I typically don't openly admit to people that I was in a
sorority. It's not that I'm ashamed of that fact, I just don't want the
stereotypes that come with it. But after the recent (yes, I know I'm a little
behind) incident regarding the UVA rape article published by the Rolling Stone, I
feel obligated to defend Greek organizations. While the magazine retracted the article because the story was comprised of fallacies, the negative image associated with that fraternity, campus, and Greek organizations as a whole, is not so easily retractable.
I
will never forget the look on friends and family members' faces when I told
them I was pledging a sorority (Alpha Gamma Delta). It was kind of a surprised look like "Oh!?
You don't seem the type." The type? What type?
For whatever reasons, Greeks get a bad rap. From what I've
gathered, sorority stereotypes include but are not limited to party girls,
sluts, drunks, ditsy, bitches, snotty rich girls, etc. I'm not saying I never met a sorority girl who didn't met one of these stereotypes, but I don't think it's fair to
classify ALL sorority girls as such. Aren't there people who fit those
descriptions in any clique?
I can't grasp where these stereotypes originated,
though. The only conclusion I can reach is that members of Greek organizations
have been ruined by their reputation as portrayed in movies, television and the
media. It's not just sororities, either. Fraternities probably have a worse
rap, as displayed by the accusations against UVA's Phi Kappa Psi.
So why? Why these stereotypes? Anyone who's been involved in
Greek life knows there's so much more to it than the petty misconceptions.
Academics
Have you ever noticed that movies about Greek life rarely,
if ever show people studying? Believe it or not, each Greek member must
maintain a certain grade point average. If they fail to meet the set standards,
they cannot actively participate in the organization's functions until their
grades improve. Study tables, they're not just for athletes, folks!
Leadership
Every Greek organization has leadership roles in which a
member is voted into a position. President, Vice President, VP of Finance, etc.
Each person nominated to a role is expected to meet the criteria set forth upon
accepting their position. If they fail to perform their duties, they will have
it stripped from them.
If you look at some of the leaders in different industries
today, you'd probably be surprised to know that many of them were in a Greek
organization. Stephen Spielberg, Michael Jordan, George W. Bush, and Tim McGraw
are just a few.
Philanthropy
Every Greek organization affiliates themselves with some
type of philanthropic organization. Currently, Alpha Gamma Delta works with the
American Diabetes Association to expand diabetes awareness and education. Every
year our sorority hosted events in which we would raise money to donate to the
philanthropy we were supporting at the time. As college students we didn't
always have the money, though, so we learned to share our talents with our
spare time.
Through AGD, we were encouraged to participate in other
forms of donation. Every fall girls from the chapter would volunteer to rake
leaves for the elderly in the community through Rake-A-Difference, an event put
on by Northwood University. There
was a Salvation Army Christmas party in which each organization welcomed grade
school kids and participated in different activities like decorating cookies,
coloring, etc. These are just two of the many events our chapter participated in.
Community
When you're in a Greek organization, you have an immediate
sense of belonging. You have a group of peers with whom, to some degree, you
share interests and beliefs. There is always a shoulder to cry on and someone
to laugh with. But it also opens the doors to so much more.
There was also a sense of friendship between the other
sororities and fraternities on campus. Yes, when it came to things like Greek
week we were enemies, but we always supported one another. If the Chi's were
sponsoring a volleyball tournament, you better believe the Gams and DZs, and
every fraternity were there to participate. And the favor was returned.
Greek life got me involved both on campus and in the Midland community. It was through my sorority I was encouraged to get involved
with Big Brother Big Sisters and also volunteered to participate in Christmas
Caroling at the local botanical gardens.
Networking
Through my sorority I was forced into situations in which I
knew no one and came out with new friends. Every year, all the members of AGD
chapters within the state of Michigan got together for a luncheon to
recognize academic achievement and enjoy each other's company.
During my time
as president I was fortunate enough to attend convention in St. Louis, MO and
meet Alpha Gam members both young and old and share stories and experiences.
And finally, before graduating, I interviewed as a Leadership Consultant. I
interviewed with about 20 other girls to compete for spots to work with AGD
chapters across the country. And even though we were all fighting for the same spots, that did not stop us from building friendships.
Now I'm not going to pretend like some of the stereotypes
aren't true. Yes, Greeks party. Yes, some chapters may haze. Yes, there is
drama involved. But aren't those things true of any collegiate organization? If
you went and surveyed a college football team, I would imagine they would tell
you they experience the same. And if they said otherwise, I would be willing to
put money down that they're lying. So why are the Greeks the only ones shamed
for these behaviors?
Just as much good comes from Greek members as
"bad". I wouldn't trade my time as an active member of AGD for
anything. The life-long lessons, friendships, and memories, outweigh the stigmas,
stereotypes, and misconceptions.
