A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about the various stereotypes that we, as Greeks, face on a daily basis. (You can find the article here: http://wp.me/phN5S-6s) Of course, one of the points mentioned was that we are all binge drinkers and only care about partying. Maybe this is merely due to the fact that school has just begun and recruitment is in full swing, but it seems to me that this stereotype has been running rampant lately. For me- this causes great frustration.

Perhaps the most aggravating thing about this stereotype is not that I, as a Greek, have been incorrectly pegged as a “party girl,” but more so that the good deeds Greeks across this nation and throughout the world do every single day go unrecognized. Sure, you may be affirmed by your Headquarters, maybe even another GLO’s headquarters, but I am referring to those who are not affiliated with Greek Life- such as mass media. It seems that they prefer to focus on the negatives and ignore the positives; ultimately this gives us a bad reputation. Take for instance a recent story about a college freshman who died suddenly after attending a fraternity party where she had allegedly been drinking. The media headlines almost all pointed out that this freshman was a “sorority girl” who died after attending “fraternity party.” Are both of these things true? Yes, technically. However, the whole truth is- the cause of death for this young girl is still unknown, and it has been stated that she had been on an unknown medication. Now do not get me wrong, the fraternity was NOT approved to have alcohol at this event and should be punished for their wrongdoing! Furthermore, in light of the death the girl’s sorority is just now being punished for offenses that occurred back in the Spring. While both organizations may have been out of line, it still seems unfair to link them to a woman’s death until the facts are known.

Of course there will always be accidents and hiccups in the system, no person or group is perfect. But why is no one talking about the $7+ million Phi Mu has raised and donated to Children’s Miracle Network? Or what about the Greek community in Alabama that created an operation that distributed over 10,000 meals and items to victims of the tornado in the Spring? The examples are endless (even though you would probably have to dig to find them!). Why is it that a few negative stories can overshadow thousands of positive ones?

Weigh in on your thoughts…