LIFE. GREEK.
Greek LIfe: An Introduction
July/August 2009 - Tiffany Brown
This is the first installment of our new section: Greek. Take notes from the experts and find out answers to your deeply rooted questions about all things Sorority and Fraternity related.
 "A Black Greek Person?... Where they do that at?" Yes I'm sure you've heard it asked too. The answer: obviously all over the world. African American Greek organizations have been around since the early nineteen hundreds starting with the birth of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated in 1906. Since then, eight other Black Greek organizations emerged creating what many know as the Divine Nine. But what's so great about being Greek anyway?
Well, as member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, by the way of The Lambda Zeta chapter at The University of Alabama, I can say that it does have its perks. Now that I've graduated and become a part of the American working class, I see the benefits more than ever. II have something I like to call my networking friends. For example, I work for a government agency where the chain of command is: my boss: a Delta, her boss: a Delta, and her boss is an Omega. A Coincidence? I think not! Some of the benefits begin while you are in college and I think this is the perfect way into the topic of what it means to be Greek.
...what's so great about being Greek?
In my experience and based on the qualifications and characteristics of members of my organization, being in a Greek organization should enhance qualities you already posses. If you're a creative thinker your organization can present you with opportunities to develop that by thinking of new community service projects. If you're good at leading, then holding an office in your organization will give you a change to practice that. These experiences look great on your resume and are not to make you an overnight celebrity. It may seem that way on the outside looking in, but regardless of how much more popular you become around campus, if you don't develop your skills within yourself and just wear a t-shirt to create status then you've become just that; a t-shirt wearer.
Meaning, you've used the organization only for your benefit. Even still, after you've gained popularity based on your organization you'll get into the real world and realize that the only time that matters is when it's about handling business. Other than that you go back to being a lame individual like you were before. Unless you become one of those annoying adults who only talk about Greek life and wear paraphernalia every day of your life.
With all the benefits of being Greek, it does have its setbacks. If you're not an organized person or if you don't have your priorities in order it could cause your grades to plummet...because you have to be focused. Being Greek could cause you to lose some friends or even a boyfriend or girlfriend. It's true, you may lose some friends who attempted to become a part of an organization but didn't make it. Your boyfriend or girlfriend may think that you're choosing your sorors or frats over them. So simply put, being Greek could cause a number of fall-outs and misconceptions as to who you are.
Sadly, some people may judge you solely by the stereotypical things said about your organization. Like they may assume that you're arrogant or unapproachable. All of this goes back to why you even chose to become Greek in the first place. Have your reasoning in order first... its really something to think strongly about before jumping into the lime-light as a perspective member.
These ideas are just scratching the surface at Greek organizations and we are going to help you answer all the questions you have to get a better understanding of being Greek. We've heard it all:
What does it take to become a member of a Greek organization? Who should you tell and who should you keep quiet to? What happens when you shop around? How do you chose the organization that is right for you?
We're going to tackle all these questions and more in the next issue and we're going to get the answers straight from the horse's mouth or should I say the ape's mouth, or the playboy bunny's mouth, or the French toy poodle's mouth. Simply put, we're going to let the actual members of these Greek organizations tell you what it really takes to become a member of their organization...
...The REAL TRUTH.
Until then, peace and blessings.
What do you think? Comment below. We would love to hear from you.
9 Comments
Leslie, Emory, on 7/16/2009 12:04:47 PM Said:
I have always been wondering about Greek Life and the do's and don'ts....I'm looking forward to the rest of these, forreal.
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Danielle Wilson, on 7/20/2009 10:27:52 PM Said:
That's deep and Oh SO TRUE!!! I strongly agree that you have to know who you are (or at least have some idea) before you try to join an organzation because there are many stereotypes and misconceptions people will have about you.
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Amy Johnson, on 7/20/2009 10:37:55 PM Said:
I agree with Danielle. You definitely have to have your own identity and encompass qualities within yourself to add to your organization. In now way should an organization make you who you are, it should be a facet of your life that adds to who you are as a whole person. Great read!
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Rosie, on 7/20/2009 10:40:24 PM Said:
I agree! U have to be secure in urself b4 u can be secure and comfortable in anybody's organization! Speak the truth like I know you will!
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Pandora Austin, on 7/20/2009 11:19:40 PM Said:
Well said my Sistah! Being greek is about knowing who you are,so you can be a greater asset to someone other than yourself. Impact and positive influence implements growth in ourselves and community.
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Torrie, on 7/21/2009 12:31:14 PM Said:
This life is not about yourself. It's about others. Go into this wanting to make a change, a difference. For some, becoming Greek makes you tap into all the great qualities you possess. Or it could be a bad fall. Do it for the right reasons... and your mom being whatever shouldn't make the decision for you.
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Candace A., on 7/21/2009 6:37:07 PM Said:
In a Nutshell, Tiffany summed it up!! I agree with all the previous post 100% There are many misconceptions about being Greek. For anyone who wants to pursue Greek life DO NOT focus on all the stereotypical qualities (i.e. partying, looks, or materials) that a certain Greek Organization is supposed to possess. Please Please Please research because you do not want to jump into an organization based on what you thought it was like. And note when I say "research" I do not in anyway mean OPENLY pursue or research multiple organizations. If you become seen to often by an organization of interest at the time and then later on you decide that organization is not the one for you......ummmm....you may be taken out of consideration for the one organization that you found would most enhance your qualities and that you would be an asset to. Sad but O so true. So be discreet when researching!!
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The Alphas Run The Yard, on 8/7/2009 2:21:45 PM Said:
It is my most humble opinion that the saying, "there is strength in numbers" is so true. Believe it or not, I have met Alphas of all races: Hawaiian, caucasian, asian, and etc.Besides the obvious, we have come to the agreement that our main goal as Alpha Men is to serve mankind. It is not to "divide and conquer" as some greeks and non-greeks may think. This means all fraternities and all sororities working together at times for a common good. Hey it's cool to compete because thats the nature of life. But when competition turns into hatred and disrespect to the point you forget why you pledged or didnt, it does harm to us all in the end. "Shine" keep on giving us your best. Your articles initiate thinking. Remember, Alphas run the yard but we don't mind relaying for life.
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M.C., on 8/8/2009 1:52:58 PM Said:
Ms. Brown has done a superb job in her writing. Another writer, M.Lucado talks about something that supports her thoughts as well. He says, "unity doesn't begin in examining others but in examining self. Unity begins not in demanding that others change, but in admitting that we aren't so perfect ourselves....The first step to unity is acceptance.The answer to arguments is acceptance. Not necessarily agreement but acceptance.
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