Greek Bashing
 

Is it just me or does anyone else sense that there's been a lot of greek bashing going on lately? First we have wackos coming on here and trying to tell us we're all the devil's spawn. Then there was the 48 Hours episode(even though not totally aimed at greeks it still didn't show us in a totally positive light). Then we have tons of people here at LSU beating us down. I'm really sick and tired of ill-informed people talking about how "bad" the greek system is.

The whole greek bashing episode at LSU has stemmed from a Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. pledge being caned by actives and being sent to the hospital. I realize that by no means is this a good thing but the entire greek community at LSU is being ridiculed for something one fraternity did. It's like the SAE fiasco that happened a few years ago all over again. The whole greek community is being slammed, criticized, and penalized for something a few irresponsible people did.

My question is...why do we constantly get beaten down by outsiders? Why do they always see the few negative things that happen and never the many positive things we do? What will we have to do to change attitudes?

I'm really sorry for venting...but it's all just getting to me. I did not post this to start some huge debate. Thanks.

Allison

[This message has been edited by TigerGirl (edited April 09, 2001).]

I meant to include this with my original post. This is the link to an article written by a columnist for our student newspaper.
http://reveille.stumedia.lsu.edu/arc...-3-01/arc.html

The article is titled "Secret memo offers advice to errant greeks" if anyone is interested in reading it.

Allison

I totally agree with you tiger girl.Lately especially on this board there have been a lot of greek bashing. A lot of people generalize greeks by what they see on tv, movies, or the mishaps of another greek org. People have to remeber that what one does everyone else does not do. There are a lot of good true greeks, especially some who post on this message board. I believe the good greeks that are out there if we work together like the greek community should, then maybe one day people won't bash us as hard http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
One and Much Greek Love
DGPhoney ****

I think the media takes pleasure in bashing the greeks around here. I can count on one hand the positive things the Revellie has printed about the greek system this semester.

But I'm not going to get on my soapbox. It is still my school,and I have to represent it in the best possilbe light

One thing that is important to note is that this board is open access and can be easily found. Anyone can post here. And yeah there are a lot of stereotypes about greeks out there. I was exposed to a lot of them in high school and didn't know what to think about frats and sororities. Most people don't get the opportunity to be in the greek system or be close enough to a greek to know what is going on. They rely on the bad stories.

There's a reason why you see headlines like "Man shoots four" rather than "Man helps old lady across the street" in the papers. The good stuff just isn't interesting, apparently. People take the few bad stories about Greeks and circulate them. And it sucks. But I think it helps (or at least it helps me) to realize that this problem is not exclusive to greeks. In every community, the many good things are overshadowed by the few bad things. We are hurt by this because we are so devoted to our orgs. And that is a good thing.

So what should we do? Well, I think we are already doing a lot. By doing philanthropy and being active on our campuses, we are putting our best foot forward. What is important is to keep acting on the amazing ideals on which each or our orgs. was founded. Colleges are the center of Greek life, so by giving ourselves a good name there, we will eventually start getting a better reputation.

Yeah...I think they take pleasure in ridiculing us too prospectiverushee. I wasn't trying to bash them for reporting about us in a negative light...I was just venting. I guess I've just had a stressful week and then all of that started happening on campus. I love being a Tiger...that will never change but I would like to see them start giving us the respect we deserve.

Ok...I'm done now!!

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif Allison

Greek bashing is in!!! We have known that for a long time!
My chapter at PSU Kansas does a hot-tub-a-thon every year with a soroity for 72 hrs. This year the chapter gave 2,500.00 to the Ronald McDonald House. We are always up there in the National Food Drive, and do Western Week for charity.
We finally got some good publicity for the tub-a-thon from 2 TV stations and the local paper.
We as Greeks do many things for the good and NEED to really get the word out.

The few who do the stupid hurt the rest, and there are some Fraternity/Soroity groups that take glee in hazing. This is not only illegal but it is criminal and they dhould do the time!!!!

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Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)

I am going to take the risk management side here and say THE BASHING IS NOT DONE IF THE PROOF AND ACTIONS ARE NOT OCCURRING AND PRESENT! Why the F*CK would these men DO THIS?!?! It's not only idiotic, it's criminal! If it was done by GDI's, it would be considered assault and battery! IF THE ROGUE GREEKS WHO THINK HAZING IS STILL NECESSARY WOULD STOP, THE MEDIA WOULD HAVE NOTHING TO BASH US WITH!!!

Now, that said, I do think that we will ALWAYS be working hard to overcome the actions that have occurred in the past. The best ones to educate Greeks about the hazing and its consequences are OTHER GREEKS! What will work? What will have to happen in order for these incidents to stop?? WE MUST STOP ACTING WITHOUT THINKING AND START HOLDING OURSELVES TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS!

It's that time of the season. There are two times when you will see a lot of negative media coverage of Greeks:

-March through early April, when hs seniors are making their final decisions on what college to attend.

