MTV Sorority Show

[TaraHopeful]

Originally posted by stargirl725
Talk about weirdness...The whole beginning of the show, Mara looked really familiar to me. When she mentioned she came from my hometown, I just about fainted! A friend of mine who also watched said she thinks we went to elementary school with her.

Did you grow up in Bethesda, MD? I think I remember that being where Mara was from... My mom grew up in Bethesda...I wonder if you knew my aunt...she's like 30 now....i don't know how old you are though.... My mom went to Holton Arms.

[LilAGDSweetie]

What's bothering me the most right now about the whole show , is the whole Local thing. I mean I guess I wouldn't have nearly as much of a problem with the show if they had put a disclaimer on it describing the difference between locals and national organizations. People who no nothing about Greeks are going to be watching this thinking that this is how all GLO's are run. That's not true. Like many of you have said there are so many rules for recruitments and the houses that they don't have to follow since they're local.

The next part is the fact that they are local. Every local GLO that I know has so much pride in their letters and what they stand for that they would never do something like this even if they did think that it would benefit the Greek community. I'm not saying that the Sigmas don't have pride in themselves, but since they're only 4 years old they should still have some of their founders around and they should still have such a love for their GLO that they want to protect it from non members. I mean I would love to show the world what a wonderful place AGD is and how much I care for my sisters, but I wouldn't subject them to MTV to do that.

[ACEOFDIAMOND]

Let's not make this into a local vs national thing again because after watching that show last night the girls seemed kinda confused about what to do with the pledge house and what kind of rules to put into ... i mean wouldn't you? A pledge house is not a common thing. You know MTV found a group that was new and doesn't know all the "Greek" rules so they took advantage of that and added their own things to it for entertainment purposes. I know that my group would never have done this but if we had and MTV started adding all this stuff to change what was normal from other semesters, we would have pulled out right then. You can't generalize all locals into this, my local is not very different from the nationals at my school, we follow most npc rules.

[LilAGDSweetie]

Originally posted by ACEOFDIAMOND
Let's not make this into a local vs national thing again

I'm sorry! I'm not trying to make into that at all. I have nothing against locals at all. The problem is that there are rules that must be followed when you have a national and right now I think that non greeks aren't going to understand that from what they're seeing on the show. When I was on the SEAPi site I read that letter from Mara the sister and I think that even the last paragraph would be good to put as a disclaimer.

From Mara the Sister's Letter
We hope that the Greek community at UC Davis as well as the viewers of the series will interpret "Sorority Life" to mean "life in a sorority" rather than "life in all sororities." If we are expected to represent every sorority in the Greek system, every student at UC Davis and every member of the Jewish community, then we have quite a job ahead of us. There is not one sorority or fraternity in the nation that could possibly epitomize everything it means to be Greek. Likewise, there is not one Jew who could show the world everything it means to be Jewish, and not a single UCD student who could summarize the experience of everyone who attends this school. So, while we have been and will continue doing our best to represent everyone, our only feasible option is to simply be ourselves.

The problem with only having this on their website is that only people who are willing to go look on it will know that this is how they are feeling. I just don't want everyone who sees this and who doesn't know anything about greek life to think that this show is really how it's like. As LeslieAGD said earlier, this first episode wasn't the trainwreck that she thought it was going to be, but that doesn't mean that it can't de-rail in the next episode or even the one after that.

[JoyfulMuse]

I know it's off the subject...sorry. But I was surprised by that bit of info about taking only 21 and over's for the vegas show. I made it to the third round of casting for the vegas season. Honestly I didn't expect to make it into the penthouse, but I feel better knowing that my age was a factor in thier decision. (I was 19/20 during casting)

Back to topic.
As someone who hasn't been through rush yet, the show was a little informative. First, I never considered the flip side of the beauty standard. Most girls worry that they aren't pretty enough, not that they may be too pretty. No offense but it actually made me feel better that thay were looking for more down-to-earth girls as opposed to the ones who try to look cutest in baby doll tees. It always seemed to me that the prettiest woman weren't the one's that "gussied" themsleves up when it wasn't neccessary. I think it was a wise decision to extend a bid to all the girls and let the pledge period weed them out. Eventually the glamour of the cameras will wear away and the actual commitment of sisterhood will sink in.

