"The Fraternity/Sorority system has no useful purpose other than to shelter "kids" who's lack of responsibility and adequate upbringing has made them unable and unwilling to function normally in a society."
One college girl's opinion of constant posts (Greeks trying to defend themselves)-
Ok, lets get down to the basics of what a fraternity is: you pay money to be associated with certain people, and go to exclusive parties/ functions with other Greeks. In my opinion, if something is elite, it's usually not a good thing. I understand that most fraternities were founded with very good intentions. But unfortunately, the Greek system tends to be good in theory, and very, very bad in practice. I understand that there ARE nice guys in fraternities, with good intentions... and all that jazz, who really want to make a difference, but the majority of them are not.
I understand that not only Greeks engage in the type of behavior that everyone dislikes about fraternities, but just because you're a part of a big group of people that condones bad behavior, (getting drunk till you puke) doesn't make it okay. As for "leadership skills", you can get those other places besides fraternities/ sororities, and I think it says a little more about someone's initiative if they went out and did it on their own without the help of their brothers or sisters.
I will always stick strongly to my opinion of the Greek system. I have had a humongously horrible experience with fraternities, and I also despise the whole "secrets" thing that comes along with it. As I said before,if something is elite, it's usually not good. And on a personal note,the most important thing in my life is my relationship with the man I love, my family, and my friends. I think a lot of times (and in my case) the concept of brotherhood interferes with those relationships, especially those of significant others. I am dating a guy who is a member of a fraternity, and frankly, it's been nothing but problems. Not because I want him to quit- I want him to be happy, no matter what. But his brothers have tried to come between us on countless occasions, and besides, the whole Greek life is pretty much designed for single people looking to party (i.e.mixers, etc.). If being in a frat/sorority ACTUALLY benefits you, then by all means, go for it, and do well at that. As for me, I don't see the point, and I don't need it.
I don't hold other Greek organizations responsible for the behavior of my boyfriend's frat. That was an exclusive situation that is absolutely not indicative of the behavior of every fraternity. I realize that there probably are some decent fraternity guys, but from my experience and the experience of virtually every non-Greek person I know, there's a hell of a lot more UN-decent frat boys that nice ones. Sorry! Oh, and about parties.This is just my personal experience, which means it's not universal, but every frat party I've been to, I've walked in ,made myself available, introduced myself to the people I came across and then found myself promptly ignored when I revealed that I wasn't in a sorority and wasn't affiliated with anyone there. True, sad story.
It's great if certain Greek members are actually nice girls/ guys in their respective sororities/fraternities, but they have to realize that the majority of their brothers/ sisters are complete and utter assholes. Being in a fraternity makes you a better man? I got a good laugh out of that one. Sure, maybe it helps some guys, but Greeks are actually going to say that being in a frat makes them a better person than someone who's not? I'm sure that Greek organizations raise a lot of money (because they have to) and they "do a lot of good", but what about the way that they act towards other people? I don't need the Greek system, and frankly I don't really see why other people do either- but, to each his own.
My disbelief in the Greek system comes from my experiences with other Greeks as well as my personal opinion, which I have a right to hold. If Greeks have such an awful problem with opinions that challenge their own, they might had better stick to message boards that agree with their opinions (ie- greekchat.com).
I wish that Greeks would stop being so offended by differing opinions. I let them have their beliefs, so they should allow me to have mine. I don't care to be Greek and I don't think that it's necessary.
The board that I've been posting on is titled "Why the Greek system blows," so anti-Greek sentiments belong there much more so than pro-Greek ones. If Greeks have a problem with that, then they should go to a board that supports the Greek way of life. Then... they will not have anymore problems from "annoying non-conformists."
It's not very mature for Greeks to say that I have my strong opinions because "I don't party enough or don't get laid"-- what a pathetic remark. Greeks who abuse the system do so, as I said, by thinking of themselves as better than non-Greeks. I choose not to be Greek because I can make friends, business connections, serve my community, and hold leadership positions on my own and I "personally" think it's better for me to do it on my own (and a hell of a lot cheaper, without the pesky pledge semester). Whoever wants to be part of a frat/sorority, that is their own personal decision, and while I don't necessarily agree with it, I respect it.
What isn't necessary is when certain Greeks consider themselves better/cooler/more prepared than non-Greeks. Fraternity & sorority members should respect the personal decision of those who decide not to join a frat- not consider them subordinate to Greeks in any way. We're not jealous, we're not pathetic, we have lives, and we're quite happy with them.
I *personally* don't see the point in the Greek system, and have no desire whatsoever to be a part of it.