Senior government and politics major
Greek life can be a polarizing topic on this campus, but I don’t see the big stink.
The social organizations get a bad rap for a culture of underage drinking, drug use, sexual misconduct and — you guessed it — hazing. While the level of hazing in fraternities and sororities might be more severe than in other places, other organizations sometimes engage in soft hazing for new members. And alcohol and sex certainly aren’t unique to members of Greek life; they’re prevalent among college students in general.
However, using the “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?” logic obviously doesn’t excuse this dangerous and illicit behavior. College students could afford to shape up their act across the board, not just in Greek life.
Aside from engaging in significant misconduct, let’s be honest: Being in a fraternity or sorority looks like it would be really awesome. They host fun charity events, serve the community and post adorable photos on Facebook. Socials and formals are fun excuses to meet new people, bond with your brothers or sisters and get all dolled up to let loose.
From the perspective of this non-Greek muggle (well, I’m in Phi Alpha Delta — a professional law fraternity, but not a traditional fraternity or sorority), it seems that being in Greek life means sharing a common set of values and experiences with dozens of other students. Isn’t this exactly why the rest of us join any organization on the campus? Whether it’s through a living-learning program, cultural group or sorority, students at this university deserve to find a social niche in which they feel at home. And there’s nothing wrong with that home being over on Fraternity Row, if you can afford the exorbitant dues.
One complaint I often hear regarding Greek life is that it perpetuates conformity and elitism. And while there certainly are some arrogant and dependent members of sororities and fraternities, these people exist in other places on the campus, too. Neither wearing matching letters nor dressing in matching outfits during formal recruitment makes you a “brainwashed conformist.” Could the Greek community use a little more creativity and individualism? Sure. But so could nearly any college student.
The problem with Greek member misconduct persists, despite any benefits to joining a fraternity or sorority. These organizations create environments in which substance abuse, underage drinking and promiscuity can be accepted and encouraged. We all have our vices, but facilitating sexual misconduct should not be among them. Additionally, frequenting a house where the floors are caked with stale beer, there are more red cups than dust bunnies laying around and most of the inhabitants are either drunk or hungover at all hours of the day is hardly acceptable.
In general, many members of Greek life are motivated, hard-working students who simply happen to play harder than your average Terp. And there is nothing inherently wrong with that. But there needs to be more accountability on behalf of members to act responsibly and create a safe environment for fellow members and guests. To conclude, here’s my points breakdown on a scale of zero (ban Greek life today) to 10 (I’m rushing a sorority this instant) regarding Greek life:
One point for health-conscious members going to the gym. Subtract one for unhealthy binge-drinking. Add one for being attractive and add two for community service. Two points for fraternity house architecture; minus one for Fraternity Row field quality. One point for GPA requirements, negative three for misconduct and one for cute apparel. Three points for keeping weekends interesting and provoking thoughtful discussion among students. A solid six out of 10.
Tiffany Burba is a senior government and politics major. She can be reached at tburbadbk@gmail.com.
