Cele, I totally agree - I wonder if people think that it will hurt them to declare their affiliation because then people might think they're elitist. I know when I'm old and famous I'll be happy to tell people I'm a Gamma Phi - but considering the school I pledged at, I don't think anybody will be calling me an elitist.
I know a lot of my friends' moms are sorority members, but aren't open about it. One of them is an alumna of one of the top sororities at Madison, but didn't mention it to me until I wore my lavalier over to their house. She said it makes people think she's ditzy.