|
I just wanted to thank ya'll so much for your responses to my post!! They have made me more sure about my decision to go greek!!
Someone requested to see this lady's posts on the forum--instead of giving you the website because it really isnt a good representation of my school, im just going to copy her three posts here:
(to keep this anonymous, i replaced mention of my school with NORTHERN SCHOOL)
post 1--
I’m not sure where to post this on these threads, but I guess this will do. I was asked to post my experiences with the NORTHERN SCHOOL Greek System by some friends who graduated in ’96. Yes, believe it or not, alumni check out this board! I transferred during my sophomore year to the Big Southern University with a tremendous Greek System. I don’t feel comfortable saying more than that. I rushed at NORTHERN SCHOOL and dropped out because I knew I was going to transfer and I did not think it was fair to take up a spot in a new member class, possibly learn rituals, etc. I probably would have ended up in a NPC organization and could have affiliated with their respective chapter at BSU, but I thought that was cheezy. Plus, I am a double legacy for ZTA and I wanted to check them out at the school I was going to transfer into. Sorry, this is so long winded!! Honestly, I was very disappointed in the quality of the Greek System at NORTHERN SCHOOL. Rush seemed unprofessional; I was asked about hooking up and drug usage by the local sorority and one NPC group! Sadly, the NPC groups at NORTHERN SCHOOL also haze. I was surprised to witness the BS many girls on my floor would go through just to be a part of a weak Greek System. I won’t go into too much detail, but there is some sexual degradation. Why? It’s so unnecessary! I know that each org. submits a formal pledge program to the office of Greek Life, but so much flies under the radar. It is so easy to take advantage and put a group of pledges, who look up to you as sisters, in harms way.
I was really scared to go through rush again, but my mom told me it would be different at the BSU. My experience at the Big Southern U. was way more positive. Rush was exhilarating. The questions were reasonable and the skits were very classy! I loved my pledgeship. Most of my sisters were wonderful. We were treated like princesses. No one was EVER forced to drink!! We were taught to drink responsibly and not over indulge. If someone did, a sister would take CARE of you! My impression at NORTHERN SCHOOL, was that this NEVER happened!! We were respected on campus. There was tons of Greek unity. Some fraternities serenaded us and treated us with respect. I didn’t go ZTA, but wore the blush and bashful proudly (Phi Mu)! BTW, my second choice was Chi Omega and they had sisters who were Jewish and Asian. Please don’t single out Chi Omega--All the NPC groups used to discriminate according to color and religion. This is why there are some historically Jewish sororities such as AEPHi and DPHiE. Even Catholics were barred from joining NPC sororities. Most of the changes didn’t come about until the 70’s. How horrible!
I don't think there is much of a solution. A lot of schools like yours are doing away with the Greek System. I think it will only survive at larger schools. People at the BSU were horrified to learn Tri-Delta was dying. Tri-Delta is a southern powerhouse and carries a tremendous amount of influence in Atlanta!! They cut me after the second round. I am surprised the local did not try to affiliate with them.
Post 2--
My, you are rude. Look, if it wasn't for southern universities, the Greek System would never have survived. And that's the truth. You can thank Ol' Miss, Alabama, FSU, Auburn, LSU, UT, Texas, Carolina, etc., Greek alums for funding your nationals! Some schools with smaller Greek systems have bastardized version of what Greek organizations should be. Look, check out Greek Chat to see what I am talking about. And if you think there is NOTHING wrong with what you do with your new memembers then you should proudly post these ideas on their message board. I'm sure you will get a warm reception.
Post 3--
I thought I mentioned there were abuses in the system. I never said Southern sororities are exempt. Yes, I’ve read Pledged, but you can find out about northern sororities by watching the 2nd season of that wretched Sorority Life show. How would you feel if I judged northern greek life based on DZO? Is that fair?
It’s funny, though. When I was at NORTHERN SCHOOL, people swore up and down that things were worse in the 80’s. I guess there’s a trend of critiquing greek life from the previous decade from one’s involvement in the system.
I will say one more thing though…many of you would have never received a bid from any southern chapters of Phi Phi, Theta, Kappa, or Tri-Delta. If you don't believe me, surf the Web and check out chapters at Ol' Miss, Florida, Alabama, etc. I hope you realize this and treat independents with respect, realizing your aren’t that special. The national offices know which chapters bring home the bacon and garner statewide respect. Can you say the same for any of your chapters? When your chapters raise 100k for a charity, then we'll talk
|