Thoroughly Immersed: The Evolution of Black Authenticity in Greek Life

Abstract

Authenticity, as it’s perceived and respected in society implies the genuine portrayal of one's self. While this definition does not change in the context of Anthropology, the implications of authenticity reveal an inherent misunderstanding of the concept itself. Rather than a static set of ideals, authenticity is constantly evolving through societal structures and institutions. Nowhere are the merits of one's authenticity more policed than in the Black community. Membership and identity with the collective comes with a certain set of norms and expectations. By virtue, there exists a divisive dichotomy between the authenticism of the individual juxtaposed with the collective, proving detrimental to the group at large. This paper uses the institution of Black Fraternalism - particularly the National Pan-Hellenic Council- as a case study to examine the inner workings of this paradox of authenticity. In doing so, I ground the idea that deviance from the cultural norm is not only the truest form of authenticity, but it is this variety of authentic experience that constructs the identity of the collective, inspiring the potential for institutional change.