Greek life image
 

This has been bothering me for a long time, and I just wanted to see if anyone else is as frustrated as I am about this...
I get extremely frustrated with people who are not involved in a sorority or fraternity yet feel the need to make assumptions about greek life and voice them to others.
A few examples:
I was on reading a post on the Sigma Kappa boards where the question "what are sigma's like" was asked. A wide range of replies were posted, but many of them actually "bashed" Sigma Kappa, and made the assumption that every Sigma is the same.
More disturbing:
A very popular television show for highschool as well as college students "Dawson's Creek" I'm sure you've heard of it...one episode at the beginning of the summer, actually I think it was the season finale made a comment that should anger every greek. Dawson was packing up for college when his father said "promise me you won't join a fraternity" And Dawson said, "I can promise you that" That bothered me beyond belief. This particular show reaches almost every teenage student, and comments like that on such popular shows could really do some damage.

Anyone have any thoughts? I have been thinking of writing a letter to the WB network, but I feel like no one will read it, and nothing will be done.

Loyally,
Casey

I know what you mean. I'm a Chi O Alum, and I hate it when people who don't even know me make assumptions about me when they find out I was in a sorority in college. They roll their eyes, they ask why I would want to do that, they laugh and say figures were you a cheerleader in HS too. (As a matter a fact I was, but don't stereotype me!)

Even my mother--we were not close when I was in college and she "missed" my whole XO expereince. Recently, she was visiting me, and picked up my Chi O scrapbook--she was asking stuff like "they didn't make you do (insert hazing stereotype here), did they?"

I sat her down and said NO, Mom, it wasn't like that at all, that's a lie made up by people who were never a part of a GLO. And then I porceeded to tell her what it was like, how thankful I was to have been a part of it, how I couldn't get along without the daily influence of my friends Michelle, Lisa and Audrey--who I would not know without XO...by the end, she got it.

I wish the NPC/NIC would launch some sort of a P.R. campaign. Does anyone remember that VW campagn from the late 80's? Alums should--it ran in campus papers as well as national magazines. It showed real people with their VW's and a quote about how much they loved their car and why. Something similar featuring Greeks would be great. The general public can't figure it out. We're not Animal House. We're social without being irresponsible. We're sisters and brothers. We're family.

Amy

(another non-Kappa joining in http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif)

My sweetie is in a band and a lot of his friends are very eclectic, to say the least. I get along with them all very well and when they first found out I was in a sorority, they about fell over. I just love pulling peoples' chains like that.

(soapbox) I think the statements that the NPC and NIC issues against hazing are so tepid, that they do very little. I remember when that "Dying to Belong" movie came out - what NPC was so carefully worded that some people probably thought "this goes on all the time and they are just covering up." I also think we are too quick to let colleges tell us what to do, and to designate too many innocuous activities as hazing. (off soapbox)

Back in the 50's there used to be pressure TO go Greek, now it's reversed itself. I don't think there should be pressure one way or the other - just something you can choose if you want to.

Hey...That episode of Dawson's crushed my heart! I couldn't believe that was being said. I would be up for writing a letter Casey. I'll help you draft one. Maybe we can get the president to send one as well. I totally agree that stereotypes are associated and it is really disturbing. I know that Kappa is launching a big PR campaign, etc. but it is still going on. So...I think it just has to work out in time. We correct the people we care about and try to make a difference. But I definitely be up for setting people straight! Let me know if anyone wants to do something. Greeks grow strong leaders. GLO are a family of support. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I'm all about writing a letter...I think they should have to apologize to the greek community for something like that! Maybe Kristen can help us in getting nationals involved (like having someone from there sending a letter)...seeing as you have had to contact them so much lately!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Loyally,
Casey

YAY!! I'm a senior member!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I've been waiting so long!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Loyally,
Casey

I think that we should get headquarters involved. Can we talk to the president of the Panhellenic Society and talk to her about it? Kristen, If you could send me some e-mail addresses, I can get working on some e-mails and get some support. I'm sure that others would like to get involved in this as well. Hey-when do I become a senior member??? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Amy, I think this is one of the best ideas I've heard in a long, long time. Would you be interested in pitching this idea to NPC/NIC?

What I am beginning to think is this: What if we used our alliances on GreekChat to get NPC/NIC to do something like this ad campaign in campus newspapers and also in major regional newspapers (Indy Star, Boston Globe, Miami Herald, LA Times, Kansas City Star, etc.).

