Why I am in no rush: sororities and fraternities

Michelle Castano    



What are sororities really? My first exposure to sororities were in movies. Whether it be in Legally Blonde or The House Bunny, sororities were portrayed as a sisterhood of bleach blonde, “ditsy” and over privileged college girls. While I strongly support Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, I don’t really understand the point of being in a sorority.

I’ve heard of horror stories of hazing deaths in fraternities (the sorority male counterpart). It’s gotten so bad that universities such as the University of Michigan have tabs on their website to report hazing occurring within fraternities and sororities.

According to Garret’s Law (M.C.L. 750.411t) hazing is defined as willful acts, with or without the consent of the individual involved: physical injury; assault or battery; kidnapping or imprisonment; physical activity that knowingly or recklessly subjects a person or persons to an unreasonable risk of physical harm or to severe mental or emotional harm; degradation, humiliation, or compromising of moral or religious values; forced consumption of any substance; placing an individual in physical danger, which includes abandonment; and undue interference with academic endeavors.


Panhellenic sorority recruitment image for MSU Texas. Photo Courtesy of MSUtexas.com

Usually, new members of such groups are forced to abide by this “rite of passage” in order to join their brotherhood or sisterhood. While hazing is reportedly outlawed and, in some cases,, criminalized by higher learning institutions, experts suspect that these “initiations” are still secretly occurring.

Following a scandal at Florida State University (FSU), sororities and fraternities were briefly suspended and are currently closely monitored, with alcohol consumption and parties being strictly banned.

So, besides the partying and drinking what is the point of sororities and fraternities?

Some would argue that these Greek organizations are a good form of networking and meeting lifelong friends. While that might be true for the most part, I feel that joining a club or different organization can prove to be just as vital in the networking and friendship realm.

And guess what?  You don’t have to pay to be in clubs… For some reason, joining a sorority or fraternity comes with a cost, and I’m not just talking about one’s dignity. One has to essentially PAY to have friends.

While I understand that joining Greek life is an easy way to make friends, especially when you are new to a college or university, I think it’s a scam in the large part. You want to make friends? Go to a school game, go to a bar (a karaoke bar is a great option, especially with some liquid courage), join a club…

There are a myriad of ways to meet new people; there is even an app for that.. Yes, Bumble literally has an app for friendships, if you are that desperate for new acquaintances. It’s okay to be the new girl/guy in town but look at other options before you sell your soul to the devil AKA sororities or fraternities.