5 Sorority Stereotypes That Need To End | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
popular

5 Sorority Stereotypes That Need To End

You don't know until you're a part of it.

5341
5 Sorority Stereotypes That Need To End
FSU Delta Gamma

If you're in college, there's a 9/10 chance a Greek life presence exists at your school. Whether it reaches the colossal level of Alabama's greek row or consists of one small fraternity/sorority, there is no denying that Greek life plays a huge role in college life.

Unfortunately, with that role comes the inevitable stereotypes that have given it such a negative rep. Admittedly, some of the stereotypes are hilariously true, especially with sororities.

Yes, we do all wear the same letters, dress up in heels, and like to go out. But we are a collective group of individuals that wanted to be a part of an organization made up of girls we like to be with.

Going on my third year of college and my second year in my sorority, it's time to put certain notions of what it's all about to rest. No one appreciates bias, but I was once ill-informed and made jokes about sorority life before I decided to put myself out there and join one. I know both sides of college and neither is worse than the other.

1. "Joining a sorority is just paying for friends."

Let me start by saying that money was one of the big reasons that I didn't immediately join one. We don't like to pay dues or feel like every cent should go to our organization. Dues are necessary because it is money that is not only set aside for certain functions but also for our respected philanthropy and active national organization. Many hope to make friends as they go along because a sorority presents hundreds of different girls to meet, one of which you're bound to have something in common with.

2. "Sorority girls only wear letters and Lilly Pulitzer."

There should be no shame in wearing letters just like there should be no shame in wearing a shirt from your own club. Some of them we get for free and others just look nice and are comfy to class, since college is tiring. There will be girls who are the epitome of "Lilly Pulitzer, all pink and glitter" in a sorority and there will be girls who can't stand to dress up and will wear the same pair of jeans for a whole week.

3. "Only pretty, blonde girls are in sororities."

This is actually painful to hear in more ways than one. It's not because I'm blonde myself but because it indicates girls who are only valued as marginally attractive can join a sorority. In an age where women are constantly torn down, the last thing we want anyone to think is that someone is less than worthy of being able to join. All different kinds of girls with all different kinds of backgrounds are in sororities across the nation and none joined because they felt they were pretty and wanted to be around equally pretty people. They joined because they wanted to be involved in school, wanted to make friends, or maybe went through a hard time and needed something to make things better.

4. "The only thing sorority girls do is party."

I'll be honest, a lot of girls in sororities like to go out. You're correct in thinking it's part of the culture. We're exposed to not just hundreds of girls in our own sorority but hundreds of girls in all campus sororities and their respective fraternities. But you're incorrect in assuming it's the only thing we do or the sole reason we joined. Many girls I know did it as a way to get involved with philanthropies or represent an organization on a national level. Expanding your circle is a natural thing to want in college and joining Greek life is a good way to do it. It's not all about the wild times but the times that matter with people that matter.

5. "Half of them don't know each other and aren't really friends."

In a school of over 30,000 and the connections you'll make in any aspect of college, you are not going to know everyone. Even in my smaller sorority, I can't get to know each girl on a personal level. I wish I had the time to sit down with all of them to talk but it's simply unrealistic. It's knowing that I can rely on any of them to help me and feel included, even if I'm close with only a handful, that makes the experience worth it.

To the girls who have just rushed a sorority or are thinking about rushing one, I wish you nothing but a fun and enjoyable experience! And to my sisters of my sorority, thank you for introducing me to some of my closest friends in college!

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189465
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14445
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457489
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26436
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments