Correcting the Stereotype

David R.

October 18, 2009 - 2:17 PM

One common stereotype about greek life, specifically fraternities, is that they only exist to provide people with a location to binge drink and party. Movies likes Animal House, which was filmed at the University of Oregon, don't exactly help to eliminate this stereotype. There are a few films such as this one that have been created recently that have to be considered a main cause for the "frat" stereotype that exists around college campuses. People seem to know all about the typical life of a fraternity brother, as consisting of little more than weekend partying. However, one term these people may have never heard associated with a fraternity is something called philanthropy, or community service. The reason for this is very simple. The makers of Animal House and American Pie Beta House didn't want to make a movie about either of these two things, because it wouldn't be humorous. Movie-goers laugh at "ragers" and drunkenness, not at active community involvement.

Each term, anyone who is a member of a fraternity or a sorority is required to complete three hours of community service. Chapters who don't meet these hours face a punishment from the greater greek life organization. The importance of upholding this obligation is significant enough that most, if not all chapters at the University of Oregon, have a Community Service Chair in their houses. It is the responsibility of this person to find and inform the fellow members of his or her house about community service events, and when and where they are. In my house, Delta Tau Delta, there is a board on the main landing of our house that is devoted entirely to community service events. On of our favorite locations for the fulfillment of hours is Page Elementary. This school is located in Springfield, OR, and they constantly ask us to help them run the various activities that take place at their school. During their Fall Carnival, we usually have about 30 members from our house who head over to the school to offer assistance. Some people stay in the cafeteria and help serve food to everyone who attends, while others are stationed in various rooms throughout the school for the activities, such as the cake walk or the doughnut eating contest.

Similarly, once a year, each fraternity and sorority is required to hold a philanthropy. A philanthropy is an event that raises money that is then sent to a deserving organization. For example, some greek houses will send their money to medical research organizations who seek to find cures to many kinds of illnesses and diseases. Last year our philanthropy was called Bleep Purple, and all of the proceeds were given to the organization we chose to give it to. Our philanthropy consisted of an all day volleyball tournament held in Autzen Stadium. We had a DJ who played music, and a large grill for all kinds of food. Each team paid a certain fee to play, and that is the money that we granted to our organization. Each house does something different. One house has a volleyball tournament, while another conducts a film contest. Being a part of greek life requires giving back. Just like every other college student, we enjoy having fun, but we also enjoy strengthening the greater community we are involved in. Anyone who thinks that real greek life, specifically fraternities, is what is portrayed in the movies, they are sorely mistaken.