I love being in Greek life. I really do. Here at USC there is an incredible and strong history within the Greek community that has been a part of the school for many generations. I have seen this community come together through thick and thin, and, when it really counts, support each other no matter what.
However, the one problem I have noticed lately doesn't really stem from the Greek system itself but more from the stereotypes surrounding it.
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It's no news to anyone that there are often many discrepancies between "top" and "bottom" houses (in whatever definition you would like to take). At any school there is a often a clear division between the two, and often there are associated perks and downsides. Top sororities only mix with top frats, top houses are where the smartest, prettiest, and richest people are, and so on. The list of stereotypes bred within the Greek system related to ranks among the houses is endless.
This is my call to end this ridiculous measure of individuality. I can't tell you how many times I've heard freshmen ask me: "Will a guy from a top house care if I'm not in a top house? Should I not tell them the name of my house?" And I think that needs to end.
Here's what I tend to tell people. If someone is vapid and immature enough to measure your character based on what Greek house you are in, then that's on them, and would you want to be friends with someone like that? Even more specifically, if someone you are interested in is ashamed of you and won't date you because of your superficial "rank" among the community, would you really want to be with that person?
At the end of the day, what do these houses mean to us? They are supposed to mean friendship, sister- and brotherhood, service, academics and a place of social greatness. And yet here we are, turning them into another competition and forgetting what they are really supposed to mean.
Top houses should be top houses because of their commitment to service, academics, and the well-being and compassion of their members. No rank should be based on any kind of popularity contest. We are now adults and people need to grow up. Believe in yourself and be confident in whichever house you have chosen.
When you get to heaven, hell, or whatever afterlife you believe in and have to answer to God, a shaman, or grand wizard about your life, understand that the last thing that really matters in your life is some superficial "rank" your Greek house from college was in.
Be confident in your house, no matter where you stand, and be proud of your brothers and sisters. You are what makes a house and some "rank" doesn't define you. Be the best you can be -- at the end of the day, that is what makes Greek life.
