You hit it on the head, Teke....unfortunately a lot of the greek bashing comes from within!!!!!
One big way that greeks could really improve their image would be to stop a lot of the petty b.s. A little competition is healthy, especially during Greek Week, philanthropy weeks, etc. But nobody needs to compete all the time.
Not that this makes it okay, but don't feel bad, Teke....the Tekes are far from being the only ones with a disparaging "jingle." I can't think of a chapter that doesn't have one. But right there is part of the problem. Take rush, for instance. Ok, there's going to be some competition.....that's fine. But you have to draw the line at sabotage, rumor-spreading, and dirty rushing. We used to send cards to all the chapters wishing them good luck, and we would post a note in the school paper saying essentially "have a good rush." And we were hardly the model of positive relations, though we weren't nearly as bad as some.
To the "strong" chapters, I would suggest this: be grateful for where you are. It could all fall apart in only a year or two, even if you think it could never happen. Extend assistance to the chapters in need, even if it is just your friendship and support. You just might make a difference and gain some new friends along the way. To the "weak" chapters, I would say this: don't let envy cause you to stray from "the golden rule." Instead of trying to pull the strong chapters down, try to pull yourself up. If you have to try and make someone else look bad in order to make yourself look good, there is a problem. Learn from the others and try to pick up on what they are doing right.
We had really cool T-shirts for Greek Week my freshman year.....the focus was on one family, one greek community. The shirts had a great line on them: "No matter what the letter, we're all Greek together." We can start to make a difference, but it has to come from within.
|