What we would have to do would involve:
(1) Refining the ad statement,
(2) Designing 2-5 sample ads based upon our core ad statement (we could recruit the best ads from here on Greek Chat in the General forums)
(3) Write a group letter to NPC/NIC, with representation from each organization. Each organization would have a "captain" (like, you would be the Chi O captain, and I would be the KKG captain,etc.) Then we would list the other names of the other KKGs, ChiOs, etc who supported this via Greek Chat. Our letter would talk about how we see so many negative images of greeks, and it's time to show the good sides... like you said in your post.

What do you think? I am 100% ready to work on this, because I think you've come up with a BRILLIANT solution!!!!

Casey and Katie: writing a letter to the WB is a start... and a great one! (I'm so proud of you two!) But let's also do this thing... it's time for greeks to stand up and show ourselves to the world. I am sick to death of being chastized for something that should be celebrated!!!

O.K.--who is in? Amycat, can I count on you, because this is going to be a big undertaking.

Also, who knows where/how we can get a hold of some of those old VW ads... we'll need them for a jumping off point. Any ideas? Anyone work in advertising?

I can't wait to hear from you all... this is really a great idea... THANK YOU, AMY!!!


------------------
Oh, Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
I'm so happy that I am a
Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
Nobody knows . . . how
happy I am!

PS-- A great "tag line" for this campaign would be:

NIC/NPC: Add a new Chapter to your life.

------------------
Oh, Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
I'm so happy that I am a
Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
Nobody knows . . . how
happy I am!

[This message has been edited by imsohappythatiama (edited July 03, 2001).]

Hello Kappas! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I'm not a Kappa, but hopefully you won't mind me joining in here http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif.

I'm a HS student (going to be a senior in the fall - I guess I am OVERprepared for Rush - oh well haha), and my sister was/is a Kappa Delta (she graduated). Anyway, since I was 10 years old, I learned all about Sisterhood, Big/Lil Sis, and Sisterhood Retreats through my sister, who was a newly-initiated KD. She sat me down and told me, "Car, ya know what, you're really young right now, but I just wanna tell you why I joined a sorority." She then told me what a sorority's all about: how wonderful it is to have such a HUGE support network of sisters who will do anything for you, how wonderful it is to be involved in a sorority which supports a philanthropy, etc.

Ever since then, I just roll my eyes whenever someone makes a rude comment to me or my sister when they find out my sister is/was a KD.

Unfortunately, it's really sad b/c the media totally plays up stereotypes of Greek life.

Even sadder is that one teacher that I dearly looked up to (my English teacher), said right before the end of school, "You guys are such great students - I know you guys will do so well in life. I'm gonna miss you - I just hope you guys don't go off and join a sorority or a fraternity." (We were reading A Streetcar Named Desireright before the end of school, and in it, a girl was lavaliered by her ATO boyfriend.) My teacher laughed, and was just like, "Greek life should just be hands off. Just don't go there OK? You've all seen Animal House right?"

Unfortunately, I didn't say anything to him, not wanting to offend him or anything.

Anyway, it's just too bad that the media is SO far reaching that people start telling their students what to do and what not to do!

I'm in for helping. I wouldn't mind spending time this weekend to try to post something on every organization's forum in order to find a representative. Just let me know if I should do that. I can compile a list of names and e-mails in an excel document. Just give me the go ahead Kristen-Maybe by e-mail just so it gets to me right away. Try the Babson account...let me know if I should send you that...anyways...Casey-we can chat and send the WB the letter...I really would like to shove that in their faces...we should put a bunch of facts in it...like how many US presidents were greek, etc...Kristen-where could we find out some interesting facts??? Let me know if I should do some posting this weekend! Thanks!
I'm excited!
Katie

Thank you, and yes, I'm IN!

Gawd those VW ads are over 10 years old. I used to work in advertising, let me see if I can come up with someone who may still be there and able to get their hands on it.

I see something simple. A pic of my pledge sister Michelle and I on bid day in 1989. A pic of us at graduation. A pic of us togehter in the Caribbean. Then us standing there now with some quote about friendship and sisterhood.

The UCLA XO's recently volunteered at the LA Book Fair -- pics of them painting the kids faces, talking about their quest to bring literacy and literature to kids...

Something touching, but something everyone can relate to, as well.

Some with snappy lines. "Hazing? What's that? Nationals would tan our backsides if we hazed...(laughter, subject look at one another)...THAT would be hazing, and it has no place in a SIsterhood/Brotherhood built on trust, respct and love."