-Late August through September, right before rush begins on many campuses.

The media know that parents and students have college and Greeks on their mind at these times, so they capitalize on it. It's the same concept as having "dangerous toys" reports on just before Christmas.

BTW TigerGirl, not to pick a nit but you need to edit your first post - Kappa Kappa Psi is an honorary music fraternity.



[This message has been edited by 33girl (edited April 08, 2001).]

It was KAPPA ALPHA PSI, INC. NOT KAPPA KAPPA PSI... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

I'm right down the road in the N.O.! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif


[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited April 08, 2001).]

Oops...I'm sorry. Thanks for correcting me!!!

Here's my two cents.

My school doesn't recognize the greek system (as some of you know). As far as we know, it is for two reasons. One more prominant than the other. They have issue with the sexual division in the houses. If they were co-ed, most likely, frats and sorors would have a greater chance of being accepted.

The other reason is probably the primary one and most likely, at least in my opinion, the main reason for much of the criticism by the media and those outside the system. The greek system is exclusive. Let's face it...not EVERYONE who rushes gets in, not everyone who wants to rush has the guts to follow through, and not everyone who does get a bid gets a bid from the house of their choice. The greek system is one of the last remaining 'elitist' society there is. And it is elitist, because you have to be invited to join.

People are resentful of the system. They find it offensive that people can pick and choose who will join their organization. Please don't flame me, because I'm a member of a GLO and obviously don't have these issues. But if you want to know why the greek system constantly finds itself ridculed and criticized by the media and those outside the system, this is my interpretation of why.
And of course, any negative event that occurs will place the focus and blame for that event on the system as a whole, rather than just those people involved. Because it is news and because it substantiates, in their mind, the claim that our system is bad and devious.

At least, that's what I think....

For my fellow BGLO members, its probate time...and that always brings a slew of hazing stories up from those not associated with us. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

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Many are called, many are chosen, but only a few are PHROZEN!

Gphi2k, you make some very valid points that I think few of us want to admit to. The Greek system as a whole IS elistist. We all strive to pick new members who will fit in with our org. as a whole, but there are many, many, many, people who have horrible experiences with rush. And this will taint the perception of Greeks for many of them. Who amongst us hasn't, at one point in life, been rejected by someone or something that we wanted badly? It takes a big person indeed to not feel slighted and somewhat bitter over that. To not always wish you could've been a part of it. Well, those people have voices, and many of them are in the media. Its my opinion, and only my opinion, but we are, as Greeks and future Greeks here on this boars, our own elitist society--though we strive to be fair and democratic, our goals are not always apparent to those on the outside, and do fuel the fire for the negative image of greeks in our way too PC society.

Amy

This is not going to be a popular positon.

Much of the bad press we get is deserved.

Not all, but much. There are some bad journalists, just as their are some bad Greeks.

But, you know, there are at least two entities I can think of that get bashed more than the Greek System: The Internal Revenue Service -- and The Media. Think about it.

I've worked with, or in, the News Departments of seven major market television stations and three major networks, and I can't remember a single story meeting where anyone said, "It's that time of year, let's dump on the fraternities."

You have to remember that these folks check with the "authorities" several times a day. That's where they get many of their stories. They don't have the staff to call every Greek Organization -- or every church -- or every school. So, generally, if they hear something about a GLO, by definition, it's because that group has done something to draw the attention of those authorities. And that is seldom a good thing.

If there wasn't a death or a hazing incident or an underage drinking arrest -- or a caning -- there wouldn't be anything for the cops or paramedics or whomever to report. (And, by the way, a caning is assault and battery whether it's in the context of a GLO or not -- and that's not a trivial thing)

So, there are some opportunities here.

First, don't break the law. Hazing and underage drinking are illegal. They're also against the rules of every National Greek organization I'm aware of. If you choose to do them and get caught, you deserve the bad rap you're going to get. Like, if you really are going 30 miles per hour over the speed limit, you deserve a ticket.

Second, be sure your chapter has a public relations person who has an established relationship with members of the local media and then be sure that person uses that relationship to report the good things you do -- like philanthropy and good human interest stories. If the news organization dosen't have the staff to call you everyday -- and they don't -- be sure to call them when you do something good and newsworthy. Otherwise, how will they know? Those stories won't always be published -- just as not every robbery or fire or domestic violence incident is covered -- but many will. They all help the overall image we need to create.

Finally, remember that the stories that you see on "48 Hours," or "Dateline," or whatever are almost always true. (Notice, I did say almost -- the media sometimes gets bad information) Generally, if something didn't happen, there would be nothing to report on. The easiest way to avoid bad publicity is by not doing anything bad.

