Sorority stereotypes

[pheebs278]

Hello all,
This is the first thread I've ever started so I wanted to introduce myself first of all. My name is Phoebe. I live in Boulder, CO. I went to the University of Colorado. I have recently (within the last year) graduated and become an alumna of the Beta Gamma chapter. I LOVE Alpha Phi and don't know where I would be without my sisters.
That said, I wanted to address a problem we all face as sorority (or in our case, fraternity) members. Many groups face unfair stereotypes, and greeks are no exception. I've found that the most common stereotype, with which people label sorority members is that we are stupid.
The reason I bring this up tonight is that I was confronted with this issue earlier this evening by two non-greek affiliated men who work in a popular campus bar. More than once in my conversation with them, they generalized sorority women as being stupid and shallow. I tried to defend myself and Alpha Phi as best I could by trying to explain to them why I love my house and that they shouldn't use their experience with one or two sorority women to taint their view of others.
Unfortunately, I don't think I got through to them. Has anyone else had this same experience? If so, how did you deal with it? What do you think is the best attitude when confronted with false stereotypes?

[SATX*APhi]

First off, hello and welcome to our forum.

When I mention to someone that I am in a sorority, I generally get the response, "So what do you do, party and get drunk?" I almost always get that response! In a calm, surprised tone, I usually respond with, "You know, that is not all it is about. Being in a sorority is actually work!" I tell them that because it is work, especially if you hold a position. Also, it let's that person I am speaking with know that it is not all about "partying" but that we do contribute a lot to our chapters.

I hate when people stereo-type. It just shows their ignorance!

[TechAPhi]

Argh! Hi Pheebs. Unfortunately, I've found there is no way to change people's minds about Greeks except to live by example and prove them wrong.

I think much of the negativity about Greeks stems from jealousy. The rest of the people who hate Greeks seem to hate us because they knew one person who was a jerk, a bubble-head, partier, etc.

Our job as Greeks is to live by our founders' ideals and lead and live by example.

You should mention that:

-- Greeks devote more of their time to community service than non-Greeks
-- Greeks give back to their colleges and universities at a higher rate than non-Greeks
-- Greeks tend to have higher GPAs than non-Greeks
-- Graduation rate among Greeks is higher than the general population
-- Since 1825, the founding of Greek-letter organizations, all but two U.S. Presidents were Greek.
-- All but two U.S. Vice-Presidents were Greek. (since 1825).
-- 7 out of 10 people listed in Who's Who are Greek.
-- Both females elected to the U.S. Supreme Court were sorority members.
-- 85% of the Fortune 500 executives are Greek.
-- Of the nation's 50 largest corporations, 43 are headed by Greeks.
-- 63% of the U.S. President's Cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek.
-- Nationally, over 70% of Greeks graduate, while only 50% of non-Greeks graduate.
-- 76% of U.S. Congressmen and Senators are Greek.
-- Over 85% of the student leaders on some 730 campuses are members of a Greek-letter organization.
-- Since 1910, 40 of 47 Supreme Court Justices have been Greek.
-- Three Canadian Prime Ministers have been Greek.

[bruinaphi]

TechAPhi is right. When people seem ignorant about Greek Life you need to teach them about how wonderful our members are. On top of the impressive statistics that Jen posted you can also explain the wonders of sisterhood, the great support network that you've developed on campus, the networking opportunities that the Greek System provides and what a wonderful experience you had.

Jen, I tried to PM you but your box is full.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Laura

[RockChalk]

I have no advice to give except that you should keep trying, because eventually you may get through to someone. I came into college with a negative view of the Greek system. Then I had a roommate who embodied many of the negative stereotypes about Greeks, which made me even more turned off by GLOs.

Eventually (largely due to positive interaction with Greeks in my organizations), I came around and am now looking to join a GLO.

People can change if you give them a reason.

[UDZETA]

Hello everyone!, I must guys come up to me all the time and ask if we just party since I'm in a sorority. Then there is that stupid thought in guy's heads that all girls in sororities are dumb or easy. I really hate it when people who are not involved in greek life make these comments. I wish people would be a little more thoughtful of greeks! Greek Life is a wondeful thing and is very helpful for many people. ZLAM- UDZETA

[ksu*KD]

Hey! This is actually my first time posting something. But I have a favor to ask of anyone who wants to participate. But I am writing a paper over greek stereotypes for my expos class. I needed some common stereotypes as well all as much good you can think of to counteract the bad. I chose to do this topic when, after talking to a few people in my class about it, that many people look badly upon greek life. I really want to write this paper well so that i can enlighten a few people over the reality of being a greek! I love it and I want them to understand that its not bad.

Thanks alot!
<3 ksu*kd

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ksu*KD

Hey! This is actually my first time posting something. But I have a favor to ask of anyone who wants to participate. But I am writing a paper over greek stereotypes for my expos class. I needed some common stereotypes as well all as much good you can think of to counteract the bad. I chose to do this topic when, after talking to a few people in my class about it, that many people look badly upon greek life. I really want to write this paper well so that i can enlighten a few people over the reality of being a greek! I love it and I want them to understand that its not bad.

Thanks alot!
<3 ksu*kd

www.greekchat.com is not a source.

Do you own homework.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

www.greekchat.com is not a source.

Do you own homework.

And rely on claims made in this thread at your own risk.

[CrusaderTKE]

People who are not greek will not understand how good a fraternity or sorority is