Heads of company's talking about the leadership skills they learned in their sorority/fraternity...

Stuff like that. All of a similar look and feel, but showcasing what we're REALLY about.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
Amy

Another idea would be a print ad with a grandmother, mother, daughter(s) --3 generations of greek women--not necessarily the same org., tho could be. Talking about the ways their experiences enriched their lives--and how the purposes of sororities haven't changed since their founding to become some 21st century sinister thing, but are still about friendship, sisterhood, leadership, scholarship and philanthropy.

Count me in Kristen, I think it's a great idea, and I am excited to help out. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif AmyCat, My mom is an Alpha Xi Delta and there are only two of us, but we'd definately be interested in helping out if you decided to do generation things. Also, my parents met in college through the greek system, so we could also do something like that.
Katie, do you want me to help out with posting things, Im always online!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Loyally,
Case


[This message has been edited by onekeythatbindsus (edited July 07, 2001).]

Hello all Greeks, I have been thinking about this topic for a year now and am glad to see others have also. I like all the ideas people are putting out there, here are a few of mine...

1. Push the role of Leadership that GLO's give you. As women (and men, but I am speaking from the Women's side of this)we aren't all getting married and staying home with our children after college. This is what we need to push how Greek life prepares us for life. I know that in AGD I have been prepared for work in my field of Government. I'm sure there are many examples out there.

2. Along with ads we need to write to Teen Mags about Greek life, talk about rush and hazing, also answer questions that are being asked on here to all of us.

3. Alums who are educators need to wear letters on dress down days and talk positivly about Greek Life.

4. We need to return to our high schools and speak with the Sr. class about greek life. I know that my high school had senior days. You can have talk about what you have gained from going greek. Talk about the pride you have on the days you wear letters and when you hear of a sister/brother in the news (I know that everyone I know found out that Amber is an AGD from Survivor 2).

Another thing to express to HS students is that High School Sororities are nothing like College GLO's. I know that some of my sisters weren't going to join a sorority in college because they were either in a HS group or saw the effects of them. Since we have defered rush they were able to see the differences.

Let me know about the letter writing and I will do my best to help!

Arin
Alpha Gamma Delta
Theta Upsilon
Georgetown College


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To honor my home, my country, my religious faith. To hold truth inviolable, sincerity essential, kindness invaluable.

GTownGirl,
I think those are great ideas! I really like the idea of going back to our highschools. My highschool has assemblies every monday and now that I have heard your idea, I'm thinking that having women, and men from local alumni groups come in and speak about greek life would be a really awesome assembly! Thanks so much for your ideas!!

On another note...Kates and I are posting messages on everyone's forum http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif (A wee bit time consuming, but fun nonetheless! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif )

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
Casey

a good site to get some good PR out on is Chickclick.com "someone" from GC also posts there and would possibly be upset if we all started posting there but...whatever. You become a member, free like GC, and then click on chickboards. There's a lot of various boards but HigherEduc has the most topics about greek life and could REALLY use some good, positive posts about everything. The ages on the board vary depending on the thread, most of the HigherEduc posts are upperclassmen in HS or college girls...it's a place to start. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

In Greek Sisterhood,
Michelle


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~*~to be true to ourselves, to those within and without our circle ~*~

I would also be interested in helping out~~on my own

Count me in! I'd be glad to get Alpha Chi Omega involved in such a great cause... Greek life is too important to lose to an outdated stereotype. My sisterhood has taught me more about myself and how to appreciate life than anything else. And if tomorrow they took away all the parties, all the social events, all the Greek Weeks... well, I would be just as involved as I am now. The true foundations of our organizations are things worth defending.

Please email me (papayablue@hotmail.com) with any info regarding the letter campaign... several of my sisters are very talented graphics majors, and I have great family resources as well: one uncle's firm manages nationwide advertising campaigns and another owns a graphics design/t-shirt company/factory, which may be a HUGE help. I want to do all I can to help push this campaign off the ground...

-Maya

------------------
"Heaven doesn't want us, Hell couldn't handle us."

I emailed Casey yesterday, and she already got back to me. I just have to run the idea past the rest of the house, but we've been trying to do the same basic thing all this last year.
Sure, we wrote letters, we wore letters, we had presentations on things that are considered steriotypically (sp?) greek, like drug and drinking abuse, sexual harasment, etc. And the thing that we all agreed on, was that no matter how much we tried, and we still are, if the rest of the houses on campus don't want to get their shit together, then nothing will happen on your campus. No one's views of you will change unless you change, plan and simple.
The VW ad's are killer. Focus on the possitives on how ya'll aren't what people normally think of when they think GLO.

if you guys need anything from me: LrdOL@altavista.com.

much love
Jacob
Risk Management Officer
Lambda Chi Alpha, HZ Chapter, URI.

