Greek life has gotten so much hate and has been scrutinized by the media in movies, television, the news, and social media for years now. However, the Greek life that is featured in films doesn't correctly depict it, and instead distorts what it means and is actually like to be Greek. As a result, many stereotypes and misconceptions have been formed casting a negative light on our community.
1. Greeks pay for their friends.
One of the most prominent misconceptions surrounding the Greek community is that we pay for our friends. We do not pay for our friends, we pay dues to pay for necessary things to keep our organization going. Just because I pay dues doesn't mean everyone likes me or I like everyone. You create your bonds and friendships based on interests, values, personalities, etc. just like anyone else, Greek or not. You never hear someone saying that athletes pay for their friends even though most teams require some type or payment in form of fees or dues.
2. All Greeks are dumb
People typically stereotype sorority women and fraternity men as stupid. They think that we don't study, we don't care about our grades, and we don't have GPAs. Contrary to popular belief, this couldn't be further from the truth. Organizations set up both national and local chapter GPA requirements. If you fall below your chapter's set GPA, you are put on academic probation and are ineligible to participate in different events until you bring your grades up. Greeks are in their organization because they want to be a part of it, so grades are a big motivator because no one wants to miss out on fun events or risk disaffiliation. You are also surrounded by dozens of sisters or brothers who are the same major as you or are in your classes supporting you and pushing you to do your best. Not only that, but while only 50% of non-Greek people finish school, 75% of Greeks do.
3. All you do is party
I would be lying if I said Greeks were Saints and never went out. I would also be lying if I said people who are unaffiliated are Saints and never go out. There are people who go out and people who don't in both groups of people and being Greek or not has no impact on the number of times you go out. Greeks are cast under this negative light. However, within our chapters are some form of Standards which is something non-Greeks do not have. VP of Standards and Standards boards are in place to make sure that members do not get too crazy and to ensure that they are always upholding the values of their organization.
4. Greek life is shallow
Anyone who cares enough to learn about Greek life knows that it is far from shallow. Every organization has at least one organization (if not more, mine has two) that they hold philanthropy events for all year. Not only do we hold events for and raise thousands of dollars every year for our own philanthropies, but we support those of other organizations. We have mandatory events to attend for other sororities and fraternities to show our support and community service hours every semester. Not only do we raise millions of dollars nationally each year but we raise awareness for serious causes.
5. All Greeks Haze
When it comes to Greek life, hazing is always the elephant in the room. While yes, there are some cases in which hazing has happened, that isn't what Greek life stands for or is about. There are so many new rules and laws regarding hazing so even minor infractions can get you in huge trouble like being kicked off campus or losing your house. The New Member process isn't about hazing or hurting New Members, it is about education everyone about our history, traditions, and values. As a New Member, I never had to even worry about being hazed because it is something that my sorority, like many others is very against. This is just another case where a couple bad eggs give everyone a bad name which isn't fair or an accurate representation of who Greeks are.
Greek life gets such a bad reputation which is honestly very sad. Greeks work very hard and do a lot of good but get little recognition for it. We aren't the people who you see in movies or TV shows but people tend to stereotype us as such before even getting to know what Greek life is about. Coming to a big school as sophomore transfer student, I was very nervous I wouldn't be able to find my place or my people, but with the help of recruitment I was able to do so. I also have dozens of other friends who found the same thing at their schools. Greek life helps you find the people you share the same values with , the people who will support you through and thin and the people who will constantly motivate you to be the best possible version of yourself.
