Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity hosts Guy Code as part of Alpha week


Is it OK for men to dance and listen to Beyoncé on the first date? Can a male order a piña colada at a bar?

On Wednesday in Pearce Hall, class was not the only thing in session, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity hosted Guy Code, where these questions – and more – were answered.

Each year, the fraternity holds a week filled with educational topics in a fun atmosphere known as Alpha Week, according to fraternity member and Detroit senior Nickolas Williams.

“Most of our events during this week are education based, and guy code is both educational and comical,” Williams said. “This is the third year guy code has recurred for Alpha week, it’s always a good time.”

Music, drinking, relationships, friendships and manscaping were all topics of discussion.

Williams said the interaction between the genders is what makes this event both fun and educational.

“Certain topics discussed are more popular with men, while others with women,” he said. “This event allows you to see the perspectives of the two genders and how they relate and/or differ.”

Fraternity member and Southfield senior Logan Patmon asked the open-ended questions about real-life situations, creating a discussion among the large crowd. Patmon said guy code is something all men are familiar with.

“Guy code is like a sixth sense for guys,” he said. “It is an unwritten log that all men know.”

Patmon conducted a panel of two men and two women, which included Flint freshman Elayashia Kendall, Detroit junior Sienna Monczunski, Flint freshman Kevin Wilson and Detroit sophomore Damon Golden.

“I chose the panel members according to their grade status,” Patmon said. “I wanted a mix of ages and genders to go along with the mix of guy code topics.”

The panelist started out the conversations by first answering the questions followed by input from the audience.

Chicago senior Jaelem Jackson attended the event last year and came back for a second discussion.

“Guy code is just a bunch of unwritten rules and regulations that guys have. They think these codes maintain their image of being manly,” Jackson said. “There are always a lot of great conversations and many points of view to hear at this event.”

On Friday Nov. 1, Alpha Phi Alpha will conclude Alpha week with a NPHC 2K13 basketball game at seven in the Student Activity Center against Saginaw Valley State University.

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