Perception of sororities nationally

[LadyLonghorn]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

FWIW, those comments were copied from some dumb article, not necessary arrows and angels' opinion. Totally agree with the "if you're so top tier, you don't need to point it out" sentiment, though.

Whoa. From my experience, no one in the "top tier" sororities even thinks about things like that. Things just are what they are. There aren't legions of Regina Georges running around talking about how "bottom tier" other people are. Seriously, the fascination seems to come from the outside, and from the inside it isn't an issue at all.

[baci]

I wish I could agree with your experiences, but "top tier" members loved to put it out there that they were "top tier". (at least where I came from) Congratulations to them, but to have to "put it out there" was kind of sad/major turn off. It really brought them down, IMO. Quite possibly, that may have be their immaturity/insecurity oozing out.

[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

FWIW, those comments were copied from some dumb article, not necessary arrows and angels' opinion. Totally agree with the "if you're so top tier, you don't need to point it out" sentiment, though.

yes, the article was found in "Texas monthly" years and years ago and was written tongue in cheek, much like the "southern belle primer"-there is probably some truth in what was written, but was meant in jest.

[gee_ess]

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

yes, the article was found in "Texas monthly" years and years ago and was written tongue in cheek, much like the "southern belle primer"-there is probably some truth in what was written, but was meant in jest.

Totally agree with the comment that this is a "tongue in cheek" article that is spoofing sorority tiers at Texas. I would suggest that you also read "The Southern Belle Primer or Princess Margaret will Never be a Kappa Kappa Gamma" for further such reading. These are meant to poke fun at southern life, etc.

And, unless I am mistaken, those of us from the south on GC are able to recognize a stereotyped, over-generalized, one dimensional version of ourselves and laugh not take offense.

But let's not get into a "southern vs northern" Greek discussion, please.

I don't think discussing national sororities' regional reputations is any different than discussing a national company who may or may not do business in your region. i.e Bank of America, Dillard's Dept Store, etc.

[catiebug]

I've been thinking about this thread since I read it last night.

Growing up, I was brought up to believe that XYZ sorority was the end-all and be-all of sororities, both on the local and national level. My mom was not an XYZ, but my grandmother and great-grandmother were (I am not an XYZ), but even mom gushed over XYZ. Both at schools in my hometown and at my alma mater, the XYZ chapter was "top tier." I expected nothing less than for XYZ to be "top tier" at each and every school where they had a chapter.

Imagine my surprise a few years ago when I found out that there had been an XYZ chapter near to where I live now but it had closed down! How could this happen? They were XYZ!!! It made me realize that just because a chapter is strong at some schools, that does not mean all chapters are as strong as others. It really opened my eyes.

Before this, every time I saw an XYZ, I believed they were extra-special in some way, just because they were XYZ (and the XYZs I know are indeed special ladies, but that is not the point I am trying to make here). Now I know that XYZ has chapters that are A-1 at some schools, just as the "bottom tier" (oh, but do I hate that term!) sorority at my alma mater is A-1 somewhere else.

[TriDeltaSallie]

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

yes, the article was found in "Texas monthly" years and years ago and was written tongue in cheek, much like the "southern belle primer"-there is probably some truth in what was written, but was meant in jest.

I fully understood that it was meant as humor, but part of all good humor is the element of truth. And in the flow of the entire multi-page discussion, it was not only meant as humorous but that there was a significant amount of truth to it. At least that was the way I read it.

As far as the north/south thing... I find southern rush fascinating. I look forward to reading the recruitment stories each year. And a significant part of what is discussed here is more southern-related. So this thread was in no way a me vs. them thread. I truly find the whole thing very fascinating.

[LadyLonghorn]

Originally Posted by baci

I wish I could agree with your experiences, but "top tier" members loved to put it out there that they were "top tier". (at least where I came from) Congratulations to them, but to have to "put it out there" was kind of sad/major turn off. It really brought them down, IMO. Quite possibly, that may have be their immaturity/insecurity oozing out.

What I was quoting was specifically talking about MY campus. Therefore, my comment was talking about MY campus and MY experience there. I have no idea what happens elsewhere. The Texas Monthly quote was NOT about "Baci U." I'm sorry your experience has been different elsewhere.

