As much as I love Selena Gomez and Zac Efron, I hate the plot and message that the Neighbors movie franchise shows about Greek Life. I am in a greek organization at UW-La Crosse like many other women and men, and everyday we have to fight the stigma of what the media portrays as the “typical” fraternity and sorority. So, I’m here to debunk a few of those stereotypes.
1. Greek Life isn’t About Partying
Crazy, I know. But most fraternities and sororities have four to six values, and I am pretty (if not, absolutely) sure “Partying/Alcohol” is not one of those. Yes, members of fraternities and sororities do drink and have parties and go out, but that’s not the reason you are supposed to want to join an organization like that. All recognized sororities in the United States aren’t even allowed to have parties at their houses.
2. Media Already Makes Greek Life Look Bad Enough
News coverage nowadays never want to cover the good that any group does. Fraternities and sororities do a lot of good things like: raising money for their philanthropies, volunteering, helping spread the word on social issues, putting on events for different charities and helping find leadership around their areas. But no one nowadays hears about that or cares. There are bad chapters that do bad things, but that doesn’t mean we all do.
3. We aren’t all the Same
Each sorority and fraternity is different in their values (besides the core 4), members, traditions and rituals. And within that each member is different. The reason why organizations like this are so great is for the fact that we aren’t all the same, but we all share something special that no one outside of it can understand.
4. Sororities Girls aren’t always Superficial
When a woman joins a sorority all the pretty pictures and cool shirts don’t go to her head and make her cocky. That’s not what’s supposed to happen; Sororities are supposed to have you grow as a woman and a sister. So, of course someone’s confidence will be increased as they are surrounded by other great women that give them endless support, but confidence does not mean cockiness.
5. Sorority Girls ALSO aren’t always Half Naked
Also, in a sorority we are taught that when we are representing our organization we are supposed to be classy, not trashy. I’m sorry, but we don’t have car washes, we don’t have wet t-shirt contests, and we don’t play sports in weird non-existent outfits.