YAY! I'm so glad to see so many people jumpin on the bandwagon here!

Jacob, glad to see you on the forum! Welcome! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I went to Chickclick.com, because my job is boring and they give me a computer with free internet - gets a little heated over there, I think I am sticking to greekchat for now! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Kates, I'm done with my posts, do you want me to do any others? I'd do sigma if you want... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif Let me know if you want me to take some!

talk to you all later! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Casey

Casey,

I am in total agreeance!!!(is that a word?) Anyway, I am not a Kappa, but I am an AOPI, and I am very proud to be greek. And I hate it when people get to know me, then when they find out I am greek, say, "oh, you are kidding? You arent the sorority 'type'" whatever that means. and i will admit it, i am 23 years old, and I love Dawson's Creek, but it ticked me off when I heard that comment. And we wonder why memberships are gettting low? Its because of all the 'negative' media. If those people spent one DAY with a chapter and found out not only academically are these groups rewarding, but it helps youth grow as a person. Unfortunantly things like "Animal House" are automatically what people base thier opinion of Greek Life on. They see the bad, not the good of our life. "If you have never been a Greek, then you have NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER to judge us." Wow, that was my soapbox! Count me in-hottie76132@yahoo.com

"There are those who did,
and those who wish they had"
Alpha Omicron Pi

AOPIHottie

Hello!
I completed all of my posts as well! YEAH!
Work has been busy so I have been unable to get back, but it sounds like we have a bunch of people ready to help. I have gotten some e-mails from people. Kristen-where are you at? I think we should get an e-mail chain going, or we could just do it here...We should start by compiling fun facts about Greek Life, ie: x number of presidents were greek, x number of CEOs are greek, x number of entrpreneurs are greek...and then we can design a Fact Sheet type of thing that we can enclose when we write letters to Media representatives. We need a name for this project! Any ideas? Project Respect. Project Greeks RULE! Project Take Action. I don't know any ideas? I really stink at making up things...
Thanks to everyone!
Kates

I know that I personally was one of those that decided before getting to college that I wasn't going to join a sorority because I wasn't the 'Sorority type' but I rushed to meet more people

Some other things to mention in the letter to the media is the scholarship money that is available and given out each year. another little thing (well, I think its rather big and neat) is that as far as important stuff the head conservator and myself (conservator in training, GA, etc) for RMS Titanic are members of GLO.
Just my few cents worth. Let me know what I can do. =)

Sarah

Hey you can count me in. Just let me know what I can do to help. I was the same way before I came to college. I believed all of those stereotypes and had already decided that I wasn't the right "type" to be in a sorority. Thank goodness some of my friends sat me down and set me straight!

Another thing. I'm not sure if any of you have heard of Bolt (http://www.bolt.com), but it has a good greek page on there. Right now some friends and I are in a "battle" against some anti-greeks. If you're interested in sticking up for the greek side be my guest! I hate having to always stick up for my personality just because I'm in a sorority. I swear no one believes me that I joined because I wanted friendship, and I swear I'm going to scream if one more person asks me if I like my boughten friends! LOL http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Pi Phi love and mine,
Erin
Indiana Gamma

Question, is this campaign "only" for NPC/NIC groups? I ask because I noticed the post was made in several NPHC org forums, yet the post made specific mention of writing letters to the NPC/NIC. I'm sure it was an oversight as we're all greek and also affected by the media's portrayal of greeks. Just wanted some clarification.

Katie - I applaus your effort to proactively make a difference with respect to Greek Image.

I am almost certain I heard something recently about NIC researching the possibility of beginning a positive PR campaign. I'm not sure who is running lead on the project, or what the status is - but before you start writing letters to NIC, you might be able to get a head start by doing a little research and finding out about the initiative.

Just a thought,
Brad Bracken
Membership Development Commissioner
Kappa Sigma Fraternity

I'm back! Sorry--with the wedding and crazy things going on at work, I've been swamped lately.

Casey and Katie--you two rock! Thanks for getting the ball rolling.

I am hard at work trying to locate some of those old VW bug ads... with no luck yet. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.



------------------
Oh, Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
I'm so happy that I am a
Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
Nobody knows . . . how
happy I am!

