Table of Contents
// I really, really don't like Greek Life
For those who don't know, Greek Life refers to sororities and fraternities, which are social clubs at colleges/universities focused on networking for future careers or sometimes charity work. Per Wikipedia, the gist of it is that these organizations share five common elements:
1. Secrecy
2. Single-sex membership
4. Selection of new members based on a two-part vetting and probationary process known as rushing and pledging (or orientation)
4. Ownership and occupancy of a residential property where undergraduate members live
5. A set of complex identification symbols that may include Greek letters, armorial achievements, ciphers, badges, grips, hand signs, passwords, flowers, and colors
I've always known that fraternities and sororities existed but never cared much for them, until one day I read a biography on a 1930s politician. He was in an unsurprisingly racist fraternity and favored hiring people from said fraternity (cronyism, hm?). This was basically my first impression to fraternities and needless to say it wasn't a very good one. I think ever since then I've had a disdain for Greek life. I'm sure in the year 2025 Greek life culture has improved (hopefully), but they still kind of have a reputation for being cultish, elitist, and exclusive.
I've never personally interacted with anything Greek life. In fact, I avoid them like plague. Don't think I've ever knowingly talked to someone who's in one. So, all that is to say, I don't actually know what it's like to be in a frat/sorority, and everything I do know is almost hearsay.
I'm sure most are pleasant, well-adjusted individuals, but that doesn't stop me from being a hater tho.
// Dorming next to frat houses sure is an experience
My dorm is surrounded by fraternity and sorority houses. Some observations:
- There are almost always people hanging around outside of the house.
- The sorority chants are real. They practice and record it for their TikTok or whatever.
- Everyone has a number and they're frequently lining up for... something??
- Whenever there's some kind of activity going on in the evening (party or social gathering I assume), there will be a bunch of people gathering outside of the front door.
Maybe it's because the school year is just starting, but holy shit it seems like hell of a lot time and energy devoted to socialization. Can't be me. This is my personal hell I guess. The first day I moved in, seeing the frat houses actually being there kind of ruined my mood. Sorry I'm just weak like that. I'm really hoping I'll just get used to it and be able to mentally block out everything Greek life. I mean, I have to, I'm living here for the next, what? 8 months? I don't want to be miserable!
There really is a whole 'nother world out there, huh.
So about Greek life common element #2, single-sex membership...(Traditionally it's like that, anyway. There's a couple co-ed ones on my campus I think.)
Yet another reason why I don't like living next to fraternities/sororities—it's a constant reminder that our society is deeply gendered and I'm not exactly sure where I fit in.
I look out my window and see girls dressed in the same outfit, all happy and cheery. "Yay for womanhood and sisterhood!", my mind screams. I walk pass a frat house at night and see a bunch of dudes hanging out, talking about whatever guys talk about. "Brotherhood and comradery!", my mind screams.
It's an odd feeling, I suppose, not being able to see myself in either of those groups. My reaction to the image of myself adopting the cheerful mannerism and chanting "[insert Greek symbols]" all the while dressed the same as 20 other women is one of pure horror and discomfort. I can't even begin to imagine what it'd be like to be one of the frat guys because, well, I'm not one!
I'm not exactly sure how to end this post. My feelings are complicated and my gender even more so. I'm planning on cooking spaghetti tonight but I need to go buy ketchup.
You can't make this up man just when I was about to type "goodbye and see ya next time" ANOTHER sorority chant started. This is my sign to get the hell out of here and go grocery shopping LOL, see ya!