MTV and Sororities

[xok85xo]

i don't think its a matter of whether these girls are good, decent people..it's an issue of that mtv is infamous for misrepresentation.. despite the fact how hard you try to carry yourselves in a respectable manner, mtv knows that sex and scandal sells. this is EXACTLY why no national org. would have touched this project with a ten foot pole..it was too predictable what the end result would be. Don't get me wrong, i love mtv's "reality" shows as much as the next person..definately a self proclaimed real world addict.. but i don't trust mtv's producers as far as i could throw them, and i probably couldn't even pick the suckers up.

[AngelPhiSig]

Okay, people on this board keep saying "If you think it will damage your org, then try harder to make it not" and kind of coming off as saying (in my fun-post work ignorant way) "Your org sucks if this bothers you"

I am concerned at the impact on greek life as a whole. Many NPC orgs will not even let their members wear letters in mass media- Phi Sig being one. We are concerned with the way something we hold dear will be portrayed. We have all been past the whole Animal House, Sorority Boys, etc, thing and it did hurt a bit, but then again - ITS FICTION. Sororoity Life is not fiction, as much as MTV is doctoring it- it should be, but people are going to be like "ooh its reality TV!" and not even think that MTV is doctoring it and cutting quotes (I sooo could tell that one was cut).

Right now Im rambling cos I lost my train of thought...

Oh yea- We dont want to see everything we worked for, our rituals, our ideals and our community disgraced because MTV finds it to be good entertainment...

And again- I HOLD NOTHING AGANST THE SIGMAS.

[TrojanGirl]

I don't hold the Sigmas responsible either, but I have to admit I feel bad for them. They made a decision that will have serious ramifications on their group, the greeks of their school and greek life as a whole. It is a shame that they can not trust those who are making the show.
I can only hope the previews are the worst of it. But I know I am wrong.

TG

[trixxi]

As someone who was in the commercial for the "sorority life" show, I can speak first hand about how editing completely changes things. We were all asked questions and gave short responses to those questions. One question was what you would say to someone who doesn't like sororities. Some of us gave answers like "you might think that it's all about parties, but really..." and they just used the part that said "parties." They asked us specifically about the social scene so we said, "yeah there are parties, but that's not our focus" and they just use "parties." You'll notice that there are no complete sentences, just two or three words because they used our words COMPLETELY out of context. They never asked us what the real reason was for our joining a sorority in those interviews. They just added that in during post-production. Therefore, I urge all of you to think critically about what you see. Realize that's it's only a tiny fraction of what they shot, that we might say things like "she's this or that, but i still love her as a sister" and they could cut that second part out. Also, they clearly can take our answers to one question and pretend they've asked us another. We are not selfish girls, and we aren't out to ruin the reputation of any house. We thought that we could dispell some of the stereotypes that exist. That is why we entered into this and that's what we'd hoped to have gotten out of it.

[TrojanGirl]

Ok, I would like to know, did you REALLY think after seeing other MTV shows that you could dispell sorority myths? Have you gotten a chance to see any of the episodes? If so, how bad are they?

TG

[gamma_25]

i first saw this commercial during the awards on mtv...and my first reaction was to write to the tv station and display my point of views about "the real reasons why i joined a sorority"...please the parties! i must admit that it's a thing to do once in a while but i mainly did it becuase of the connection i have with my girls and the push to be someone on our campus being the only minority sorority on at my school...we stress women minority power and strength as women not just socials with other greeks.... i found that really harsh to see that girls were actually saying those things after saying the nice things about a sorority! please ladies.....dang have some respect...i'm not trying to diss them but dang....this is not going to look that good once mtv dishes out the good stuff in there terms and show things such as scandels, drama, sex and wild chicas doing their thang!...i just hope they do show the positve things these ladies do and have done for there community...cause if they dont' show jack...then the only ones looking bad are those ladies..but we'll see how this first episode goes...and shit i'll be back to write some more things down if it's down right wrong..i just hope they know what they got themselves into...more power to them for showing society the good and empowering things all sororities do and have done...but to these ladies...suerte....good luck with the show...

[RHOyalty 22]

I also saw the preview on MTV about sororities and I thought to myself MTV is going to make a mockery out of our beloved organizations! I don't believe that those girls answered that question in such a derogatory way. I think that their answers were cut an manipulated to sound that way!

Even if that's how they really felt I'm sure we've always been taught to not to voice that in the eye of the public!! This is horrible and coming from one of the sororities of the NPHC-SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC I doubt if "we'll" be represented anyway. Just a thought!

"Why do SIGMA women always pass the test? - because of GREATER SERVICE, GREATER PROGRESS!"

[Serenity]

Originally posted by AngelPhiSig
Okay, people on this board keep saying "If you think it will damage your org, then try harder to make it not" and kind of coming off as saying (in my fun-post work ignorant way) "Your org sucks if this bothers you"

I hope this isn't a conclusion made based on any of my posts. But if it is, let me clarify my stance. My point in a nutshell is: whatever damage may be done by this show can be undone by any (and all) orgs on their respective campuses. That's all.

