ibram X. Kendi drew parallels between collegiate sexual assault and urban violence, arguing that America stereotypes, rationalizes, and polices fraternity and gang violence differently.


Let me preface this by saying that this is not a defense of fraternities. Having been a member of a Greek organization myself, I am fully aware of the problems facing fraternities’ ability to be productive organizations

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