What’s the first thing you ask a young man or woman when you meet them at a party or campus event? Ignore the obvious “what’s your name” question.Most conversations I’ve had started with “What fraternity are you in?” or “What sorority are you in?” I, too, am guilty of this, and I’m certain that most people would agree that they are as well.When a guy or girl responds, an automatic judgment arises. Stereotypes and reputations come into play. Is their chapter ranked high? Or are they bottom house? Would talking to them ruin your reputation? Are you letting their sorority or fraternity define them?
Whatever happened to someone getting to know someone else for who they are? It seems difficult to get to know people these days. The hook up culture overpowers the dating culture. We like someone either for their looks or their letters. Whenever you hear a name of an organization, you are reminded of their reputation. I have heard a ton of stories from friends and random students that young men or women have turned their backs on them just because of what house they’re a part of. The friends I talked to are some of the nicest people I have ever met, but they are being rejected because of the letters they wear and the house they felt the most connection with. I asked one of my best friends, who attends USC, what she thinks about the judgment of people based on their letters:
She said, “Well, when I meet someone new, I'm asked what house I'm in within the first few minutes. Here at USC ADII is middle tier, so if the person is in a top tier house I usually hear ‘oooh ok cool’ and I can tell it's in a judging or condescending tone. I’ve noticed that I do it myself too, though. When I see a large or unfortunate-looking girl in a certain sorority’s letters I'm always shocked and catch myself thinking she must be really wealthy, because to be in that house here you basically have to have looks and/or money. When I see a girl who's gorgeous, blonde and from Newport, I'm SHOCKED if she isn't in another good house.
I chose my house based on what felt right in my heart. I even cut a higher-ranked house. I’ve often wondered if I made the right choice in doing so after learning how much house ranking and reputation is emphasized.” College students these days are so concerned about their reputation. It’s a problem that hits students hard. While going through recruitment, men and women want to be in a house that they both connect with and that also has good standing. It’s sometimes hard to get both, but in the end it should be about the connection more than just the reputation. Get to know the person for who they are. If you feel like their letters will ruin your reputation, then you should reconsider your priorities. Some people wonder why they can’t get a boyfriend or are not meeting enough people. Maybe if they would stop judging others based off of their letters and give them a chance, then maybe there will be a better ending to the story. I am in AOII and I am not ashamed of my letters. No one should ever be ashamed of their letters just because someone else doesn’t approve of them. If they turn their back on you right after you tell them what fraternity or sorority you are in, then they are not worth your time or effort.