why do movies trash greek life?

GamGirl81 · #1 07-23-2002, 12:02 AM

I was just watching the movie The Contender. In the movie the woman running for vice president is involved in a scandal when someone drags up a sex scandal that she was supposedly involved in during college with her sorority. It turns out that she didn't actually do anything wrong, however; the sorority did tell her that she had to sleep with two "frat" guys in order to get initiated.
What I am wondering is do the people who write these movies just have a grudge against sororities and fraternities or did this kind of stuff actually take place in the past. I know that in my sorority something like this would never take place and I have never heard of it taking place in any of my friend's sororities? So whats the deal with movies always talking about sororities in this negative light and involving them in sex scandals? Any ideas?

Kevin · #2 07-23-2002, 01:40 AM

The media and movies play upon stereotypes. Just turn on the TV and see the Girls Gone Wild/Sexy Sorority Sweethearts and you'll see what I mean.

bets · #3 07-23-2002, 02:46 AM

I completely agree with ktsnake. It is all about stereotypes. Look at tv. Will and Grace is funny as hell, but it is funny mostly because of the STEREOTYPED supporting characters (not will and grace).

I thought The Contender was an excellent movie. It is one of my faves. But it comes from all sides. How High, the movie, completely cracks on Fraternities, but it is funny as hell too.

In these two instances, (Jeez I feel like I'm writing a paper) I have known only one to be true. My sister was told by the sorority that she was pledging (about 7 years ago) that if she didn't sleep with a guy during their spring break trip, that she would not get initiated. (She told them to F off.) But I have never known a guy to carry around a cup of Toilet water or wear a necklace of rotten eggs.

Like in all movies, I guess, except documentaries, I think it is used because it is convenient. The movie would have had no catalyst if she had just been accused of sleeping around. (That's why there is no movie of Bill Clinton. ha!)