Sooo...
In many late Summer/Fall rush threads I've noticed that PNMs come in to rush with some preferences. We're always encouraging PNMs to keep an open mind and follow their heart rather than go with those initial stereotypes. I realize that many of those stereotypes probably come from women they know who are currently at the school, alums from the school/sororities/area, things like that. However other PNMs seem to come into rush (I can NEVER remember to say recruitment!) with no knowledge about the specific stereotypes of the sororities but seem to pick up on them quickly once recruitment week begins. How is this? At my school there are 5 sororities each with well-defined stereotypes. Since we have a deferred winter rush, that gives plenty of time for fraternity members to spread the gossip.
Now, supposing a PNM is going to a school w/ fall rush and it's a school where there the PNMs get there before classes even start. How do those stereotypes get spread? Through PNMs? At my school PNMs are very reluctant to spread stereotypes for fear that it will affect them on rush (ie, "Sister Mu Mu, PNM Amy told me the other day that Mu Mus were all bimbos") and it's mostly through the fraternities that they are spread. In fact, although I LOVE the deferred rush, I think perhaps its major drawback is the time it allows for stereotype seepage--by the time rush rolls around, everyone knows, and it's set in so much, PNMs can be close-minded about where they would "fit". So how do these stereotypes get spread to PNMs with no Greek background at the big schools? I can't imagine that it would be through other PNMs, rush counselors, or administrators, but I can't figure out how else.
This is something I've wondered about for a long time. Sorry for the length, I just wanted to be clear!
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