When I tell people that I’m in a sorority, they sometimes look at me like I have 800 eyeballs all over my face. Personally, I find there stereotypes as offensive, as I’m proud to have pledged and been blessed with being initiated into the amazing sorority Delta Gamma Phi. I’m sure other sorority girls take offense to these stereotypes, as sororities are much different than society deems them to be. That being said, here are some stereotypes of sororities, and how they are wrong.
1. People in Greek life pay for their friends.
To get this out of the way, yes, you often will have to pay to be in a sorority. These dues, however, help to pay for events, fundraisers, t-shirts, etc. Your friendships are not based on the money you pay to get in, and if it is, chances are that you’re joining the wrong organization. My friendship with each girl in my sorority came naturally and are priceless.
2. All sorority girls are stupid.
Wrong. Sororities often require their sisters to maintain a minimum GPA. Some even have their girls record study hours to make sure they’re actually doing their school work. For my sorority, girls must complete at least two hours of studying in the library, as well as record their home study times. There are also girls in my sorority who are nursing, social work, and psychology majors; all majors that require a lot time and effort to complete.
3. Sorority girls look like Barbies.
No sorority judges how you look or use your looks to determine whether you get in or not. There is an extensive process where you are interviewed so the active sisters can get to know you. Your appearance has nothing to do with whether or not you will get in. Your sisters will love and accept you for who you are, not what you look like.
4. Sorority girls party too much.
Of course sorority girls party, most college students do. Just because Greek organizations are commonly a big deal at college campuses does not mean we are all party animals. There are certain rules when it comes to partying, drinking and drug use in order to keep the girls under control.
5. Hazing.
Hazing is when a sorority or fraternity (sometimes sports teams) torment and scare other members who want to join or have joined, and is actually illegal. 44 out of the 50 states in the US have anti-hazing laws. In any organization, there are people you can talk to if you begin to feel uncomfortable with anything that is going on.
6. Sororities are all about social status.
Of course, there is a certain sense of pride you get when you join a Greek organization. Many girls will tell you that as part of a sorority, they like to be seen a positive role model and set a good example for other students. There are other aspects that don't pertain to being “popular”. Sorority girls hold fundraising events to donate to their philanthropies and other charities. Through these fundraisers we try to draw in a crowd and incorporate as many students as we can.