Although Pauli was judging the books by thier cover, she does have a point in asking "are they here for sigma, or for the cameras?". So the rules are strict for a reason, they need to see who really wants to be a sister and who really wants to be a suedo-celeb.

If any of my rookie observations are wrong, feel free to set me straight

[phisigQT]

Originally posted by TaraHopeful


Did you grow up in Bethesda, MD? I think I remember that being where Mara was from... My mom grew up in Bethesda...I wonder if you knew my aunt...she's like 30 now....i don't know how old you are though.... My mom went to Holton Arms.

a bunch of my sorority sisters are from bethesda and the surrounding areas in maryland...i wonder if any of them knew/know mara!!!! what a small world it is

[33girl]

JoyfulMuse -

for a "rookie" you did a great job at hitting the nail on the head!

Yes, it's nice to have attractive women in your sorority, but not if they are uncomfortable with all the other sisters, conceited by their beauty or otherwise un-beautiful inside.

[Dianne]

I am living with our membership/recruitment chair this summer, so it was interesting to watch the show with her.

Overall, the show was not nearly as bad as I had expected. What pissed me off though were the commercials that aired during Road Rules beforehand. "Life's a bitch and we got a house full of them." I would be so upset if someone said that about my chapter. And the commercial about the "REAL" reason to join a sorority. Yeah, the social aspect is great, but they made it seem like all the other reasons - friendships, leadership opportunities, philanthropic work, etc - were completely bogus.

I also wish that MTV would clarify that this is a local sorority. Of course it makes sense that a local would be on the show b/c I don't think any of the NPC nationals would have allowed this in their organization.

I understand the Sigmas being worried that some girls rushed b/c MTV was there. But during "normal" recruitment parties, wouldn't the fact that there were boys there beg the same question? I know if we had guys at our rush events, we would get several girls who were just there to meet guys.

As far as the pledge house goes, I would be pissed if I was one of the roommates "left behind." I mean, is that girl still paying rent, or is it just dumped on the roommates who didn't join a sorority? I also think some of the new members are disrespectful.

Lastly, I am really surprised that they let MTV tape their voting sessions. Our voting sessions are top secret, and discussing them outside of the house is grounds for a judicial hearing. Also, our process is very methodical and no one speaks out of turn.

But overall, I think the Sigmas are very courageous to be doing this b/c I am sure a lot of the things we are pointing out crossed their minds at some point before the taping. I just hope that throughout the show they continue to stay strong in their sisterhood and their determination to represent Greeks in the best light they can.

[Dianne]

Oh yeah. And I love how I will probably get asked a million questions by PNMs during fall recruitment in August about this show. That's the one annoying thing - having to clarify stuff on the show to them.

[volgirl2376]

I came across Melissa's (Real World New Orleans) website journal. And I found her post about Sorority Life. Again, these arent my words. Its an interesting prospective considering she went through the whole reality tv thing.

posted: 06/25/02 02:15 PM by Melissa
Because I just can't take it anymore! I just can't! These television shows are making me a judgmental old bitch, and it's just not fair to my psyche and it's stunting my emotional development! Why, America? Give me the answers. Give me some clarity. Somebody give me a bible, any holy book for that matter, give me some hope, give me something to hold on to to make me believe that the world is a caring and generous place where our little girls can grow up with confidence and natural tans, not some dark hole with only tanning beds and broken dreams to offer.