Originally posted by AngelPhiSig
Oh yea- We dont want to see everything we worked for, our rituals, our ideals and our community disgraced because MTV finds it to be good entertainment.

If SAEPi allowed MTV to film their rituals, that's on them. The rituals and ideals of SAEPi have NOTHING to do with SLU so it doesn't bother me in the least. It's not like people don't know GLOs have rituals - some based on Christianity, others based on the Jewish faith, and others still with no religious connotation at all. You can learn about that right here on GC.

AngelPhiSig, I know there are other GC 'ers who feel the same way you do. I don't. But that doesn't mean I don't respect your or their organization. The two definitely don't go hand in hand.

[maggieaxid]

we've been debating this issue and voicing our opinions for almost a week now. I think it's just time to wait and watch.

[Cloud9]

Originally posted by trixxi
As someone who was in the commercial for the "sorority life" show, I can speak first hand about how editing completely changes things. We were all asked questions and gave short responses to those questions. One question was what you would say to someone who doesn't like sororities. Some of us gave answers like "you might think that it's all about parties, but really..." and they just used the part that said "parties." They asked us specifically about the social scene so we said, "yeah there are parties, but that's not our focus" and they just use "parties." You'll notice that there are no complete sentences, just two or three words because they used our words COMPLETELY out of context. They never asked us what the real reason was for our joining a sorority in those interviews. They just added that in during post-production. Therefore, I urge all of you to think critically about what you see. Realize that's it's only a tiny fraction of what they shot, that we might say things like "she's this or that, but i still love her as a sister" and they could cut that second part out. Also, they clearly can take our answers to one question and pretend they've asked us another. We are not selfish girls, and we aren't out to ruin the reputation of any house. We thought that we could dispell some of the stereotypes that exist. That is why we entered into this and that's what we'd hoped to have gotten out of it.

Oh. Come. On. Now. How naive can you be man? I feel bad for you guys, but c'MON yo! Was there not anyone in your chapter who spoke up saying, "well, hmmm, you know, TV doesn't always tell the truth..." Actually, 9 times out of 10 they DON'T, and...I dunno, it just boggles my mind that you guys were taken in. And I'll tell you this, if it's anything like real world, I can guarantee you that you won't be happy. I actually know kind of first hand, because Matt from Real World Hawaii actually happened to live down the hall from me last year(I dunno why he was going to NYU, he looks older than most college kids, I think the MTV experience aged him a bit!). Now let me tell you, that boy is type BITTER about what happened. He told me that in fact a large number of former cast members regret the shows, and are trying to somehow band together to sue MTV(which would be a valient but futile attempt I'm afraid---I'm sure they anticipated this when making the deals in the first place). He validated what many people have posted fears about. MTV takes tihngs out of context, they edit answers in connection to questions that were never asked, they look for characters to represent two dimensional personalities(the slutty one, the bitchy one, the lush, the occasional nice one), so rest assured that probably 5 of you will be singled out for infamy. The list goes on and on, basically, this is something that in no way will do anything good for anyone. The best you can hope for is minimal damage. Not only that, but realize that it's not just for one run of the episodes...there will be reruns! Marathons! And probably they will use edited out material for a "behind the scenes" show, or "unedited" version. And the more of an uproar there is about it, the worse it will be for you, because that's what a network loves...contrervorsy means ratings up the arse. Again, I really am just astonished that you could think even for a minute that you were doing something noble for yourself and all greeks. Basically, from this point on, no matter what you say it will always look like your organization saw the gleam of MTV, publicity, money, and decor, and threw your reputations out the window...with all of ours. Sorry for being harsh man, but as I always say, people can do what they want to themselves, just don't get me caught up in it. Also, for all you high and mighty nationals(NOT ALL OF YOU, just the ones who made the comments), I am a proud local org member, and if anyone even mentioned this idea, our chapter would be in a total uproar! We are always vigilant in our efforts to exude a positive image, and this reflects in our ideals, our practices, and our structure. Soooo, anyone bringing up this issue of "curses, those fiesty locals are at it again!" shoud know that firstly, it's irrelevant to the topic, and secondly, calm yourself because there are plenty of national chapters who, even with their "superior" checks and balances, STILL somehow have frequent problems, as you can read about in abundance on greekchat. Meanwhile, the locals have maybe the same percentage or less(wishful thinking, hahaha) of bad apples, WITHOUT some HQ breathing down our necks! The majority of us are wonderful additions to greek life...and all on our own merit. I'm not hating on nationals btw, all you guys are awesome!!! But those individuals making the comments, keep those little facts in mind before you cry me a river about how it's "so typical that a local would screw things up." Aight, I need to take a breather, hahaha, hopefully I haven't offended anyone, I always post when I feel emotional about something, and it reflects in my writings!

[rushqueen44]

Okay, I've avoided this thread, because I thought it would only make me mad. I was right. I'd like to address three things:

1. The contention that if SAEPi didn't do this, someone else would. I don't think I buy that. For at least the past three years, MTV has been looking for a sorority to film in the "casting call" section of their website. For three years, they have gotten no, no, no, no. They have petitioned NPC organizations ad nauseum to get a camera inside. Again, they have been shut down. Now, this isn't a national/local thing. Where was the Greek Advisor, Faculty Advisor, and/or campus administration? Do you mean to tell me that responsible, professional adults actually told these women that this would be a good idea?

