I never thought I was going to join Greek life. Throughout my entire childhood, I watched movies and TV shows that twisted Greek life from being focused on philanthropy and sisterhood into a life of mere partying. Worried about hazing, constant drinking and the idea of strange ceremonies, I had no desire to join Greek life.
However, when I got to Drexel, I realized that the stereotypes weren’t true. The way sororities and fraternities were depicted in movies and TV shows had influenced me into thinking that that was the way they all were in real life.
At Drexel, I found sororities that truly care about their values, philanthropies and sisterhood. I found groups of women who care about making a difference in the world and empowering other women to do the same. This discovery was life-changing and I am now a member of Delta Phi Epsilon at Drexel.
Now, I’m not saying that the way Greek life is depicted in popular culture is entirely wrong. I’m just saying that the portrayal isn’t true for every single sorority and fraternity, as I grew up believing. The entertainment industry needs to stop depicting Greek life negatively.
Let’s look at some examples — how about “Neighbors” and “Neighbors 2.” The first movie was released in 2014 and the latter was in theaters this past May. Both movies portray a fraternity and sorority that party so often that they greatly disturb their neighbors. The movies are centered around their neighbors, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, trying to get the unruly college students off their block. Both depict Greeks as lawless, rebellious and reckless. While some members of sororities and fraternities may honestly be this way, this is not how every Greek organization acts. This portrayal can affect people who are not familiar with Greek life into thinking that this is typical of every fraternity and sorority.
The TV show “Scream Queens” is another excellent example of how the media depicts Greek life negatively. The show focuses on a sorority called Kappa Kappa Tau, and they portray it as an exclusive class system. Emma Roberts plays the “Queen” of Kappa Kappa Tau, and she has “minions” that obey her every order. The sorority sisters in the show are also shown as beautiful, mean, rich party animals. Although I’m sure most people have enough sense to realize that this is just a stereotype, it’s an awful one that needs to stop being depicted in the media.
After seeing how Greek life was portrayed in the media growing up, I foolishly thought that the stereotypes were true. But they aren’t, especially here at Drexel. From my experience, I can say that Greek life here at Drexel is simply incredible.
As a new member of Delta Phi Epsilon, I can already see how focused the Greek community is on their philanthropies and fulfilling their purpose as being Greek. In Delta Phi Epsilon, we are dedicated to numerous philanthropies, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, St. Christopher’s Hospital, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the official philanthropy of the sorority since 1958, and more than $1 million have been raised to date for the foundation through Delta Phi Epsilon. Every year, the sorority holds an all-male beauty pageant event, Deepher Dude. All of the proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Even though I have only been at Drexel for a month, joining the Greek community has made my freshman experience absolutely amazing.
Greek life here is the perfect balance of fun and work, while it is as great socially as it is with philanthropic efforts. Being a part of this community has opened up a whole new world to me, and I can only imagine how much I would have regretted not giving it a chance.
To anybody who isn’t sure if they want to go Greek, or anybody who thought the stereotypes were true, my advice is to give it a shot. Greek life isn’t for everybody, but I hope the fact that the media’s depiction isn’t true helps in opening up the eyes of those who would give it a chance.