What do you think of Greek Life?

[Divalawgirl]

Ok, in your initial post you asked about Greeks today and where will we be 10 years from now?

YOUR QUESTION: "what do you think of Greek Life today? has it changed? If so, for better or worse? Where do you think it'll be in 10 years? And for those who have been members for 10 years or more, can you tell us how decades, and social changes have caused change, positive or negative, within our orgs?"

[DSTdimepiece]

Greek life is interesting now. When I speak to older members (initiated in 40s, 50s and 60s), it seems like everyone regardless of affiliation pulled together and wanted everyone to make it. There was true unity. Not to mention, that they looked good, represented themselves well. There wasn't so much hazing as long pledge periods.

Now it seems like, all it's about is the hazing...how real or how hard are you? we are too busy tearing our own orgs down with this and other destructive behaviors that we're missing the big picture--uplifing our communities and living out our creeds. Also, there seems to me to be more of the "it's a lifetime commitment rather or not I pay dues, work, etc." However, everyone shows up at a new member presentation or initiation or worse during the process.

In the future,I'm not sure where we are headed. I truly think more of our talented students will either wait until alumnae chapter or just opt out all together.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by DSTdimepiece

Greek life is interesting now. When I speak to older members (initiated in 40s, 50s and 60s), it seems like everyone regardless of affiliation pulled together and wanted everyone to make it. There was true unity. Not to mention, that they looked good, represented themselves well. There wasn't so much hazing as long pledge periods.

Now it seems like, all it's about is the hazing...how real or how hard are you? we are too busy tearing our own orgs down with this and other destructive behaviors that we're missing the big picture--uplifing our communities and living out our creeds. Also, there seems to me to be more of the "it's a lifetime commitment rather or not I pay dues, work, etc." However, everyone shows up at a new member presentation or initiation or worse during the process.

In the future,I'm not sure where we are headed. I truly think more of our talented students will either wait until alumnae chapter or just opt out all together.

I agree with everything you've said.

We have 'Seasoned Sorors' in our grad chapter (we are not allowed to call them older sorors) who were initiated in the 40's and 50's and it could be 90 degrees and 90% humidity during our June meeting and they will show up to chapter meeting in full Sunday attire - dress, stockings, 'pocketbook', and heels.

When my mother was pledging during the early 60's they had to do stuff, but it was kinda silly stuff like walk backwards into a classroom, carry an old cigar box that contained gum, candy and tissues - had to be ready when Big Sister asked for that stuff. No one was ever beaten, humiliated or asked to do insane stuff.

I don't know when the whole 'pledging hard' idea got started. I have a blood sister who I would not beat, hurt or degrade. I love my sister and I don't want to see her harmed. That is how we should think about our GLOs. If you want to call this person your sister or brother, then treat them as such. I never understood the rationale of hazing someone 'on-line' for weeks, then initiate them into your sisterhood / brotherhood and say you love them as your soror (sister) or frater (brother).

Where do I think we are headed in the future? I don't know. I want to be hopeful, but like you said, it is our own members who are hurting our organization.

Yeah, we've got some 'paycheck' sorors too. All they do is pay their dues and only show up to the chapter events - they are never around to do the hard work when it needs to get done.

[Sahara]

Originally Posted by DSTdimepiece

Greek life is interesting now. When I speak to older members (initiated in 40s, 50s and 60s), it seems like everyone regardless of affiliation pulled together and wanted everyone to make it. There was true unity. Not to mention, that they looked good, represented themselves well. There wasn't so much hazing as long pledge periods.

Now it seems like, all it's about is the hazing...how real or how hard are you? we are too busy tearing our own orgs down with this and other destructive behaviors that we're missing the big picture--uplifing our communities and living out our creeds. Also, there seems to me to be more of the "it's a lifetime commitment rather or not I pay dues, work, etc." However, everyone shows up at a new member presentation or initiation or worse during the process.

In the future,I'm not sure where we are headed. I truly think more of our talented students will either wait until alumnae chapter or just opt out all together.

This is very true. In addition to what you've said, my own experiences with sisterhood in general have been positive and negative. Since I like to think for myself, speak my mind, and not follow people/trends for no particular reason, I've always had problems with cliques of women. I don't really consider these negative experiences as a 'greek' thing, though. I just get really disappointed when it happens among sorors, since we've made a point of joining a sisterhood.

On the other hand, I've met some really amazing sorors and I always look forward to going to meetings and conferences. I just love to be among my sorors! I live far from my chapter and there aren't many women of color at school with me, so when I go to these events, I go by myself. In spite of that, I always meet sorors who I feel like I've known for years. I always have a great time!! These positive experiences make up for the negatives. I think this is the way it will always be.