If you are like me, you've been in a Greek organization for a solid two-plus years. If you're like many young and budding members, you've just received a bid and are well on your way to earning your letters. Despite what part of the spectrum you're at, you've probably been exposed to some very interesting stereotypes about Greek life. Either as an older member, hearing your family and friends question you endlessly about what fraternities and sororities do, or as a member going through recruitment, asking the same exact questions, you've heard or spoken about these stereotypes so much that it almost becomes a running joke. So I've compiled a list of my favorite misconceptions of Greek life and why they're so hilarious.
1.All Greek Rituals Are Strange and Gross
I really don't remember at any point when I went through the New Member Education process where I had to sacrifice a goat (first off... where do you even steal a goat, let alone keep it a secret?), or shave my eyebrows, or eat insects. And you shouldn't have to either. While there are rare, unfortunate cases of rituals gone wrong, that is indicative of a larger conversation that we must have about the culture of Greek life. Rituals are meant to be a humbling experience in which we obtain a greater appreciation for our letters, strengthen the bonds with our brothers and sisters, and reaffirm our dedication to our organization. Anything more is a jaded attempt to harm members simply to "teach them respect."
2. All We Do is Drink
OK. To be honest, yes, Greeks do party and drink. To say that it doesn't happen is to create a false environment in which we're sweeping under the rug a part of fraternity and sorority life. But to also say that it's the only thing that Greeks do is disrespectful, as our contributions to philanthropic and community service efforts have been instrumental to the success of many organizations for many years. Yes we go out, but we account for over 10 million hours of community service each year, raise over $7 million for our philanthropies, and still manage to have a higher GPA than non-Greeks. So the next time someone pigeonholes members of Greek life as nothing but tasteless alcoholics, educate them on the significance of Greek life in colleges and universities.
3.We Reject Non-Greeks
The concept of Greeks vs. "GDIs" is an interesting one. From my experience as a Greek, the opportunities that it gave me to get involved on campus allowed me to meet a wide variety of people, many being non-Greeks themselves. These non-Greeks are equally dedicated and involved. Just because we wear letters does not mean we have obtained a status greater than them. We are all peers past these letters and associations. Going Greek is an opportunity to meet new people and expand your network, Greek or otherwise.
4.Greek Life isn't Substantial and is a Waste of Time
Many people tend to view Greeks as party animals, derelicts, and alcoholics with no sense of direction or capability to succeed. However, the sheer capability of wearing letters is life-changing in itself. Not only will you always have someone to hang out with, but you will have an extraordinary support system for any single problem that may emerge.
Besides the personal aspect, there is a significant professional aspect to Greek life that goes unrecognized as well. Alumni of virtually all organizations are extremely successful in their career paths, and are remarkable resources for scoring that dream job. All it takes is reaching out to your alumni network, and you'll be sitting pretty in that dream internship or job.
It's important to always shed light on these misconceptions, because whether we like it or not, they are unfortunately realities that we must always deal with. But as Greeks, we can use our position to educate people on these topics, and open up opportunities and bridge gaps to make college a more worthwhile experience.
