Perception of sororities nationally

[Fleur de Lis]

I have really enjoyed reading this thread, as I had a similar experience to the OP. If my chapter had been another of the 25 NPCs, I still would have joined it. However, it has been wonderful to learn more about my sorority on a regional and national level and enjoy the sisterhood from alumnae around the country.

I do have an observation from our last Panhellenic Luncheon, and I'm interested to hear your feedback. I noticed that several groups projected a certain image overall. Not better or worse, just like they had a common theme among members. These would have been women initiated around the country and not from one chapter. For example, the DG table was filled with some of the best-dressed women I saw there. Seriously, they all looked super put-together. The ADPi women were all exceptionally pretty, and the Tri-Deltas looked like they had business meetings to go to so they could run their corporations. I'm not saying EVERY member or EVERY chapter will have these stereotypes, but do you think certain organizations attract certain types of women, or do the members of any group tend to start looking like one another? If so, is it possible that there are national or regional reputations? (Read: NOT TIERS)

[33girl]

Regional reputations, definitely. Nationally, no.

Or it could be that they're all in an alum chapter together and hang out a lot outside of it and they start dressing alike - which many friends (Greek or non) do.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Regional reputations, definitely. Nationally, no.

Or it could be that they're all in an alum chapter together and hang out a lot outside of it and they start dressing alike - which many friends (Greek or non) do.

Or, they called each other.. "What are you wearing to the Panhellenic luncheon?" "Oh, I think I'll wear my suit" "Ok, great, I'll wear my suit too"...

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Or it could be that they're all in an alum chapter together and hang out a lot outside of it and they start dressing alike - which many friends (Greek or non) do.

Often an alumnae chapter will cater to a specific demographic, and that's where stereotypes can form. For example, a chapter in a large city may be mostly young professionals and a suburban chapter may be more women with husbands and kids, and other chapters have retired women.

[PeppyGPhiB]

Originally Posted by Fleur de Lis

I have really enjoyed reading this thread, as I had a similar experience to the OP. If my chapter had been another of the 25 NPCs, I still would have joined it. However, it has been wonderful to learn more about my sorority on a regional and national level and enjoy the sisterhood from alumnae around the country.

I do have an observation from our last Panhellenic Luncheon, and I'm interested to hear your feedback. I noticed that several groups projected a certain image overall. Not better or worse, just like they had a common theme among members. These would have been women initiated around the country and not from one chapter. For example, the DG table was filled with some of the best-dressed women I saw there. Seriously, they all looked super put-together. The ADPi women were all exceptionally pretty, and the Tri-Deltas looked like they had business meetings to go to so they could run their corporations. I'm not saying EVERY member or EVERY chapter will have these stereotypes, but do you think certain organizations attract certain types of women, or do the members of any group tend to start looking like one another? If so, is it possible that there are national or regional reputations? (Read: NOT TIERS)

I was thinking about this last night. I wouldn't say it's a matter of reputation, though. I have noticed similarities between many Gamma Phi Beta chapters, to the point that sometimes when I read a recruitment thread on here, I get a hunch for which chapter is Gamma Phi. Many of our chapters seem to be considered "laid back" or "genuine" or "down to earth" or "chill." Perhaps it's a regional thing, but I'm not sure. After going to Convention and meeting many collegians there, it's obvious our chapters can vary wildly from region to region, but I have noticed certain words used over and over to describe many of our chapters.