What do you think when you hear the phrase "Greek life"? Sorority, fraternity, partying maybe, hazing perhaps. Sadly these are the common thoughts whizzing through criticizers' minds when the combination of words is uttered. Not all of these words accurately describe the Greek life community. Not only Greek life kids party. If not all then most college students have partied or party at their university. Somehow the concentration is continually dragged back to the reputation plastered upon different chapters nationwide. Some see the concept of hazing as a right of passage, to learn respect even. In the more recent years, hazing has been taken up a notch and, sadly, ended up in more deaths than one would like to believe. Prior to this week, my sisters and I attended a Greek life lecture that took place in our own auditorium. We have speakers come all throughout the academic year. Now, we all are busy with class or work, so not all of Greek life has the chance to attend most of these seminars. This one was a little more lively than most. David Stollman was the speaker's name. His rather comical seminar left me thinking.
Some well people involved in Greek life include:
All But 3 United States Presidents since the year 1825
First female Astronaut
First U.S. Senator
Sophia Bush
Stephen Spielberg
Michael Jordan
George Bush
Tory Burch
Erin Andrews
Bob Barker
and so many more.
The point of greek life was to promote sharing your ideals and forming deeper relationships. Some see sororities and fraternities as only social organizations. Yes, we have socials, formals, and grab-a-dates. Those are not what make up the bylaws and the creeds spoken by thousands of men and women.
Philanthropy: noun, the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. Philanthropy is one main point of Greek life. In fact, there is a whole day of formal sorority recruitment devoted to the given chapter's philanthropy. Many organizations raise thousands of dollars every year for their specific charity through fundraising and specific events, such as sports tournaments, cookouts, dance marathons, etc.
Being a brother or a sister does not mean you are any worse or better than any other person. But it can mean that once you received those letters, somehow they made you better than you were. Stereotypes have been plastered to Greek life organizations over the years. Personally, I think the focus should be shifted away from the individuals who stigmatize these organizations. These groups are meant to be a safe zone, a place where someone will always have your back, a home for life.
