To the Editor:
I am writing because I do not feel that the entire Greek issue has been settled. There are still so many things left to be said. Being Greek is one of the most wonderful experiences that someone could encounter. It is about so many things. It is not about being a party animal, an airhead, paying for friends, or looking for a place to belong. It is a way to express many leadership qualities. Being Greek is about caring and helping others, it is about being organized, hard-working and dedicated to mention just a few of the positive qualities.
Some of the stereotypes we have encountered within the past few weeks are that Greeks are dumb, airheads, bimbos and party animals. Well, in my sorority alone, we have sisters who want to be lawyers, physicians, psychiatrists, teachers and I can think of one sister who will no doubt hold a very important government position some day. Now you might say that many people have big aspirations that never happen, but that is where Greeks are different. There is no doubt in my mind that each and every one of us will accomplish all of our goals and go beyond them.
In last week’s Letters to the Editor, Lynn Bettencourt mentioned that only two presidents since 1825 have not been Greek. Well, here are a few more fun facts for everyone:
Approximately 80 percent of the top executives in the Fortune 500 are fraternity men; 71 percent of men listed in the Who’s Who in the United States are fraternity men; 76 percent of the current U.S. Senators and Congressmen are fraternity men; 40 of the 47 Supreme Court Justices since 1910 have been fraternity men; and 100 of the 158 cabinet members since 1900 have been fraternity men.
Those facts speak for themselves. Not everyone can be Greek. You have to be able to work hard, be a leader, be dedicated and want to succeed in life.
So, to everyone who may be reading this, next time you hear these stereotypes about Greeks, instead of just going along with the crowd and agreeing with them, why not see for yourself. Go to a rush at one of the fraternities or sororities on campus. Even if you have no desire to join, go down to see for yourself what we are all about. It may not stop all of the stereotypes but it would at least let you see for yourself that we do a lot of positive things for our school and community. Who knows, you may actually like what you see.
Erin Mingrone
Sigma Iota Sigma
Senior, exercise physiology major