2. There are plans in the works for a sorority version of Cribs. Letting cameras in to film the interior of your house is far different than letting cameras film binge drinking, hazing and hashing (which by the way, not all GLO's do - some, mine included, absolutely forbid it!). That said, I'm sure MTV will be looking for a shot of a bunch of chicks having a pillow fight wearing nothing but towels for Cribs, too.

3. Yes, Legally Blonde was based on a real sorority. But it wasn't a real sorority, filmed documentary style. Do you see the distinction?

[dzrose93]

Originally posted by trixxi
As someone who was in the commercial for the "sorority life" show, I can speak first hand about how editing completely changes things. We were all asked questions and gave short responses to those questions. One question was what you would say to someone who doesn't like sororities. Some of us gave answers like "you might think that it's all about parties, but really..." and they just used the part that said "parties." They asked us specifically about the social scene so we said, "yeah there are parties, but that's not our focus" and they just use "parties." You'll notice that there are no complete sentences, just two or three words because they used our words COMPLETELY out of context. They never asked us what the real reason was for our joining a sorority in those interviews. They just added that in during post-production. Therefore, I urge all of you to think critically about what you see. Realize that's it's only a tiny fraction of what they shot, that we might say things like "she's this or that, but i still love her as a sister" and they could cut that second part out. Also, they clearly can take our answers to one question and pretend they've asked us another. We are not selfish girls, and we aren't out to ruin the reputation of any house. We thought that we could dispell some of the stereotypes that exist. That is why we entered into this and that's what we'd hoped to have gotten out of it.

If you think the commercials are bad, then you better sit down and hold tight when the first episode airs. I can promise you that the show itself is going to be 100 times worse than any commercial.

Did the fact that the vast majority of sororities wouldn't touch this thing with a ten foot pole not give the chapter any indication that participating in the show might be a bad idea???

I'm sorry that this post is so harsh, but I am just blown away by the apparent lack of rational thought in the decision to participate in the MTV show. I suppose some lessons are learned the hard way and the chapter will know to "just say no" the next time a TV crew comes knocking -- but it's a sad shame that the Greeks (national and local alike) who flat-out knew that the show would cause problems and did their best to prevent it from happening are going to be hurt by the actions of some short-sighted people.

[LeslieAGD]

Originally posted by Serenity
I feel some of you are giving MTV waaaaaaaay too much power as far as damaging the image of greeks.

We are not giving MTV any power, they just take it. As viewers of MTV, we know that the show will be brought to us by the magic of editing...and as Greeks we know that the stereotypes they will likely portray are not the norm. Unfortunately, many kids who watch MTV, and their parents also, are not going to be as aware of this as we are. And, it will just give anti-greek people more reason to say "look, we told you so."

As Becky from the RW/RW Battle of the Seasons once said:
"Of course there's going to be a reaction...just let us have our reaction."
I think this kinda relates to this topic.

Side note: To rushqueen44 - Legally Blonde was not based on a real sorority...They observed a sorority prior to filming...there is a big difference.

[Cloud9]

Just a side comment...it also annoys me that MTV is so far from what it originally intended for, i.e. MUSIC TV...now, what the hell does this show, real world, road rules, or jackass have to do with music yo??? It turned out to be just another network catering to teeny boppers and luring viewers with shock tv dammit! ay!

[33girl]

I agree that the decision to participate in anything MTV does might not have been the wisest. As a matter of fact I was the first person to say so on here. But it is done and there’s nothing we can do about the series itself, just our reactions. We can either be negative or positive. There’s no sense bashing Sigma, because if this turns out as horribly as some people think it will, they’ll do enough self-flagellation that our input won’t be needed.

Personally, as I stated earlier, I’m very glad they chose a sorority that is diverse – not one made up of rich Barbie clones. That would offend me more than showing the occasional beer in a sister’s hand. They’ve chosen a group who looks “real” and hopefully that will help disprove the myth of what is and isn’t the “sorority type.” IMO that is as detrimental as any drinking, hazing, whatever in our orgs – women who would be great in a sorority thinking they aren’t the “type” and shunning it. The more that happens the more pronounced it gets, and the more great women we lose.

Everything in our orgs is not perfect. We don’t do philanthropy 24/7/365. We don’t live in perfect harmony. We like to party once in a while. We’re bitchy once in a while. We’re not as bad as the media make us out to be, but we’re not as good as our national websites make us out to be either. Simply, we’re human.

And as far as Animal House, look at membership numbers before and after its release, then try to tell me that it hurt Greek life. Yes, maybe there were people who only joined for the beer, but for every member that did that, I think there were probably 2 or 3 who were amazed by the amount of brother/sisterhood and support they received. A nice surprise package, I’d say. If this show gets women to pledge who wouldn’t have considered it before, it might be worth it.