Sorority Life. I am almost scared to talk about it. Being judgmental is horrible, I know. I know! But oh my goodness. After watching that show, I really felt like all of my negative, somewhat stereotypical perceptions of sorority girls were, oh I don't know, reinforced and became law somehow. I don't have many words for it. I am just mortified. Yet, I will continue to watch. Partially because some RW producers are involved, but mostly because who turns this off? Only jackasses turn this off. I physically could not change the channel. I was in a sorority tunnel. I was trapped. I couldn't move. I was paralyzed by the bad eye shadow and capri pants. Are we still wearing those? This shit felt like a time warp. It really felt 1994ish. I know they have some form of Urban Outfitters around there. Something, something. Someone please make it stop!

And now pretend that it's not me talking. You're going into a deep sleep. You will be reading this post free of any association with me. You will think that these words just came to you somehow, but you don't know who said them and it can't possibly be me. You now believe that you have left this page and gone somewhere else. When I snap my fingers, these will become just observations and not judgments. Kinda.

Snap.

To be honest, I am censoring myself big time. The sad part is that I feel like the only place where I could truly be myself in regards to Sorority Life is a place like, oh I don't know, hell. I mean, the sheer truth will hurt, but it can be packaged in a funny way. And I will be accused of being an asshole, and not understanding sorority life. And then someone will have the audacity to say that I am just jealous because I couldn't possibly get into one of those. I mean, I would refuse to wear those stupid black pants and horrible generic looking bright-colored tops and no way in hell am I going to actually use hairspray. I mean, if I get an ink stain on something, then I'll use it, but on my hair! Oh hell no. At least they aren't wearing shoelaces in their hair anymore. That almost made me turn to homocide in college.

So my question is this. If you're not Jewish, why are you rushing a Jewish sorority? And if you're not exclusive, then why do you care that non-Jewish girls are rushing? Duh, duh, duh. Yes, they are there for the cameras. The last time I checked, people in college flock to all things MTV and bring lights, camera and action and that's that. Have you never seen Spring Break 1990 through 2002 on MTV?

But what point is the show trying to make? Are they trying to diminish the ill perception that all sorority girls are blonde and not that smart by using this particular sorority? And if so, do they feel any responsibility for replacing that shattered dream with this new train wreck? Now I have a dual perception of sororities, and it's no good. And I know this is just television, but there's a whole world called The United States between California and New York full of impressionable little people who now think this portrait is the word. Maybe in direct reaction to this show, no little girls will join sororities and they will just die out like Pet Rocks did. Oh, that's utopia. I forgot this was real life filled with terror, disenfranchised people, oppression, corruption, hatred and flat soda being sold to poor black and Hispanic communities. Damn, okay, okay, the sororities probably stay. They add humor to all the mayhem, I guess.

Let's not name names. But that one girl who is adamant about not letting some of the girls in --girl, you need to chill. I understand your frustration. They so don't care about the image of the club nor do they care about your club's values. But I guarantee they know Adam Sandler's Hanukkah song! But it's starting to look like you just don't want a somewhat attractive girl with curly hair in the club because it's messing with your head and your self-esteem. It does not at all seem like you genuinely are concerned for the club. Besides, aren't you graduating soon? Trust me, when you get a real job and real friends (who are free, I might add), you will laugh at this one day. You just need to act indifferent. I know, interviews, cameras, lights, you're just trying to keep it real. I understand, but in the end, you'll just look really silly and angry at the world because some girl got a better plot in the hair world.

One of the girls even said that the pretty girls were causing beef. She used the word "threatened" or "intimidated". I am trying to repress it, so I can't remember verbatim. That in and of itself is saying that she thinks the girls in the club now are ugly.

And this line: I am just glad that Amanda got one too. I know, this is the word nerd coming out. The use of the word "too" means that you were so sure that homegirl wouldn't get invited to buy her friends too and that worried you because you guys are friends slash roommates and you didn't want to make her feel inadequate in your world of "I'm the prettiest." But in reality, none of it is a prize, you all got the flower and the card.

