Beyond the Stereotype

We all know the stereotypes surrounding Greek life. I'm here to tell you that there is more to sororities and fraternities than Thirsty Thursday parties, monogrammed tees or cheating on tests.When a group of sorority girls or fraternity guys hang out, it’s no secret what goes through most non-Greek bystanders’ minds. Usually, immediate judging takes place, always with some of the same stereotypes in mind. 

Typically, Greek life gets a bad rep. It’s no secret. We’re either thought of as being too stuck-up and ditsy to ever accomplish anything past an “Mrs.” degree, or people assume we’re alcoholic jerks most likely failing every class due to our 24/7 partying. It’s time we address these stereotypes.

People often judge all Greeks the same, which honestly makes no sense. You’re telling me over nine million people in this nation are all the same? Nine million people are all alcoholic jerks or stuck-up, clueless girls? Yeah, I didn’t think it made much sense either. 

The truth of the matter is, we’re actually a lot smarter than people give us credit for. For instance, while some see Greek life as paying for your friends, we saw it as joining one of the largest networking systems in the nation. We graduate with connections in virtually every industry. In fact, 43 of the nation’s 50 largest corporations are headed by fraternity men. All but two U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents born since the first fraternity was founded in 1825 have been fraternity members. Over 75% of all Congressmen and Senators belong to a Greek organization. Over 85% of student leaders on college campuses are Greek. Greek life at Baylor also has an average GPA higher than Baylor’s overall average GPA. Know your facts next time you accuse a sorority girl of being "ditzy."

We are good, caring people, contrary to most stereotypes. Some of the most servant-hearted and genuine people I’ve met belong to a Greek organization. Greeks typically raise over $7 million annually for our various philanthropies. We also put on numerous campus-wide events to raise awareness for our philanthropies. Volunteering over 10 million hours of service annually, we’re also the largest network of volunteers in the U.S.     
  
We continue to help others after graduation, too. In fact, members of Greek organizations are probably the reason you’re able to sit in that fancy new building on your campus. Greeks donate about 75% of all money given to universities. 

Yes, I’ll admit, there are definitely Greek members who fit the stereotype. But there are also many more non-Greeks who fit that same stereotype.  You can’t assume every person in an organization is the same, and that’s why you should look beyond the stereotypes.


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