Hello!
First off-Kristen-when is your big day? Has it already been?
Ok, in response to 12dn94dst: I believe that we should include all Greeks, including the NPHC. I too agree that everyone is included in the stereotyping.
Brad-thanks for the heads up. We'll get in touch with the groups to find out what they have been up to.
Casey-should we start to get a draft to send to the different Medias(ex. WB)?
Also, I got a response to a post recommending to send a letter to the Presidents in every organization. I thought this was a great idea but very costly. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Maybe we could do an e-mail but this would have to go through the national organizations, to get every president's e-mail address.
Good to see everyone here!
Katie

Hi. I'm Heidi, a Chi-O at the University of Cincinnati. You ladies are so great to come up with this idea. I would love to help in any way I can! Positive PR is long overdue. I'm willing to help in anyway, please just let me know what to do. I'm not busy over the summer at all. No work, no school...I'm bored to be honest. I have tons of time. All I need are some suggestions who to talk to first. Should this start on a chapter level, or by calling nationals? All I need is a general direction and I'll be on it.
HeidiHoXO@hotmail.com
Heidi

Here are my thoughts on the next steps:

BEFORE we write letters to each National Organization's HQ, we should do the following:

(1) Draft our REASONS for this campaign

(2) Determine the outline of our PLAN

(3) Recruit REPRESENTATIVES from each organization (we're on our way with that one already)

(4) Create some SAMPLES of the types of ads we're proposing.

Once we have these things in order, we will be ready to contact (via letter) each of the organizations HQs. Once we have "backing" from each of the HQs (or from a majority of them, at least), we can proceed to NPC/NIC/NPHC HQs.

So, I am going to start threads for each of these 4 points on the GREEK LIFE forum, in the interest of organization and inclusion.

How does this sound to every one?


------------------
Oh, Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
I'm so happy that I am a
Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
Nobody knows . . . how
happy I am!

It hasn't already been.... 3+ months still to go still.... November 3rd. I wish it would get here already!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif



------------------
Oh, Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
I'm so happy that I am a
Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
Nobody knows . . . how
happy I am!

Hey i'm from a Canadian chapter of Zeta Psi
in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Please let us know if there's anyway we can support you in your effort to get greeks portrayed in a better light. i can be reached @ fratboyam@hotmail.com. Anything we can do we will and we'll get all our boys involved.

Greek like you,
Duncan

I haven't been able to get into the Greek Life Forum all day... I don't know why... It just won't open!

I'll try from my computer at home, and will post what I said I would earlier today! (Please don't think I am a slacker!!!) http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif



------------------
Oh, Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
I'm so happy that I am a
Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma,
Nobody knows . . . how
happy I am!

Hey!
Kristen-should we just start to use the Greek Life forum then? It would be the easiest.
Let us know.
Katie
PS...You must be crazy with all of these wedding plans! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I am glad to hear everyone is so vocal about the greek life stereotype. I know before I started college I thought I would never join a fraternity, and most of the reason was because of the stereotyping. But I did realize that it isnt true and i feel we need to try to get as many people as possible to realize it also. Something needs to be done. I wil try to keep in touch if you need my help.

------------------
Mike
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Northern Arizona University - SEC

Hey,
Im a delta phi epsilon sister from montreal, quebec. Alot of people arent even aware of greek life in Canada and if people are aware they usually believe the negative stereotypes that are commonly associated with them. I happen to be the PR coordinator for my chapter and I would be willing to help out here. I can make you guys a website or some sort of advertisement. I made our website which is www.dphie.ca.cf if anyone wants to check it out. Somebody e-mail about how I can get involved. Sincerely Cara
carabraude@hotmail.com

Hey,
Im a delta phi epsilon sister from montreal, quebec. Alot of people arent even aware of greek life in Canada and if people are aware they usually believe the negative stereotypes that are commonly associated with them. I happen to be the PR coordinator for my chapter and I would be willing to help out here. I can make you guys a website or some sort of advertisement. I made our website which is www.dphie.ca.cf if anyone wants to check it out. Somebody e-mail about how I can get involved. Sincerely Cara
carabraude@hotmail.com

I have an idea for an ad. Get together some pictures of different pins from each organizations and write out something like No hazing or No alchool...
Cara

Wit I have a better Idea,...take the pins and make one of those no signs (like they use over cigarettes for no smoking)and put an alchool bottle under the no sign....

Another idea would be to take an alchool bottle...and use the label .....and write information..like an absolut bottle...and instead of writing absolut vodkah..u write no alchool...