When I first came to Linfield, I had zero intentions to join a sorority.

This seems to be a commonality among students who are affiliated at Linfield. Some students are turned

off by the idea of joining a sorority or fraternity because what they see on television and in the movies.

However, stereotypes can be, and often times are, proven wrong. Students should consider this and not

jump to conclusions based on what they are exposed to by the media.

Most people would say they don’t believe everything they see in the media, yet our expectations about

Greek life are constructed by what movies we see.

To name a few, Animal House, Sydney White, The House Bunny and Greek contribute to stereotypes

constructed about sororities and fraternities.

Let us remember that these movies and television shows are fictitious stories, none of the events are

real.

People also develop Greek life stereotypes based on what sororities and fraternities are like at bigger

state colleges and universities.

As you already know, Linfield is not comparable in many ways to larger schools. Linfield is a small liberal

arts college, so it just makes sense that Greek life would be different.

So, what’s with the strong negative perception about Linfield Greek life?

Naturally, as human beings, we connect the unfamiliar with the familiar. This can also be considered

stereotyping.

One major difference is size. In regards to number of students, Linfield is a lot smaller. This makes our

Greek life more personable and the bonds across each fraternity and sorority are stronger.

“I love Linfield’s Greek life because as a community, we emphasize personal and collective growth to

achieve the highest ideals of sisterhood and brotherhood,” senior Brea Ribeiro said.

A second difference is that the sororities here do not have housing, which can be bittersweet. A lack of

houses for sororities makes membership dues more affordable for girls, and allows you to live with friends

that are not in your sorority.

A third difference is that when competition escalates during Greek-wide events, bashing one another is

not something to expect. Greek life is a community and because of that we support each other.

If you really are interested in what Greek life is truly all about, I suggest talking to any fraternity brother or

sorority sister on campus because they will be sure to set you straight about the stereotypes.

Or perhaps go through recruitment for yourself.

Through joining Greek life, you may discover your home away from home, future best man or

bridesmaids, while making college memories that will last a lifetime.

All I ask is that you ignore the stereotypes and give Greek life a chance, you will be happy that you did.

Special Lovincey / Columnist

Special Lovincey can be reached at [email protected].