Summary Of The Naked Citadel By Susan Faludi

Within any particular system, there is present an underlying motive for success in every sense of the word. While in some scenarios, that motive can be hidden beneath the desire to fit in, above all this, the idea of prosperity is the main factor in motivating individuals toward their goals. Susan Faludi, the author of “The Naked Citadel”, explores how at the all-boys college, students are pressured into conforming to the “Whole Man” standard where they develop brotherhood, a sense of structure, and belonging. When these men are able to develop such strong bonds with one another, several flaws come about. The majors issues at The Citadel, lie in their denial of women into the school, and the traumatic hazing new students endure. In any case,

Sacrificing their individuality and creativity is just a step in the right direction towards their version of success. Even though sacricinfing one’s true self is great, they are willing to do so if it brings them profit in their own lives. Ultimately, the selfish need for success outweighs the corruption and negativity it brings to the overall system, and in that respect, restricts itself from progressing towards change.

Because a generic system like a college can not cater to every individual, there are always concrete flaws, one of which is the pressure to confrom. For a student to obtain success as they have come to know, they believe conformity is of the utmost importance. This then plays into the desire to fit in. In the case of The Citadel, because they must conform to certain personality changes, this sacrifice is often toxic. Developed in part due to the four-class system, first-year student who are referred to as “knobs” take the brute force of the ritualistic hazing. This group of students are often tortured relentlessly until they either quit, conform, or wait it out until the first year is over. The hazing is extremely violent, and knobs are

While The Citadel does not allow women, the Ivy league is of the most selective academically in the country. Students of The Citadel absolutely reject the idea of women entering the school. While this seems to be out of sexism it is truly out of fear. Students at The Citadel are able to perform connotated feminine tasks, and have real emotions and bonds, however this is hidden beneath the manly attitude students must have. To have this sense of humanity they must act like, “a man of rigid bearing, a man no more than Tiffany’s southern belle is a female, a man that no one, humanly can be” (Faludi 103). For this reason, the idea of women entering the school seems preposterous to current cadets. Their desire to protect their humanity, makes them extremely defensive over the idea of women entering the school. Not only would it affect their lifestyle of playing both sides of gender, but also their outer mask. In regards to to institutions like Princeton or Harvard, their connection to Wall street is almost exclusive to their graduates. As Ho writes, “Princeton and Harvard recruits bring to the table just the right mix of general qualities and associations,” (Ho 186) Even among the most elite schools, the connection to investment banking seems utterly elusive. Thus, the exclusivity of these opportunities appears at the least unfair.