Branding: On The Other Side

Through the years, branding has been a tradition in the Greek world. Many members of the Greek community — mainly fraternities — have brand marks somewhere on their bodies to symbolize their dedication to their fraternity. But for those who don’t have brands or aren’t part of the Greek community their idea of branding is a different story.

Outside of the Greek world, some students like Paloma Roman, look at branding as a personal choice but something that may also be a little unnecessary.

“Personally not a fan. I could never do it, but if that’s how near and dear someone holds their chapter then to each their own,” said Roman

As for Samantha Lopez, who is not a member of a sorority, says she thinks of branding as a tattoo.

“If there is a personal meaning behind getting a brand like there is for a tattoo then okay I get it, but personally I wouldn’t do it because of the way it looks,” said Lopez

Alexavier Garcia, a member of Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, has brothers with brands. But he isn’t convinced that a brand is for him.

“It’s an interesting thing and I think it’s only for the right people,” said Garcia. “Personally I wouldn’t get one … I respect people with brands, but I don’t think it is necessary to get one.

One of the biggest controversies associated with branding is the idea that it is rooted back in history as a ritual performed on slaves.

The video below holds graphic images of branding rituals, but it discusses the idea of slavery associated with branding.

Sorority member Alyssa Baquero, who does not have a brand, said “I mean it may have started out that way and, yeah, it was a slave thing, but I think Greeks took it and tried to turn it into something that was more of a positive type thing that had honor behind it.”