For those of you who don't know, there is a movie coming out soon called Goat. This film is supposed to be a mix between Full Metal Jacket and Animal House. If that combination sounds frightening, it is. It is especially terrifying when you consider the fact that we have recently concluded our rush event and there is about to be a movie displaying what Greek Life looks like.
With this movie, however, I question where the people who came up with the concept of it went to school at. In fact, were they ever a part of any Greek organizations?
I'm thoroughly disappointed in this movie. The media and public are so quick to point out that Greek Life is flawed and mischievous. What they refuse to acknowledge, is that Greek organizations do a lot for their communities and schools. For example, my fraternity, Sigma Chi, has done so much for the areas we are involved with.
Nationally, Sigma Chi averaged over 1,000 hours of community service per chapter last year. On top of that, Sigma Chi has raised a lot of money for Huntsman Cancer Institute. As of June 2015, we raised over 3 million dollars for the institute. We also pledged to raise 10 million more in seven years.
When I pledged, I was never hazed. In fact, I never remember anyone even making any distasteful jokes about being new. I was respected as a person, and then I was respected like a brother. The connection I share with my brothers is unreal. I honestly am lucky to be with an organization that stands for so much more than just parties and stereotypical behaviors people associate with Greek Life.
We are always trying to make Greek Life look good, so I encourage anyone who is planning to see this movie to take it with a grain of salt. I challenge people to research on what Greek communities do. I can promise you that no one ever even thought of beating me, forcing me to drink, or made me do some silly task for my membership at Clarion. I always felt welcomed, and I was more driven to keep my grades up to stay in Sigma Chi. Did you know Greeks are more likely to graduate, and maintain a higher GPA than non-Greek members? That is because there are minimum requirements for GPA. This is because schooling comes first for us, not partying.
Want to know what Greek Life is really like? Don't take Goat seriously, come to Clarion, and check out the fraternities.
