The animosity between unaffiliated and Greek students on campus has risen to new peaks over the last year as national and campus events exploded across social media. Between the Rolling Stones article that libelously announced that a fraternity had participated in and covered up a gang rape without any obvious repercussions, the punishment of an Elon fraternity for hazing, accusations of blatant racism aimed at sorority recruitment and the recent surge in women who go through sorority recruitment at Elon, it hasn’t been a good year to be Greek.
It’s unfortunate, because we love being Greek.
It isn’t always easy to keep your head high and wear your letters without caring about what others think. The problems with Greek life are wide and varied, from institutionalized racism to expenses that can be more of a burden than anticipated. Parents don’t understand, childhood friends poke fun and unaffiliated peers turn up their noses at the men and women who go through recruitment and bind themselves to their organization.
Trust us. We’ve been there, and we’ve heard everything under the sun: “You’re just paying for your friends.” “You’re shallow.” “You’re not a feminist.” “Have fun hating yourself for the next four years.” “All you care about is beer and boys.”
The stereotypes that insist Greek students are full of themselves are difficult to put up with. But they have a support system that will gladly and loyally lift them up every time it gets just a little too difficult to handle.
They have futures ahead of them that are supplemented, not created, by an alumni network that stretches across decades and countries. These organizations have a rich history filled with traditions. They expect the best of their members and teach them how to give it on a regular basis.
Many affiliated students have found themselves a system of peers that they can connect with through their common Greek bonds. Speaking from our own personal experiences, we have made some of the greatest friends we wouldn’t have otherwise met if it weren’t for recruitment, and we have been given opportunities within our organization to play on our own talents and simultaneously encourage others’.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but the obsessive stereotyping is unproductive at best and, at worst, perpetuates a negative image unrightfully held by so many. It masks the idea that Greeks are, in fact, individuals with their own opinions and lives and mannerisms.
We have never been ashamed to wear our letters, but we’re ashamed to be in a community that puts us down for it.