Hollywood is to blame for the American perception of the types of individuals that join sororities and fraternities. They are seen as dumb, drunk, superficial drama-seekers. Here is the unfiltered truth behind five stereotypes of sorority women.
Stereotype 1: Greek Life is for Drinking
Has there been a film portrayal of sororities that has not included alcohol? None immediately come to mind. American sororities and fraternities are depicted in the media as groups of college students who drink all day and night without a care in the world. This isn’t exactly the case, and it is an especially incorrect portrayal of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities.
Media portrayal of Greek life with a heavy emphasis on drinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Young kids are exposed to this perspective and assume that’s what joining a sorority or fraternity is all about. As a result, they join to participate in the parties and booze. Statistically, students involved in sororities or fraternities report a higher percentage of heavy drinking, but there is one sub-group of Greek life where this statistic is different: the Divine Nine.
Historically, Black sororities and fraternities were developed from a desire to give back to the Black community. The focus is on the betterment and growth of the individuals through leadership opportunities and what they can contribute to their communities. Their focus is less on the social aspects of sorority and fraternity life and more on service.
With that perspective, they enter these sororities and fraternities with goals and ambitions in mind, not expectations to party and get drunk. While girls who joined historically white sororities reported their main reason to join was to find a husband, girls who joined historically Black sororities reported their main reason to join was to facilitate economic self-sufficiency while giving back.
Additionally, white Greek life tends to end with undergraduate degrees, but Black Greek life is seen as a lifelong commitment. For those involved in white Greek life, it may seem like a chapter to party. Black women, however, know they are entering an organization they want to be part of for the rest of their lives and approach the decision with more maturity.
All nine of the sororities and fraternities in the Divine Nine are stellar examples of giving back to their community.
Stereotype 2: Greeks Pay for Friends
Another stereotype of sorority women is that they pay money in exchange for friendship. While annual dues are paid to stay a member, the friendships formed are not part of the bargain. The love and sisterhood that develop within a sorority are real, and they are not what you “buy” when you pay your fees. The experiences sorority members go through together as a chapter and as they give back bring them closer together to create a special bond that can’t be bought.
Stereotype 3: Sorority Girls are Dumb
Among both Black and white sororities and fraternities, the stereotype of all the members being dumb is inaccurate. Most Greek organizations have stringent GPA requirements for admission and for the duration of your undergraduate degree. Drinking may be glorified in the movies, but even those who participate have to rein in their appetite for alcohol enough to keep their grades up.
Black women involved in sororities are serious about their education. These stereotypes are not reflective of the character attracted to the Divine Nine organizations.
Stereotype 4: Looks Are the Most Important Part
While sororities have high expectations for their members to present themselves tastefully, what matters is on the inside. Individuals are not admitted or denied membership to a sorority based solely on their looks. Before you can don a Delta Sigma Theta shirt, you will have to meet volunteer requirements, surpass GPA thresholds, and pass interviews. You need to be presentable, but you won’t float into membership with just a pretty face. What really matters is your heart for service.
Stereotype 5: Sororities are Just Drama
Any time you gather a large group of individuals to work closely together, you’ll find some disagreements. Sorority life is not always sunshine and rainbows. But to say it’s constant drama is not true. The good times outweigh the bad.
The Real Stereotypical Soror
The sorors I know are ambitious, hardworking, intelligent, funny, wise, and beautiful people. They have the biggest, most giving hearts. They can’t (and shouldn’t) be reduced to partiers or drama provokers.
Imagine a world where Greek life was portrayed to youth as a tool to grow and give back at the same time. That could make a world of difference.
