"Oh my gosh you're in a sorority?" "So, like, do you only party with fraternity guys and pay for your friends?" "You don't look like a sorority girl." "I didn't think a girl like you could make Dean's list." "You must only care about your looks." *insert comment about being ditzy here*
These are just a few of the ridiculous questions and comments that have been directed to sorority girls over the years. Frankly, I have reached my limit for tolerating such closed-minded, uneducated judgments and thoughts. Being a sorority girl-correction-sorority woman is being part of an organization that focuses on giving back, sisterhood, academics, and bettering yourself.
Being a part of Greek life, in general, is invaluable as you meet so many like-minded individuals who aspire to make a difference on campus and the community. I mean it wholeheartedly when I say that the day I received a bid to my sorority was one of the happiest days of my life and one of the best decisions I've ever made. I met girls who have become like real sisters to me, and I have made friends in various fraternities and other sororities who have been there for me through so just about everything.
However, not everyone sees Greek Life in this light.
A lot of people, whether they be fellow classmates, family, or random strangers, have plenty of negative things to say about Greek Life. Yes, there are instances where sorority men and women have done deplorable things, I am not justifying that. For example, the recent situation where a sorority woman from the South repeatedly said the n-word on snap chat is downright disgusting and not how anyone should ever, ever represent themselves. Her actions are not becoming of a sorority woman, and therefore she was expelled from her chapter. Rightfully so.
Unfortunately, the media only highlights the bad things Greek life members do, and rarely ever the good. What about all the money we raise for our philanthropies? I highly doubt anyone knows how much each chapter gives to organizations and causes such as the "Make a Wish Foundation," rape prevention services, heart disease research, anorexia counseling, etc.
On my campus particularly, our fraternity and sorority members do so much for the local community and nationwide organizations. For instance, one fraternity does a 12-hour outdoor sleep-out in the freezing cold to raise money and awareness for a local rape response service. Another sorority holds a once a semester whiffle ball game to raise money for the national "Make a Wish Foundation." On top of this, we also do so much for the campus as well, taking part in various cleanup projects, holding leadership positions in other organizations, or simply going out of our way to help others.
Knowing all this, it still irks me to no end just how shallow people can be regarding Greek life. To say that we all drink, party, get poor grades, and act irresponsibly is downright wrong and hypocritical. Here is what I'd like to say to all those people who continuously stereotype and judge sorority/fraternity members wrongly:
1. We take our studies and responsibilities very seriously
In order to be a part of a Greek organization, everyone must have a certain GPA and do a certain amount of community service. Study groups are mandatory and it's amazing to have 40 other sisters/brothers to go to for academic help or advice. Yes, we make time for fun, but our academics and career responsibilities come first always.
3. We're not ditzy, vapid, easy, etc
Why, why, why is this even a stereotype? The movies and T.V. shows have done us a disservice. Sorority women are no different from other women, and shouldn't be singled out for everything they do. What makes it ok to judge anyone, sorority woman or not, based on their sex life, personal interests, or appearance? I personally know people who actually believe this stereotype and it enrages me. It is never right to judge anyone when you don't even know them. Don't put down someone for their interests/choices without first evaluating your own. The hostility towards sorority women is very real, but these perceptions many have of them are not.
In sum, being in a sorority or fraternity not only opens many doors down the line socially, academically, or career-wise, but it also allows you to grow and make lifelong connections that will benefit you always. I wish everyone could understand that.
I'm tired of having to defend my chapter and fellow Greeks to the infuriating skeptics who make rude and insulting claims. Just think before you speak. There will always be positives and negatives within every type of group in existence. Don't just single out Greek Life. This type of judgment is what causes all of this mess in the first place.
Everyone should have respect and in turn, treat others with respect. There is no room for false judgment or wrongful stereotyping, whether it be about Greek life or in general.
So please, next time you feel like saying something negative and judgmental about Greek life without any real evidence to back it up, just don't say anything at all. Rather, do your research and learn about all the good Greek life does and what it's all about.
Know your facts, and always be open-minded and respectful. These values are held to a high standard within Greek organizations and should be held just as high by everyone else.
I am a sorority woman.
I am proud of this title and wish everyone could see Greek life in the same way that I, as well as my fellow sisters and brothers, do.
