Is Greek Life How the Media Portrays It?
Start writing a post
Politics

Greek Life In 2019 Is So Much More Than Just Drinking And Hazing, But The Media Never Talks About That

You really don't know what it's going to be like until you're in it yourself.

1120
Greek Life In 2019 Is So Much More Than Just Drinking And Hazing, But The Media Never Talks About That

My heart sank this when I saw that the ex-Baylor fraternity president was indicted on 4 counts of sexual assault.

And he wouldn't even go to prison. It infuriates me when I read headlines like this.

I see way too many headlines of sexual assault and hear even more whisperings because people don't want to talk about "sensitive subjects" when it comes to assault and toxic masculinity.

While it pushes me to fight for more awareness of sexual assault in college, I have to think about how incidents like this (and I know, there are so many) impact how Greek life is seen by the majority of the population. Many campuses do not have Greek like because of their negative reputation and association with sexual assault; also, the colleges and universities do not want the hazing that comes with these chapters.

When looking at Greek life only through the lens of the media and what they are portraying, fraternities and sororities go against everything I stand for.

Before rushing, I was so afraid of the judgment that I knew would be coming from these sorority chapters. I had heard that many chapters, especially in the South, only cared about money or hazed their pledges. However, my experience in my sorority has been completely different than that. It sounds like a cliché, but I made connections and found friends I never would have. As a member of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Virginia, I have found nothing but love and support from my sisters. Before I even knew my sisters well, they welcomed me with open arms. So where is this image of Greek life in the media? Obviously, I am not in a fraternity and can only speak from my personal experience, but I have also seen the brotherhood among my friends in fraternities. It's so much more than just drinking buddies or people you get through hazing with. I have met awesome guys that care about each other and care about the reputation of their chapter.

So I want to change the reputation of Greek Life.

It was so different than any of the stories I had ever heard. But part of changing the reputation of Greek life is changing Greek life. At chapter last week we talked about how we can make the rush process less superficial. I've seen guys call girls safe rides home and helped them find a friend so they could find a way home safely.

While the reputation of Greek life isn't the best, part of what we can do to change it is fix what's actually broken so we can be more than these immoral acts.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

87539
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

53809
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments