MTV and Sororities

[LeslieAGD]

Originally posted by maggieaxid
"ok, so these girls go and do this. and then all this hoopla is going to come out of it, and sooner or later you are going to have the major networks jumping through hoops to talk to people on both sides of the fence and looking into what really goes on in the greek system both nationally and locally."

If this were to happen, i think that this is the one positive thing that could come out of all of this. i mean, maybe greeks will finally get the positive exposeur that the deserve that rises out of this debotchery of a tv show.

Maggie, while I hope that your friend is right and this is the case, I don't think it'll happen that way. Even if the media does try to go out and see what Greek Life is really about, many people will write it off as Greeks trying to "cover up" what MTV "exposed."

[ZTAMelissa]

Whoever said that basically the news will be all over the other GLO's to get their opinion, I totally agree. Good point there.

Also, DZRose (i think?) was talking about the fallout this fall with rush. I totally agree there because I'll be Rho Chi this fall and I'm sure I'll be hounded with questions like, "Is ZTA like that ? I have to say that this whole thing kinda freaks me out for this fall because there are bound to be some really naive freshman (as I was) who won't know the difference between Sigma AEPi at UCDavis and ZTA at GMU. All I can do is hope that the show portrays some positive aspects to greek life as well. In a way, I'm glad I'll be Rho Chi because then I can say, no every chapter is different, blah blah blah, you know? I'll be the one talking to all those PNM's and making sure they have their facts straight. I just hope this doesn't deter girls from even rushing in the first place...

[LexiKD]

DZRose, I agree with you. I too don't think any KD chapter would have said yes for so many reasons. #1: Any taped event of ONE NPC chapter would be assumed all over that all sororities function the same. And my chapter is so new that they cannot break rules or be a bad example yet!

The issue is, many peolpe including parents of PNMs do not understand the difference b/w local/national & chapter/chapters. And for that reason alone, I would say no to anything like this, I cannot be an example for all of the system and I consider myself a pretty good example of an alumna in good standing so for the same reason it is hard to have one local chapter represent an entire system.

And as for the comment about Greeks that are concerned about sterotypes being the ones adding to the issue: I am concerned b/c I strive everyday to be a better KD and be an upstanding member of NPC, but when we are constantly taking steps forward it is attiutdes/actions that think this show will be great PR that make us take 10 steps back. That is why I am concerned...I hope I'm wrong and the show is great....we will see.

[FuzzieAlum]

I have to say that what Sigma did was ... well, naive is probably the best word for it. But heck, they're a young chapter, without a lot of very experienced alum advisors, so I find it hard to come down too hard on them.

Nevertheless, I don't see this as producing any good publicity for sororities.

Example: I was in SD for the last few days, and one morning I was listening to a morning show on the radio. The guys were talking about the allegations that a producer was dating one of the sisters, and that they had "ringers" in to make the chapter look better. What really surprised me was that THEY REFERRED TO THE CHAPTER AS A E PHI. Yeah, I know lots of non-Greeks aren't up on their Greek letters - do we really think that when these adolescents watching this show go to college, they'll remember which chapter it was that was portrayed?

The DJs then went on to discuss which chapters at the schools they had gone to were the ugly ones. Really nice.

The thing is, I don't think Sigma is that different from any other chapter. In any sisterhood you could find a girl who would say that she was attracted to Greek life for the social aspect, or one girl who gets drunk one night, or someone who thinks philanthropy is boring. Any of us could be made to look bad if we were edited in the same way.

The one advantage nationals had over this local in this case is that nationals have a lot of old alums who are absolutely terrified of being mentioned in the press. They've learned the hard way that practically any publicity re. Greek life is BAD publicity. There are many locals that have learned this as well, especially those chapters that have been around a while. Sigma didn't have that advantage, and I suspect they'll learn the hard way. (I don't mean to imply that nationals are superior to locals in any way other than they have more woman-hours of accumulated experience to draw from.)

I mean, honestly - if MTV focused on how much philanthropy these girls do and their good grades, the morning DJs of the world would still manage to say, yeah, they do it 'cause they're the ugly ones! Or, "I remember how hard the Mu Mus partied when I was in college." Not that it excuses MTV for sensationalizing everything it touches, but a lot of folks will only latch onto the things that fit their preconceived notions of Greek life. It's a lose-lose situation for all Greeks, I think.

[DeltAlum]

(The post above from FuzzieAlum was added as I was writing the thought below -- I agree with her. She has echoed many of the things I have talked about with some of you on IM's, etc.)

One final beating of this dead horse.

From the reaction and comments on previous threads right here on CG, I am absolutely convinced that had the Nationals not stepped in, there would have been MANY chapters of major sororities who would have jumped at being taped by MTV. It is difficult to look past the "showbiz" aspects at the really serious potential ramifications.

Again, the two or three of us with TV experience were pretty lonely voices in opposition to this kind of project originally.

Be honest with yourself. Have you really ever given any thought to the process behind Road Rules, Real Life and others of that ilk? Or have they just been somewhat entertaining programs, always with a fair amount of controversy. Did you ever really stop to think about the "formula" of these shows.

It is possible that there may be some good to come out of this situation. I'm not holding my breath, but it's not totally out of the question that some of the upsides mentioned in some of these posts might happen. I doubt it -- but maybe MTV or the producers will have a sudden attack of morality. Or maybe the Sigmas character is so strong that it will show through even the selective editing process. It's not impossible. Just unlikely.

But, I digress (again!). I simply point out that we have shined that harsh spotlight of hindsight on these women. What will probably happen is most unfortunate, but if these women hadn't done it, and if the nationals hadn't stepped in (and, thank goodness they did), somebody else would have.

Actually, in some preverse way, it might have been better if a Pi Phi or Chi O or Alpha Gam chapter was the one chosen. At least then there would be a national organization with thousands of alumni (however you spell the female version of that -- it's always confused me) and membership in one of the Greek umbrella organizations to bring whatever pressure they could to bear on MTV. I don't know what good that would do, but maybe some. Maybe.

In any event, it's a done deal. Unfortunately. But again, if the Sigmas hadn't done this, it would likely have happened anyway -- and who knows who would have been in their place and now be taking the beating that they are.

It would not be a comfortable position -- put yourself there. It could easily have been you.

[ThetaxiUW]

Sounds a little familiar huh Deltalum!

That other thing with the reality based tv show involving a fraternity event. But this is a little different. A whole series? When I saw the commercial, it started off pretty good but then quickly went aray( I think thats how you spell it).

Could it be possibly that the opening commercial for this show is the hook to get everyone to watch, but actually shows the greek community in a positive light? Just a thought. I guarantee that a whole bunch of greeks are gonna watch that very first episode. Unless there is a World Cup game on. However, I think its a little unfair to judge a show before it comes out. I know you've had experience way beyond me, but not all publicity is bad. If it is protraited well, I think that it may do wonderful things for the greek system. I personally had no idea how it worked until I was in it. Maybe if people knew more about it, they would be more apt to rush rather than stereotype it like everyone does.

"In Reality" Fraternities and sororities are a place where people live with eachother but carry a special bond that no TV show will ever portrait. A rule. A unwritten law. A moral. If we can get closer to showing this aspect by taking a chance, I say go for it. I actually applaud Sigmas for taking the opportunity. And they can come party with me any time.

Like anyone ever takes college kids seriously anyways!

[AS Alpha Gam]

While I agree with those that have posted that have said it is too early to judge the show, I would like to point out that they have already spun the show to portray the negative stereotypes associated with greek life. I am sure that when they asked these ladies why they joined the sorority they answered with all of the answers that you saw but the producers split the answers up to make it look like the real reason they joined was to party.
I have very little faith in any "real tv" portrayal of greek life and while the show has not aired yet, I think the commercial gives a good indication of the direction it will head in. A G D

[SIGMA_INSIDER]

In an attempt to keep beating the dead horse:
DELTALUM, thank you for also shedding some light on the fact that this was inevitable. Hopefully, others will listen. Once again, maybe you think your sorority might not have done it, maybe you think your friend's sorority might not have done it, etc. etc... Fantastic. The fact is...many would have, and I'm glad they chose such an incredible group of girls.

• ONCE AGAIN, I don't know how it will turn out, so I won't judge and I urge everyone who has judged them to do the same.
• Many posts above are very hopeful, respectful, optimistic, supportive, honest and non-judgemental. Thanks for being constructive!
  

K, from a report that I saw... even though many greeks think badly of Animal House, the movie actually helped to bring interest in the Greek system after the devasting decline that it took in the earlier '70's that almost DID eliminate the system.

Who knows, maybe Sorority Life will do the same?? People may want to know more about sorority life (even if some do have those pre-conceived notions) and if what they saw is really true? Maybe they will go into it thinking the stereotypes but finding out what it truley means to be Greek and that there is so much more to it then partying, guys/girls, excahnges etc.

I just have one question for the Sigma sisters. I have taken a look at your site before (months ago when it was first brought out that this would be your org participating in it) but I just want to know if you guys have Public rituals such as DU (Delta Upsilon) where nothing is a secret or are they somewhat private? Trying to educate myself a little here

Also, thanks Delt Alum for the info. Its what I kind of figured anyways, but I thought there might be different route they could have taken.

[lioness]

UMgirl, to answer your question, our rituals are private, and no matter how hard the producers tried to convince us to let them tape them, we wouldn't budge and we're keeping them private. Thank you for gathering the facts before coming to conclusions; I hope everyone will do the same.

Lioness-- I'm gonna be honest when I say I dont agree with the decision that you guys made as a group. My first post in this discussion was even somewhat harsh towards your org for making that decision and I even retracted a comment from it (which if you do read it, I do apologize to SAEPi for it. It was said when I was cranky and I should have thought more about it). However, what's done has been done. And like some others I am now trying to be optimisitic and hope that something positive can come out of this, because I 'm not gonna lie when I say that I think there will be some damage done. Its just what can we as Greeks so to combat it? Thank you for answering my question also. I know that they probably had the camaras on you guys just about 24/7 and was wondering if any rituals/traditons would be shown.

[AngelPhiSig]

Originally posted by lioness
UMgirl, to answer your question, our rituals are private, and no matter how hard the producers tried to convince us to let them tape them, we wouldn't budge and we're keeping them private. Thank you for gathering the facts before coming to conclusions; I hope everyone will do the same.

Lioness and other Sigma's on GC:

Good job in keeping your rituals to yourself... And I do hope this turns out positivly for you- I know I have posted some concerned posts, but I do hope things work out and keep us posted on how things go this year.

I have decided, like other GCers to wait for the show... which will be a toughie for me... cos... it airs the 24th... Hard Rock PITTSBURGH opens the 24th... decisions, decisions...

okay-

well back to the drawing board... for what? Dunno!

[FHwku]

Hey Lioness! Was Sergio Myers a dork?


Maybe he's saying "I am no dork...I am Serrrr-gio."

[Cloud9]

I've noticed that the sigmas on this board are upset about the reactions and comment that people have made. Well, unfortunately, you had better get used to it because this is only the beginning, believe me. I'm sorry, but when you make a choice to be publicly displayed, you have lost your rights to privacy. You sday, "oh, but that's not fair, you're judging us..." I'm sorry, but tough. I"m sure that with all of your deliberations and advice, it must have become clear that this would be the consequence. I don't mean to be harsh, it's not at really at you specifically that I'm annoyed, just the whole situation. But understand this: you have made your decision and for better or worse you must live with it. You are now media symbols, and cannot expect the public to refrain from reacting to you. Random people will come up to individual sisters a year from now on the street and say things like, "oh my god, you're the bitch from tv, I saw how you hooked up with all those guys, you whore!" or "how could you say that about your pledge, that was so wrong." Again, and again, and again. Trust me, anything you encounter here is mild, consider it a warmup to reality. Also to say that because it was "inevitable" that SOMEone was going to do this, does it justify you doing it? I mean, I'm sure that it's inevitable that SOMEone is going to be murdered in the next year, does that make it ok for me to run out and do it? Ummm...not so much methinks. As was well said, this is a forum for people to post their reactions, ideas and opinions. If you are upset by it...well, consider it a consequence to a dangerous choice. This whole situation should serve as a warning to all of us---always be careful in making PR decisions, or any decision that is bigger than you are. When you come in to the public eye, you will always be scrutinized. And to believe that you can just walk into it with no other weapons but optimism and blind hope is not only naive, but as I said, dangerous. I wish you guys luck, just remember, to request that people keep their opinions to themselves is a futile battle at this point, what you must do is toughen yourselves up to deal with it, cuz it ain't going to stop. Good luck

[mrblonde]

I completely and wholeheartedly agree, Cloud9. I hereby reserve the right to be offended by, and, quite frankly, embarrassed for, any chapter, national or local, that chooses, knowing the risks, to exploit themselves in front of a camera with the hopes of increasing their own rush numbers, yet setting the hopes of mainstream Greek acceptance back fifteen years. (wow, what a run-on sentence!)