I just felt my brain cells dying. This is American college. Really? We're never going to find a cure for cancer or AIDS, are we? We're never going to eradicate hunger, make better cell phones or even find a product that really gets rid of unwanted hair. We have no future, people. Everybody who is sitting at a desk right now, go home. Eat everything you love and just wait for the end. At least just wait for American Idol tonight.

And editors. Come on now. You don't think I believe all that drinking with boys was going on before the rules were set into motion. There was zero continuity. It was clearly not the first night in the ridiculously nice college pledgehouse that only exists because you are filming a TV show.

Um, last time I checked I wasn't 12. I would be damned (damned damned damned) if some girl who was the same age as me left some little chalkboard message talking about "where are you? hugs!" I am a grown ass woman, don't be telling me where I need to be. Is the quiet hour designed to promote studying? Because I thought college was a place where you really thought for yourself and getting good grades was kinda just a nice thing to do for your life and your future and your own personal enrichment. Oh, but this is sorority life. I keep forgetting.

I absolutely despise this show. I loathe loathe loathe everything about it. The imagery, the lack of vocabulary, the sights, the sounds, all of it. I will watch it faithfully. Lord knows I couldn't sit through another minute of Road Rules. Does the black guy get a speaking part ever? But go, Road Rules, you make that gay boy the champion team player. Do something for the community, for America. Something. I am getting political, sorry, I know some folks hate that. Just stating the facts, ma'am. Do you think people are watching Road Rules just to pass the time before Sorority Life comes on? Who are these people? Who am I? Why am I here? You see, there is a use for bad television. It makes me ponder my existence.

Oh, and please no haters on this one. This is just a plain fact. Why, why, why! Why is it that the only person of color on Sorority Life has to be the house narc? Why must we always play the villain? The sometimes unwanted sidekick? Damn it, I just need answers! And that girl seems like the only one with feelings and a good heart. To exploit her this way is just plain irresponsible and evil. Shame shame on you MTV. I won't be surprised if she transfers schools after this. Perhaps this type of television exposure (aka trauma) will lead her to another path, like crack rock, leotards and white shoes with toe cleavage. Poor girl.

Let us all pray.

[LeslieAGD]

Thanks for posting that, Sarah. Let's pick out some key quotes:

Originally posted by volgirl2376
posted: 06/25/02 02:15 PM by Melissa
After watching that show, I really felt like all of my negative, somewhat stereotypical perceptions of sorority girls were, oh I don't know, reinforced and became law somehow.

But what point is the show trying to make? Are they trying to diminish the ill perception that all sorority girls are blonde and not that smart by using this particular sorority? And if so, do they feel any responsibility for replacing that shattered dream with this new train wreck? Now I have a dual perception of sororities, and it's no good.

Maybe in direct reaction to this show, no little girls will join sororities and they will just die out like Pet Rocks did.

Trust me, when you get a real job and real friends (who are free, I might add), you will laugh at this one day.

And this line: I am just glad that Amanda got one too. I know, this is the word nerd coming out. The use of the word "too" means that you were so sure that homegirl wouldn't get invited to buy her friends too and that worried you because you guys are friends slash roommates and you didn't want to make her feel inadequate in your world of "I'm the prettiest." But in reality, none of it is a prize, you all got the flower and the card.

Granted, this is an former Real Worlder who understands what MTV shows are about, but these are the kind of audience reactions that I was worried about (especially #1 and 2).

[volgirl2376]

exactly what i thought leslie

[DeltAlum]

For everyone's information, this was on FraternalNews this morning from the San Francisco Chronical...

"The San Francisco Chronicle
June 24, 2002

It's rush hour at UC Davis on MTV;
'Sorority Life' features several Bay Area pledges struggling for acceptance

ByPeter Hartlaub

When the rumor first spread that UC Davis would be the setting for
MTV's newest reality show, "Sorority Life," many in the campus town
laughed it off and went on with their lives. "We had heard about it,
but it was 'Yeah, right, whatever,' " said Jordan, a Davis junior who
is featured on the show. "Nobody believed it." Tune in tonight for
proof that Davis is indeed at the center of the 10-week series, which
follows six pledges as they rush the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi house.

