"It's no mystery why Greek Life gets a bad rep..."

I was on facebook looking at all of new and exciting Bid Day pictures when I came across this:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?id=1418430017&pid=30856829#/photo.php?id=1434960052&pid=30949623

Please read the comments under the picture.

Unfortunately, I agree with this person that for non Greeks, the Greek community can be very non inviting to the outside world. Now I understand that this sorority wanted to make their new members feel extra special and privileged, but I think that the message is actually hurtful to non greeks, as well as those new members who didn't get into the house of their choice.

In class last week, I remember talking about how non Greeks have a stereotypical view of Greek life and that they don't understand that we truly are different until they become part of our community. I feel like the battle towards changing our stereotype is going to be a long and slow process. Those of us who are not the "typical sorority girl" can prove we are different through our community service, by reaching out to others, and by living by our personal and fraternal values. However, it's little incidents like these that have so much impact and seem to set the entire Greek community backwards towards changing our stereotype. If we really want to change and prove that greek life isn't all about partying, boys, and catty girls, then the only way a significant change can occur is if ALL the Greek houses are on board.

I'm usually an optomistic person, but I believe that in order to improve the Greek reputation as a whole is something that may or may not ever happen at OSU...