For years, sororities across the nation have been scrutinized based on appearance, supposed mental intelligence, and for various other reasons. In 2015, attention was drawn to the Alpha Phi chapter at the University of Alabama after their recruitment video displayed a predominantly white membership, as well as Alpha Chi Omega at Arizona State who were shown taking “selfies” during a baseball game. These are not the only times sororities were projected in a negative light.
In the past, I was someone who never saw myself aligning with the values of Greek life. I, like a lot of people, thought that sororities were fit for pretty, skinny, blonde women with interests in crafting and drinking. However, I, like many of those who shame women in sororities, was unaware of the meaning of being in a sorority.
Greek life is more than just blonde, Moscato-drinking, frat-dating girls. There are many different aspects of being a woman in a sorority than those that movies and television show. As a member of Chi Omega at the University of Minnesota, my doors were opened to powerful, passionate women who serve their community and have a bond that is more sacred than many people see as an outsider.
Ohio University’s Delta Gamma has taken further steps in making the community know that sorority life is more than a superficial stereotype, and the women who participate in Greek life are more than what you see in the chapter posted media. On Jan. 19 OU’s Delta Gamma uploaded a 24-image album on their Facebook page titled “Defying Stereotypes,” photographed by their sister Kaitlin Hatton.
Their caption reads: “Sorority women continuously face the stereotypes given to them by society. We, the women of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Delta Gamma, are not defined by those stereotypes. Instead, we collectively possess characteristics, qualities and experiences that defy them.”
This album featured members who are fighting sorority stereotypes with their majors, extracurricular activities, ambitions, and overall livelihood. They are not the first chapter to do this type of campaign, but their message is all the same. Sororities are more than just their stereotype. They consist of philanthropic, powerful, diverse women who have goals, aspirations, and more depth than the media portrays.
Seeing these photos reminds us that being a part of Greek life makes you a part of something bigger than yourself. You are more than a stereotype or a hair color. Thank you to OSU Delta Gamma for reminding us all what being in a sorority is really like.
Some of the images can be seen below, others can be found on their Facebook page: Ohio University Delta Gamma.