Several of the women are Bay Area natives, including Jordan from
Livermore and Amanda from Santa Clara. Sisters at the house are
hoping that MTV focuses on the good in sororities and doesn't
perpetuate stereotypes. But before the show is over, some of the
sisters and former pledges may be happy that MTV has a policy not to
reveal last names.

"We haven't seen anything. We have no idea," Jordan said last week.
"I'm concerned about some embarrassing moments, and I'm sure they'll
be on." Amanda, a third-year microbiology major, said she isn't sure
what to expect. She said the cameras were very noticeable in the
beginning but were easy to forget by the time the 10-week shoot ended
a few weeks ago. "A lot of people ask me, 'How will you be
portrayed,' " Amanda said. "I don't really know." In the first
episode, the pledges come off pretty well in the beginning, although
a couple are a little feisty. If anything, the sorority sisters seem
to be the catty ones - repeatedly suggesting that the pledges are
overdressed and showed up only because MTV was there. The tone of
the show is along the mature lines of TV reality programming - more
like "Making the Band" than "Temptation Island" - although promos for
future shows promise that the tension will increase.

The national sorority has already posted a list of "Facts & Myths" on
its Web site, debunking false rumors and explaining why the chapter
got involved with MTV. "They came to us," the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi
site states. "We didn't come to them."

Show executives say "Sorority Life" will have its dramatic moments
but focuses more on the women and their struggle than gimmicks and
flashy location shoots. In that way, the venue may be perfect. For
those who have never been to Davis, there are no beaches, no islands
and virtually no variation in topography - the biggest hills are
freeway overpasses.

On paper, "The Real World: Vacaville" might seem a more exciting
concept. "Sorority Life" executive producer John Miller insists that
MTV searched all over the nation for the best location for the show.
As a testament to their commitment to Davis, the producers did very
little shooting in nearby urban areas such as San Francisco. "It's a
very lovely town," said Miller. "We think it's the typical college
town."

For the women involved in the show, it wasn't a typical sorority rush
experience. The pressure of being accepted or rejected by Sigma Alpha
Epsilon Pi was amplified by the presence of MTV. Neither MTV
executives nor the women are revealing which pledges got picked by
the sorority. This will be revealed in a late episode. "(Rushing) is
stressful in itself, and then the cameras are in your face when
you're trying to do it," Jordan said. "It's the most challenging
thing I've ever done in my life. . . . I don't know how I got through
it." Miller said viewers will get an education about campus life.
But he said the producers of the show tried to capture all the highs
and lows of the pledging process. "There's drama," Miller said. "And
this show does not disappoint." --------------------
TELEVISION
SORORITY LIFE: The reality show premieres at 10:30 tonight on MTV."

The first episode is one hour long; future episodes will be a
half-hour.E-mail Peter Hartlaub at phartlaub@sfchronicle.com.

Copyright 2002 The Chronicle Publishing Co

[Honeykiss1974]

In regards to Melissa's diary:

I just take it as HER OPINION. My point is if you already have it made up in your head that "all sorority girls are _______" no amount of TV will change that opinion (personal interaction maybe, but certainly not a TV show).

Additionally, for her to make that statement as too why would a non-jewish person want to join a jewish sorority is like asking a Caucasian woman why does she want to join a predominately black or latina sorority and vice versa. (Everyone has their own personal reasons as to why they joined XYZ sorority, Inc.) That question and also the tone of her post tells me that she is probably already a "GLO hater" and nothing would probably change that.

Which brings to my next statement.... what were the greeks doing on her college campus? Were they carrying themselve in a positive light and manner or were they perpetuating the stereotypes of greek life which in turn shaped her opinion in the first place? Hmmm.......

[VT Tri-D]

The national sorority has already posted a list of "Facts & Myths" on

did anyone catch this in the article above? the article called saepi a NATIONAL sorority--- great.