Sorority rush, the moment potential new members of a Greek organization are judged on their popularity, appearances and personalities all in a five-minute conversation.
Rushees are told that paying hundreds of dollars each month will give them lifelong friends, leadership experience and irreplaceable memories
in return.
Individuals, including myself, heard this advertisement and thought the cost could be worth this “promising university experience.”
While Greek life may offer some aspects of these promises, it can be problematic because of racist and sexist principles embedded in its culture.
At their core, Greek organizations are exclusive. Those who can’t afford them or may present themselves as “different” than current members have a slim chance of gaining membership.
According to a study by the University of Minnesota, about 42% of Greek respondents identified as middle class and about 32% reported upper-class standing.
As someone from a low-income background (2.6% of Greek respondents) and a working-class student (18.2% of Greek respondents), Greek life is not structurally built to be accessible to people in similar circumstances as myself.
It’s outwardly classist to deny students membership because they can’t afford it, especially when joining Greek life equates to “success” and “status” in college.
The superficial concepts of image and reputation go hand in hand with sorority and fraternity life as well.
“Oh they’re not in Greek life?” is a subtle yet classically exclusive microaggression that is said all too often.
Let’s not forget the role sexism plays in Greek life either.
I often wondered why fraternity houses have flexible guest policies while sororities are not allowed guests, or at least are unable to host parties in their homes.
Partying is not the priority, but why are fraternities the only ones allowed to host?
It’s because fraternities create the space and culture for sexism and the objectification of women.
One news headline that caught my eye was from a 2018 CBS article, which referred to the weight of women that fraternity men slept with and read “Cornell frat punished for pig roast sex contest.”
While this is an extreme case, the bigger picture is that fraternities allow men to talk down on sorority women and treat them in degrading ways because “that’s their brothers.”
Both fraternities and sororities use alcohol as a way to connect and encourage boozy activities to be the basis of their relationships.
Although Greek life has changed since earlier decades, the underlying presence of racism still exists.
Many Greek organizations at SJSU pride themselves on diversity and inclusion, claiming they welcome members from all backgrounds.
However, when looking at which groups are systemically underprivileged, it is historically non-white, racial minority students.
Lawrence Ross, author of “Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses” gives his speculation on race in Greek life.
“Frats were a way for white upper-class men to separate themselves in an increasingly diverse student population,” Ross said.
I’ve seen too many organizations post “Black Lives Matter,” “Stop Asian Hate”and “Stop Sexual Assault,” on social media platforms but perform no action to solve these issues.
Change needs to start with making Greek life more accessible, by fully embracing all individuals in the recruitment process who meet the values and not the “reputation” of organizations.
While I am part of a Greek organization myself, I question my membership every day.
I thought I understood what Greek life entailed before I initiated, but I didn’t fully comprehend the culture until I was already a member.
Greek life has managed to destroy me, but ironically change me for the better all in one.
I’ve learned to resist the status quo when organizations try to silence us and make us comply with something we don’t fully represent as individuals.
When it comes to calling out problematic behavior, shouldn’t a Greek organization’s national headquarters encourage their members to challenge the norm and fight for change?
I have a deep love for the women within my organization and believe they’re ambitiously trying to change Greek life’s culture.
However, it’s an uphill battle. Change can only happen in organizations that recognize its problems and actively fight against them.
