We're all guilty of it. We've all been that person judging a person based on their sorority or fraternity or judging a sorority or fraternity based on rumors you've heard or the opinions of one or two people. While it may seem harmless, the effects of these stereotypes go far beyond what you may think. 

Often times, we aren't trying to judge an entire group. You walk past a certain fraternity house, and your friend comments on the terrible guy she met there last weekend. Or, you hear about a certain sorority where the girls are known to go crazy, and rumors are spreading about their mixer on Thursday night. Next thing you know, you and your friends are on CollegiateACB, reading threads and putting names to faces. Suddenly, you have a whole new perspective on that girl in your psychology class, and once you read that information, it's hard to forget. So, even though you may not think these stories affect you, they're actively shaping your view of Greek life and those in it. 

What can we do to change this phenomenon? First of all, we have to acknowledge that it starts with rush. It's a given that stereotypes about every fraternity and sorority will always exist, but it's possible to shift these from mostly negative to at least a little more positive. Those pledging shouldn't pick their chapter based on what they've heard in their first semester or year; they should choose instead to make their decision based on the people they meet and the connections they make.

How can you make a difference? It's simple. Talk about all the positives in your chapter, but leave out the shaming of others. Trust that people will pick your sorority or fraternity because of all the good it has to offer, not because you've scared them out of joining others. 

Secondly, make an active effort to acknowledge stereotypes. It's so easy to get caught up in judgements because you've heard all your friends say the same thing about a certain fraternity or sorority over and over again. Listen to your friends, but keep in the back of your mind that they're judging an entire group based on a few experiences or people. If you can, bring their stereotyping to their attention. They probably don't even realize what they're saying and the effect that it has on their views and the views of those around them.

Lastly, judge people by their character and not their chapter. It's so easy to think you won't get along with someone because of their association. The truth is, Greek divisions are often just invisible lines that divide groups of people far more than they should. Take the time to get to know people, and don't just stick to one or two chapters because that's who you're supposed to get along with. 

Our Greek title should connect us far more than our individual chapters divide us. Unfortunately, if we don't make an active effort to break down stereotypes, they'll continue to exist and strengthen. My challenge to you is to think of one example of a person who has completely defied their Greek stereotype, and keep that in the back of your mind when someone starts Greek shaming. Even if just a few people start to change their habits, little by little, we can start to break down the walls before they become cemented.