Opinion: Greek system in an (overdue) positive light

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Created on Sunday, 23 September 2012 19:51

Maedchen Britton

In light of the recent Greek Week on campus, I thought it would be expedient to discuss the positive impact sororities and fraternities have on college campuses.

Many of us already know, or at least think we know, the pitfalls of the Greek system.

Fraternities and soroities are charged with increasing the partying and drinking on campus. Most of us have seen the television shows and movies showcasing snobby sorority girls, disorderly frat boys and the pains of pledging (read hazing).

Let's remember that these are dramatized versions of what Greek life looks like.

There is another side to the organization that most people overlook, a side that has a more positive effect on campus.

Fraternities and sororities offer students a way to get involved on campus, affording them ways to help organize charity events as well as get involved with other community service opportunities.

Additionally, honors fraternities and sororities, such as Appalachian's very own Eagle Scout fraternity and co-ed music fraternity, encourage their members in their field of interest and promote them to high achievement.

In fact, studies have shown that those involved in fraternities and sororities are actually just as successful or even more successful in academia than those who are not part of these groups.

The Greek system also promotes leadership, providing participants with classes designed to help them hone their management skills.

Perhaps people are too harsh on fraternities and sororities, focusing merely on the potential they may have for antics rather than the real good they are doing in the community.

I think that we as a student body should recognize the Greek system for the charity work they are involved in, instead of focusing on the scenes we see on television.

Britton, a freshman journalism major from Kannapolis, is an opinion writer.