[SWTXBelle]

And here's food for thought - with the exception of some moribund southern schools, the tiers are not inflexible. It is possible for a chapter that was once "bottom tier" to turn it around- I've seen it happen. It's also possible for the end all, be all chapter to take a dive and see its standing fall. At my alma mater a chapter which struggled during my time there has now blossomed and is highly regarded - and one of the "top tier" chapters is now struggling.

What NPC members should be working for is not only their chapters to do well, but for campuses to reach a point where ALL the chapters are solid. I don't know that collegians necessarily get that - heck, I know alumnae who don't "get it". But a campus where all the chapters are solid - where there are a variety of sisterhoods in which pnms can find a home - is going to be the most beneficial for Greeks as a whole. All the NPC member GLOs have incredible histories, noble ideals, worthwhile philanthropies, innovative programming, leadership training, and close sisterhoods. The more you get to know members from various groups the more you realize that we all have a great deal in common. If we could dispense with negative competition - ( Not the "good" type - competition can be positive and healthy) - and really, really come together, I think we would be unstoppable.

AND THAT is why I hate the discussion of tiers on individual campuses. It allows some NPC members to feel that they are somehow superior to others, which draws their focus from the good of the NPC groups as a whole. It also can force some NPC members to feel that they are somehow inferior - when the fact is that if you are a member of ANY NPC group you should take pride in that fact. It reinforces the negative stereotypes some non-Greeks have about us, and does not in any way, shape or form support the aims and aspirations our founders had in mind when they founded our GLOs.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

What NPC members should be working for is not only their chapters to do well, but for campuses to reach a point where ALL the chapters are solid. I don't know that collegians necessarily get that - heck, I know alumnae who don't "get it". But a campus where all the chapters are solid - where there are a variety of sisterhoods in which pnms can find a home - is going to be the most beneficial for Greeks as a whole. All the NPC member GLOs have incredible histories, noble ideals, worthwhile philanthropies, innovative programming, leadership training, and close sisterhoods. The more you get to know members from various groups the more you realize that we all have a great deal in common. If we could dispense with negative competition - ( Not the "good" type - competition can be positive and healthy) - and really, really come together, I think we would be unstoppable.

AND THAT is why I hate the discussion of tiers on individual campuses. It allows some NPC members to feel that they are somehow superior to others, which draws their focus from the good of the NPC groups as a whole. It also can force some NPC members to feel that they are somehow inferior - when the fact is that if you are a member of ANY NPC group you should take pride in that fact. It reinforces the negative stereotypes some non-Greeks have about us, and does not in any way, shape or form support the aims and aspirations our founders had in mind when they founded our GLOs.

Bravo...one size does not fit all. Top Tier may be hell on earth for some women. I never cared what tier (if you can have tiers in a 4 chapter system) my chapter was, only that the group of women there were normal women with whom I could relate. (Sorry if I misused "whom"...that is one grammar pet peeve I've never bothered to master!)

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by Kansas City

Maybe I'm a bit naive but don't most NPCs have excellent national reputations? The tier and who's best is only a collegiate thing. Once a member becomes active as an alum, best/worst/strong/weak thinking becomes a moot point.

Have you seen some of the posts on GC? For some women, sorority is LIFE.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

Have you seen some of the posts on GC? For some women, sorority is LIFE.

And...there are women in EVERY NPC who care more about reputation than about sisterhood! It takes all types to make the world go round. If that's all someone wants out of greek life, then I hope their dues were worth it.

[baci]

Perfection^^

Your statement says it all!

[Kansas City]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

Have you seen some of the posts on GC? For some women, sorority is LIFE.

And (I think that many will agree with me?) that these same women should grow up and GET A LIFE.

[ForeverRoses]

Originally Posted by baci

I wish I could agree with your experiences, but "top tier" members loved to put it out there that they were "top tier". (at least where I came from) Congratulations to them, but to have to "put it out there" was kind of sad/major turn off. It really brought them down, IMO. Quite possibly, that may have be their immaturity/insecurity oozing out.

I have noticed that it is not so much the members of the sorority as it is guys in Fraternities that focus on what "tier" the sororities are in. They are the ones that will refuse a mixer with a "lower tier" sorority or who will tent talk to the extreme.

Originally Posted by Kansas City

And (I think that many will agree with me?) that these same women should grow up and GET A LIFE.

Yup. I love discovering that my friends are greek, but I could care less what house they were in. Simply being greek is a connection and we can share silly stories. It isn't the end all be all.

[baci]

ForeverRoses, I think you are spot on with your comment. The young men want only to socialize with certain sororities. Ugh