Why The TV Show 'Greek' Is Not Reality | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why The TV Show 'Greek' Is Not Reality

It's not about the parties or the drama.

474
Why The TV Show 'Greek' Is Not Reality

I was born in 1997, and my first exposure to what college would be like was watching reruns of "Greek" on ABC Family (now called FreeForm). I remember sneakily watching the show as a kid because I knew my mom wouldn’t approve of its adult scenarios. All that the show seemed to portray about Greek life were the parties, the bad decisions, the drama, and the irresponsibility. But what it did not reveal was the friendships, the love, the support, and the philanthropy.

Hollywood has a funny way of doing this, really. It’s as if they try to create a false reality for viewers. True love can happen, but the odds of you losing a shoe and your “one and only” finding it and chasing after you are slim to none. Being a part of a Greek organization is nothing like you see on TV. It’s about finding yourself, where you fit in, and most importantly, finding a home.

Here is what Greek life is not: a collection of crazy college kids who join these organizations so they can party and barely pass their classes. Here’s what Greek life is: a collection of driven young men and women who go out and find communities that accept them. It’s where they find people who will inspire them and join them on their journey to survive the stressful but rewarding years of college. And of course, fraternities and sororities can let loose a little on the weekend, but that one small element is blown entirely out of proportion when considering all of the positive effects and attributes of Greek life. Greek organizations serve philanthropies and do more community service than any other young adult organization.

And now for the most infamous piece of Greek life -- hazing. Hazing is elaborately depicted on TV and in movies, and unfortunately it does happen, but not nearly as much as people think. In fact, most Greek organizations don’t actually haze, but the ones that do take it so far that lives are lost or ruined. The subsequent harsh media criticism and public reproach to these incidents are what give Greek organizations a bad rap. Think about it this way -- planes are safe, but anytime a plane crashes it’s glorified on the news for days.

It’s a shame that some organizations still think hazing is OK, but as a whole, the practice is coming to a close. However, hazing occurs in more than just Greek life. Sports teams often haze new players, even some school clubs or workplaces haze the newbies. It stinks that a few irresponsible, ill-minded individuals can ruin the reputation we as Greeks have strived so hard to achieve.

To close, let me leave you with some facts. Eighty-five percent of all male Fortune 500 executives belong to a fraternity. Forty of 47 U.S. Supreme Court Justices since 1910 were fraternity men. Seventy-six percent of all congressmen belong to a fraternity. The first female senator was Greek. Members of these societies go on to accomplish great things. And no, it’s not joining Greek life that allowed them to do these kinds of things, but it’s what Greek life stands for and attracts. Intelligent, driven young men and women join these organizations and make them what they are. So if you’re thinking about going Greek, don’t rely on what you see in the media. Evan won’t cheat on you, Rusty won’t get crabs from Tina, but Rebecca, Evan, Rusty, Ashleigh, Dale, Casey, Cappie, Calvin, and you will remain friends forever.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

149085
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

37926
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

33630
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments