Because of media, their are many stereotypes and misconceptions of sororities and fraternities. Some of these many stereotypes and misconceptions are Greeks party too much, they are stupid, they are paying for friends and hazing . All four of these stereotypes and misconceptions are wrong about Greek life.
Parties
Pop culture has convinced society that all Greek organizations are all about the partying. Many movies about sororities or fraternities seem to portray them as groups of rich colleges students that party all the time. The truth is Greek’s party no more than non- Greeks in college. Many Greek organizations on college campuses across the United States can receive negative consequences from the school or national organization for hosting parties.
Greeks are Stupid
Contrary to popular belief from the media, members of Greek communities are very smart and motivated people. To be recruited future members have to have a certain GPA. This is usually a minimum of a 2.5 to 2.7. Even after recruitment members must remain in good academic standing to remain a member of their chapter. Also, most chapters require their members to complete a certain number of study hours a week. My sorority Alpha Sigma Alpha requires its members to complete a minimum of four study hours in the library every week. Because of the academic standards set by the chapters, students belonging to the Greek community usually have an overall higher GPA than other students on campus.
You are Paying for Friends
Like many organizations there is a fee to help keep the organization running. For sororities and fraternities member dues are used to pay for everything from philanthropy events, national fees to sisterhood or brotherhood events to professional development events. If a sorority or fraternity has a house the member dues may be used to pay for room and board.
Hazing
Pop culture has convinced society that hazing is a part of Greek life. Again and again movies show potential new members of a sorority or fraternity being hazed just so they can join. This is completely the opposite of what the media portrays to us. At my University, Minnesota State University, Mankato and most other Universities in the United States have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to hazing. If a chapter is caught hazing a student, they could be shut down for good!
I agree that people do have the wrong stereotype for fraternities and sororities. Belonging to a fraternity myself I see how people actually act. Yes there is emphasis on fraternity guys wanting to get women, but that's all guys on campus. There are some very smart guys in fraternities but their is also some select few that aren't very intelligent and are only in it for the money. There are also those few that are just rich and stuck up, but by no means is that how everyone acts. I also agree that greek life pushes us to do well in academics and it is kind of a helpful.
ReplyDeleteI think these stereotypes are because of Tv shows like the show the Greek and since people don't know much about them they think that's why they are like. I think it was good you went through every major stereotype there is about fraternities and sororities to tell people the real thing. After being at college for a while now I think you see what they are all about and that they do a lot of good things around campus and in their community. Also I think you brought up a really good point about how you have to keep high grades to be in them. Most people don't know that and think it's all about the parties and that they think school really doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteI feel like these stereotypes prevent some people from wanting to pledge. I do not belong to a sorority here, but I see nothing wrong with people that do. There are many things positive about being in a sorority or fraternity. I would say the number one thing would be the emphasis of the importance of education, and helping you to stay on track. Another positive thing would be having a huge support group, no matter what. And all of the events would keep you from ever getting bored. I don't see anything wrong with being greek and I don't understand why some people care.
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