Some Greek organizations have bad reputations. Whether it be the movies portraying us negatively or the nightly news stories, there are bad stereotypes out there. But take it from me, a Greek woman, that they are not all true. The reality of being a sorority girl or fraternity guy is far from the stereotype, and here are a few reasons why:
1. Stereotype: Members are paying to have friends in Greek organizations.
Reality: Members are paying for housing, supplies, badges, registration, and dues to the college.
In almost every student club, you have to pay dues, and I don't see anyone claiming that you are "paying for friends" when giving the chess club $20. In Greek
2. Stereotype: Greeks haze.
Reality: Most Greek organizations have an anti-hazing policy in their bylaws and stand firmly against hazing.
Believe it or not, athletic teams are now the most likely type of organization to haze new members. I know that my sorority stands against hazing; I wasn't even allowed to hold a door open for a member until I was initiated.
3. Stereotype: Members join just to party.
Reality: Although parties are nice, most people join to become more involved with a philanthropy and gain more friends.
95% of your time with a Greek organization is spent doing other things not related to partying. My sorority has get-togethers, dinners, recruitment events/open houses, alumni events, and/or volunteer opportunities 3-5 days a week. If I wanted to party all the time, the sorority would be a barrier to that. I joined for so much more than just a party.
4. Stereotype: You focus less on your academics when you go Greek.
Reality: Because of GPA requirements plus support from a network of friends, your grades actually tend to improve from going Greek.
5. Stereotype: You get full access to alcohol.
Reality: You get access to people who are 21+ and you may drink socially from time to time.
No one is going to be dishing out free alcohol. You may find someone who'll provide alcohol at a party one time but you'll mostly be paying for your own stuff. Choosing to drink is a personal choice, and not all Greeks drink.
6. Stereotype: Greek organizations don't do anything good on campus.
Reality: Greeks participate in many service projects on and off campus, as well as donate to their national philanthropies.
We often have service hour requirements (per semester) and some may even have mandatory volunteering events. Not only do Greek organizations do plenty on campus, many chapters participate in alcohol abuse awareness or campaign against hazing. Most Greeks also have a philanthropy that they support, which tends to be large national organizations like The Ronald McDonald House, Breast Cancer Awareness or Women's Wellness Initiative.
7. Stereotype: Greek organizations are lazy.
Reality: Greeks try hard to make a positive impact on campus and for their philanthropy.
Greek organizations go to great lengths to show we care. With my sorority, on a weekly basis, we wear business attire to our classes to show how much we DO care. We put in countless service hours and assist our philanthropy and campus. We try to be the best versions of ourselves and represent our chapters with pride and class.
8. Stereotype: Being Greek is just a phase through college.
Reality: You're in it for life.
Once you're initiated into an organization, you are tied to it for life. You may graduate and leave your chapter, but you will always be a proud brother/sister. Many Greek organizations have countless alumni chapters, as well as fun meetups and national conventions that alumni may attend. As my sorority says, you're "anchored for life!"
There's a lot of negativity out and about with Greek Life on college campuses, so take it from someone who is Greek: not every rumor or stereotype about us is true!
