opinion
The Oracle, December 12, 2002
Pillow Fights?...Not so Much
By Liz Nartowicz
Certain words carry certain images. Sorority for instance, automatically brings the image of a dumb blonde or a caddy snob. This astounds me because it could not be further from the truth. A sorority is not an excuse to party or exclude others. It is about sisterhood, bonding and growing. I find it disgusting that perverted men's fantasies are hitting the screen, mixed with bitter tales from bitter women who regret not experiencing the sisterhood, could taint the reputation of such a beneficial institute. However, I find it more disgusting that people actually believe the stereotypes. I mean honestly, who believes women simply lounge around in their panties waiting for a pillow fight to break out? Take it from me, a real woman in a real chapter, and not some paid actress for MTV (hate to break your hearts but it's true, Sorority Life is fake) none of the following stereotypes are true.
The Dumb Blonde Syndrome: First of all, we are not all blondes, and we definitely do not lack intelligence. Some of the brightest and most remarkable women take part in the greek community. Perhaps this is due to the fact that sororities are based on excellence and not senselessness. Each chapter places great importance on academia, setting an accumulative G.P.A. that must be met not only to become a member, but to remain a member. I personally know that if my G.P.A. were to fall, I could easily raise it with the help of my sisters because academics are important not only to me, but to the entire greek community.
Daddy Warbuck's Daughter: People assume that because I am in a sorority I have loads money and that dear old daddy pays for everything. Hardly! Currently, I have a student loan and am working a part-time job to make ends meet. Money is a luxury for few of us, but that does not make it a deterrent. Imagine how many of us would be here on campus right now if money actually hampered one's goal for excellence. Some might say that tuition alone is enough and that sorority dues should not be imposed at all, but let's get real: everything has its costs. It's the real world and isn't that what college is suppose to be preparing us for? A sorority, just like college, is simply helping us prepare for the real world.
Naughty Notions: For some reason, people like to assume that the only thing we care about is beer and boys, and all we do is party. WRONG! Just because you are in a chapter does not mean you've been on "Girls Gone Wild." In fact, you're probably less likely to be so. Sororities know how tempting it is to skip class and go out or sleep in, and that is why standards are important. Each chapter holds each woman to their own personal standards, helping each woman stay on the right track and not make a fool of herself like we've all seen at least twenty freshmen girls do at "The Hawk" so far this year.
The Snobby Sister: Many times I have heard people say how self-centered sorority women are, and all I can think is, "Are you kidding me?" Women of every chapter devote themselves to the community and their fellow sisters everyday. We donate time, money, materials to those who need it, and continuously work on supporting our own philanthropy as well other chapters'. Plus, when we're not helping the community, we're helping each other, with life's problems or a studying for a biology test.
Sorority girls are hot: First of all, we are not girls we are women, and appearance has nothing to do with sisterhood. There's no requirement on hair color, weight or height. Sororities have this misconception of being shallow which is the farthest from the truth. I know I can walk into my chapter any day with my pajamas, no make-up, and hair pulled back and still be loved.
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The Cookie Cutter Cult: In my short experience at KU I have learned that each chapter is a harmonious blend of women. Not one can be labeled as a certain type of chapter or women. Any type of personality you can imagine, you can find in each house: the quite, the shy,the out-going,the sporty,the artistic, any! That is the beauty of a sorority. It encourages and cultivates differences among its sisters, cherishing everyone's individuality.
Oracle Staff
Editor in Chief: Ashley Doyle
Writing directors: Kelly McNearney and Maggie Newcomer
Opinion Editor: Beth Blaufuss
News Editors: Emily Schnurman
Features Editor: Kelly Rifenbark
Events Editor: Megan Powell
Ads: Jessi Wilson
Ad Designers: Courtney Grimwood and Betsy Winetroub
- Writers: Rupal Gor, Haley Harrison, Samantha
- Horner, Katy Ibsen, Erin May, Liz Nartowicz,
- Kathy Vitale and Lindsey Woerther
Photographers: Sara Garlick, Blair Lawrence and Ashley Lynd
To the men of Pi Kappa Phi,
We are SO excited to be your rock chalk partner in Rock Chalk Revue. Thanks for your incredible support so far.
Good luck on finals and Happy Holidays!!
love, The women of Pi Beta Phi
"You are never given a wish or a dream without also being given the power to make it true. You have to work for it, however."
-Richard Bach