Recently, I came across a tweet that went viral about how sororities have a certain "dress code" during recruitment. There was a lot of backlash from sorority members and alumni; and a lot of support from those who agreed with her. There were replies back and forth about how the sorority stigma is real and everyone is the same versus the "dress code" is similar to having to dress professionally in a workplace. It just kept going back and forth.
Don't judge something that you know nothing about. Coming into college, I was unsure about joining a sorority but since I only knew only three other girls from my high school, I decided to go through recruitment. During the process, I watched "The House Bunny," which features stereotypical sororities in the movie. I was reminded of why I was a little nervous, but I continued anyway.
It seems intimidating and exciting all at the same time. These girls are dressed similarly and they're all so happy, or peppy if you will. However, there are reasons behind what you see in the process. For one, we dress similarly to differentiate ourselves from the potential new members going through recruitment. In addition, we dress similarly to look more uniform. You might say, "well doesn't that kill individuality?" and with that, I will answer, no, it doesn't.
I say this because even if our colors for that day are red, white and blue (for example), sorority members can get whatever short-or-long-red dress they want. In a workplace, a woman can wear whatever she wants — as long as it is professional and appropriate. It is the same in this case.
Going forward, all sorority girls are definitely not the same; and if you do not believe that then I encourage you to meet more people in Greek life; in multiple sororities at multiple universities.
I am a prime example. According to stereotypes, the only mold I fit is being blonde. That is literally the only thing I can think of. Aside from that, I study international business (which involves many difficult courses may I say), I have worked two jobs while going to school, have branched out to other clubs within my community, and have different interests than other members in my sorority. That's one of the reasons why I love it.
If that is not enough for someone to be convinced; I would like to point out that we have differences further than our various Netflix show options. Our majors vary, the clubs we join around campus vary, and we all come from different kind of family backgrounds where someone was raised by a single mom or another woman chose to support herself when she went to college. I've met tons of these girls. Our majors consist of nursing, accounting, communications, psychology, criminal justice, and so on. Our clubs consist of The Odyssey, student ambassadors, the student-alumni association, and more.
We are human beings and we make our own decisions ultimately.
Don't judge me for my clubs and interests, when I don't judge yours. End of story.
