If you've seen the news lately, you might have a negative impression on the collegiate Greek Community. With unforgivable remarks on racism, incidences of sexual assault, and the harsh outcomes of hazing, it is understandable why people believe Greek Life shouldn't have a place on college campuses.
As two active members of Greek organizations, we've come together to share a personal perspective on the issues surrounding Greek Life and to shed a light on the positive impact fraternities and sororities can have on the community as a whole.
How would the public describe the stereotypical fraternity/sorority member?
Amar: Some of the words I've heard tossed around for the stereotypical fraternity guy is cocky, entitled and self-absorbed. A common misconception is that all we're focused on is parties and being as much of a tool to women as possible. This, again, is understandable based on the actions of a few individuals across the country.
Emily: I have heard it all before. The public sees us sorority girls as ditzy, privileged party girls that hang out with frat guys and wear pretentious, girly clothing. I can understand where they are coming from, though. I'm not blind to the inappropriate pictures of sorority members across social media or our public tendency to hang out with guys who are in fraternities.
How would you describe the actual fraternity/sorority member?
Amar: The brothers I've met through my experience as a member of a fraternity are ambitious, encouraging, and active on campus. I, personally, am becoming a more balanced man as a result of my SigEp brothers being there to guide and encourage me to reach my full potential in everything that I do academically, socially and professionally. Definitely a side you don't see on Animal House.
Emily: I'm not going to ignore the idea that there are social aspects of being in a sorority, but there really is so much more to what makes a Greek woman. The women I know in sororities are motivated, spirited, and compassionate individuals who genuinely care about creating sisterhood and positively impacting their campuses. Plus, the whole ditzy thing really irks me, because to be a member of DG, I have to uphold certain academic standards.
What prompted you to join Greek Life?
Amar: I was very on the fence about joining a fraternity. I didn't know if it was for me, and if the stereotypes that I heard about prior to coming to college were true — then I definitely couldn't see myself being a part of Greek Life. However, after taking a semester to get accustomed to the college environment, I decided to rush and check it out. I truly realized how diverse and different each fraternity is. There is a place for everyone in the Greek community, and I was fortunate enough to find mine. Like I said, the brothers that I've gotten to know have done nothing but positively impact my life. Everyone has the opportunity to get involved in philanthropies and brothers are continuously pushing you to take on leadership positions on campus.
Emily: Well, I definitely did not see myself as the typical sorority girl. I'm not going to lie that I saw those negative stereotypes as a reason not to rush and kind of veered away from the idea of being in a sorority. But then when rushing, I saw how much good sororities actually do. I heard about so many beneficial philanthropies from Chi Omega's Make A Wish, Kappa Delta's affiliation with Girl Scouts, to Alpha Delta Pi's support of the Ronald McDonald house. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, something that could push me to best me that I could be. So I joined and found an incredible sisterhood and home that accepts me for who I am.
How do you feel about the recent mishaps with the Greek community across the nation?
Amar: The recent sexual assault charges and racist references are beyond unforgivable. I know that my fraternity (as well as a majority of those on campus) stress nothing but acceptance, respect, and diversity. So, it truly saddens and angers me when individuals across the nation break those teachings by behaving inappropriately, undermining women, and disrespecting minorities. As a community, these mishaps should be a force that helps guide us in the right direction. But beyond Greek life, these issues are present all across campuses, so in order to properly combat the issues at hand, we must go beyond simply blaming the Greek system and work together as a university to eliminate these mishaps.
Emily: I absolutely and 100 percent am appalled by some of the issues surrounding sorority and fraternity members. As a woman and minority, I would never want racist or chauvinist comments and actions to be made about my family or anyone's family for that matter. I can't help but think about what had to take place in history for society to come this far in acceptance and tolerance, so it scares me that racist ideology could hit so close to home. If I saw these issues in my own sorority, I definitely would not be a member. In addition, I would rather the University deal with these issues than me personally benefitting from them not doing anything about them. I want Greek life to become better, to address these problems, and to continue to create a network of future leaders, philanthropists, and our nation's professionals.
And finally….
We both believe that Greek life is developing but are still proud to call ourselves member of this strong community. We hope that after reading, people can maybe see sororities and fraternities in a different (hopefully more positive) way.