It is unfortunate that all GLOs get "painted with same brush," when there is a hazing incident or an alcohol death -- but that's life. The same thing happens when a dirty cop is discovered; the whole police force is tainted. Or when Ford puts bad tires on one model, all of the Ford line suffers. When one airline is charged with price fixing, all airlines are put under a microscope. There are lots of examples -- not just Greek Letter Organizations.

If we clean up our act and accentuate the positive proactively, the media coverage will change for the better over the long run.

Unfortunately, we have a lot of past baggage to overcome. Let's be honest with ourselves, our track record is not a great one. I'm not going to point out that "a few bad apples," spoil it for the rest. We all know that.

Obey the law and the rules.

DeltAlum

PS I'm talking here about "hard" news coverage. Obviously there are some "commentators" who will be one sided. The only way to get an even break from them is to do so much good -- and bring it to their attention -- that you change their opinion.

DeltAlum I agree with you 100%.

Thanks RedAngel and Shadokat,

I just re-read my post and wanted to better explain something...

I do not mean to imply that all Greeks, Chapters, Nationals, etc. are bad and breaking the laws of the land.

My point is that some are -- and they are the reason for the adverse news coverage. Hell, some admit to it in so many words in this forum.

It's just too much of a cop out -- to easy --to always blame the media for everyone's woes.

Where there is smoke...etc.

DeltAlum

[This message has been edited by DeltAlum (edited April 09, 2001).]

OK...I think I have my original post fixed. Sorry it wasn't correct to begin with. Thanks 33girl and AKA2D'91 for correcting me!

Allison

Hey DeltAlum,

I do apologize for bashing all the media for some bad apples. Pot, meet kettle!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

By "hard" news I assume you mean the nightly network newscasts and local news. That's what I'm taking it as. I would not expect those outlets to not report a hazing incident or any other negative incident. However, I don't consider 48 Hours, Dateline et al "hard" news. Hard news to me is a medium where facts are presented IMPARTIALLY and I really do not see that on most of these type shows.

As far as my time of the season theory - there was a well publicized hazing incident at a midwestern college a few years ago. It happened in the late fall I believe. TWO YEARS later in - you guessed it - April, it showed up on 20/20. By that time steps had been taken by the national and the school to remedy the situation, yet anyone watching this report would think it happened yesterday. Several incidents from various times were gathered to make this seem like a pandemic. I do not take issue with the reporting of an incident, but the style and timeline in which it was reported.

Of course you ae 100% right in saying that if the incidents did not happen, they wouldn't be reported. But I see very little equal time for the GOOD things that happen. Our alumnae panhel here has a scholarship lunch every spring and every spring info is submitted to the local newspaper and TV stations. It has yet to make it in. Meanwhile, Waynesburg College killed its Greek system and the paper published an article that did everything but say "way to go!" If the link is still active, I'll post it here.

So yes, we do have some real butt-heads in the system that make it hard for all of us. But I think that the "Greeks are elitist jerks" attitudes of some in the media don't help. It all boils down to what kappagirl said - the good stuff just isn't as interesting as the dirt.

Hi 33girl,

Our opinions will probably continue to differ somewhat on this subject.

I do consider "60 Minutes," "48 Hours," and "Dateline" to be hard news in this context. A few years ago I would not have thought that, but there are so many of those programs now that the coverage is much more timely than it was then.

I consider editorial, commentary and fluff feature stories to not fit into that category -- and it's there, in some cases, that I certainly agree with you in terms of non-ballanced coverage.

I can't comment on the timing of the story you mention since I'm not familiar with the situation. "20/20" and "60 Minutes" were repeating some stories for a time -- I don't know whether they still are. I think that's problematic because of that timliness issues I mentioned. People believe the repeat is something that just happened. I think that's potentially dangerous and irresponsible. I don't know if that was the situation in this case and I don't know if they still do it.

By the way, I also agree with you that it has become very in vogue to pull together and mention other similar instances from the past -- and if that isn't done very carefully and labeled as a time-line or historical, those references can be easily misconstrued and make the situation look ongoing when it might not be.

I'll bet that the internet has a lot to do with this technique since it's so easy to search for historical data these days. Just a thought.

In any event, my real point is still that if we follow the rules, there's no reason for negative stories.

As for trying to get coverage of good events -- keep trying. Often whether something makes it into the newspaper or on the air is an accident of what happens on that day. There is a finite amount of space and airtime. Which is too bad. But, there's no perfect world I guess.

So, which did you want to be -- the pot or the kettle? I'll happily be the other as long as we remember we're both side by side on the top of the stove working together.

DeltAlum

[This message has been edited by DeltAlum (edited April 10, 2001).]

Well, no matter how popular you thought your posting would be DeltAlum, it is 100% accurate, and thank you for saying what I was thinking http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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Delta Phi Epsilon, Celebrating 84 years of Dedication, Pride and Excellence!

33girl,
The next time your alumnae has that scholarship luncheon-check your area papers to see if they have a social calendar. This would be your best bet to get it in. Keep on trying!
RedAngel