"On Double Secret Probation" by Charles McGrath

"On Double Secret Probation" by Charles McGrath (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/education/edlife/books2.html) is an overview of four books which pertain to Greek life. The first, of course, is the seemingly omnipresent The Real Animal House (yes, the one that inspired the movie), a raucous recounting of Greek life in the '60s, complete with all the debauchery you could ever want. No matter the veracity of the contents, this tome has become a widely-accepted portrait of Greek life, and maintains its influence even today, to the chagrin of many in the Greek community.

"ONE of the oddest features of American university life is the stubborn persistence of Greeks on campus." The opening sentence of the article betrays the author's opinion of Greek life. "Stubborn" and "persistent," when used in tandem, are adjectives more befitting a pest infestation than student groups. Is this the majority unaffiliated view of Greek life...? That we are the weeds of campus life, lingering and flourishing despite the best extermination attempts? The remaining three books cited by McGrath present an equally low opinion.

The points expounded upon of Peggy Reeves Sanday's Fraternity Gang Rape: Sex, Brotherhood and Privilege on Campus are the "phallocentric" nature of sex acts engaged in (or forced upon women) by as well as many rituals of Fraternities: "In fact, a great many of the brothers, in trying so hard to be studly, show all the signs of 'confused sexual identity.'" So now we are presented with a picture of fraternity men as closeted, sexually frustrated gay men who take out their aggressions on innocent women and find relief through closed-door practices. It's safe to say that this article will not contain a book of glowing praise of the positive aspects of Greek life, or the service-oriented aspects of Greek organizations or the intellectual prowess of their members.

Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities, although admitted as being criticized for being under-researched, is one woman's infiltration of ONE chapter. The umbrella generalizations forced upon sororities as a whole include "a system... more puzzling than the fraternal one: cattier, meaner, more rigid and structured..., more obsessed with wardrobe and dieting."Also noted is the prevalence of "purging" ("...the plumber has to come once a month to unclog the pipes.") And, while sorority women typically perform above-average academically, "Most of them don't want careers... and dream of being stay-at-home moms."

By this point in the article I have decided that none of these authors, or the constituents interviewed or statistics used, speak for or represent me, and I am saddened.

The final, and most recently published, book, Inside Greek U.: Fraternities, Sororities, and the Pursuit of Pleasure, Power and Prestige highlights the double standard of women's and men's sexuality in Greek life, but with the "surprising conclusion" (!) that "fraternities and sororities aren't so bad after all."

The article's author then posits that students are drawn to Greek life by the family-like camaraderie and belonging offered, and with the qualifier that the removal of alcohol from the system would cause "bad behavior" to disappear. "But then, without alcohol, nobody would join in the first place."

As a final slight, the author lists one redeeming quality of Greek life:

"The good news..., is that Greekness is not a permanent condition."


Up until this point, I've weathered the commentary. I saw everything as a common misconception. But this last comment struck me hard. It is the exact opposite of every thing I know and cherish about being a sorority woman. When I think of my Greek experience, I think of friends I will have for a lifetime, connections and opportunities that will grow and flourish throughout the years, a sense of pride in AOII that I'll carry to my death. "Greekness," whatever that means, is impermanent. The immaturity and foolishness associated with "the undergraduate experience" is fleeting. Stupid decisions, if you're lucky, won't have a lasting effect. But Greek life is forever. It is a vow, an oath, a promise to yourself, your brothers and sisters, and to the world, that you will always strive to better yourself, in whatever you do.

The fact that these four books, published across a span of fifty years, report the same debauched state of Greek life, is disheartening. I ask not why this is, but how I, my sisters, and my community, can change it.

To stand by or take initiative...

"The bystander effect or Genovese syndrome is a social psychological phenomenon that refers to cases where individuals do not offer any means of help in an emergency situation to the victim when other people are present. The probability of help has in the past been thought to be inversely related to the number of bystanders; in other words, the greater the number of bystanders, the less likely it is that any one of them will help."


It happens every day of our lives.  Whether it's failure to help someone in dire need or simply letting apathy stifle one's voice, everyone has been a bystander. I know I have been! Many times I let my shyness get the better of me and fail to speak up for what I believe in, whether in class, club meetings, or in a social setting. One example that I'll borrow from my roommate was when one of her professor's was making inappropriate, bigoted remarks during class. She kept silent for fear of retribution, but later talked about how she wished she had spoken up.  I know, for me, that same cause contributes to almost all instances of the "bystander effect." Fear of "punishment" or being made an outcast by peers or from an authority figure prompts me to hold back my ideas and opinions. I, personally, place a huge value on circumspection. To me, there's contributing to discussion with relevancy and brainstorming effectively, and then there's spewing any random idea that crosses your mind into the mix, wasting time and causing frustration. Personally, I'm fearful of crossing the boundary between the two, so I usually err on the far more conservative side.


The bystander effect is not without its implications to the Greek community.  The consequences range from the marginal to the detrimental. How many times have I witnessed or been a part of the apathy at chapter meetings, especially when voting on documents occurs. So many times important literature or regulations are unanimously voted in, without any real understanding of what they are. This is one of the least significant impacts - most of the time, those things being voted on are either minor or beneficial - but this apathy can quickly spread and become a recurring thing in other, more important, aspects of Greek life. Take any social or TG, for example. There will always be those few girls (perhaps repeat offenders, perhaps not) who get a little too drunk and a little too out of control. No one says anything. Why? No one wants to be that wet blanket, and maybe the girl is in safe company, is someone who would resent being told to slow down, etc. But then, at the end of the night, what will happen? Maybe she'll return home safely. Maybe she'll trip on the street and make a fool of herself. Maybe she won't make it home at all. Our reputation as a Greek community is "that sister/brother." Currently toeing the line between "pretty buzzed" and "sh*t-faced," it's up to us to decide if we're going to say something before "they have that one last beer." "Their" life, the Greek community's life, depends on it.

"I Solemnly Swear..."

(Hippocratic Oath)

In reality, each Greek organization's oath is probably not all that different from the next, at least as far as words are concerned. Fidelity to the organization and its secrets, love for your fellow members... But the greatest difference between your oath and that of another fraternity or sorority is simple: you will never take the other's. 

Oaths are rarely taken in life. Opportunities come few and far between and, as a sorority woman, I have had the good fortune to have been given the opportunity to swear myself to an organization that means so very much to me, and join others who have done and feel the same! It is an oath that binds us, both to each other and to Alpha Omicron Pi, and which we recall to ourselves at every chapter meeting.

The first time each of us, I would venture to say everyone in the Greek community, took our respective oaths, they were most likely part of a larger initiation ceremony, and, in the slew of symbolism and rituals, was probably repeated hastily without the opportunity to reflect on their meaning.  As initiated members we all have (hopefully!) memorized this oath and understand its true meaning.  But what are these words, anyway? What do they mean to us? What does the Hippocratic Oath mean to doctors? What do marriage vows mean to a couple?

They are tenets that, by entering into a sort-of contract, we strive to uphold and attain throughout all our lives. Sometimes, this isn't easy. But I believe that it would take super-human strength to follow our oaths completely and thoroughly all of the time. However, look at the consequences of breaching the oaths I mentioned above: if a doctor goes against his creed, lives could potentially be lost; infidelity in a marriage can rip two souls apart. Shouldn't we take our oaths just as seriously? Our consequence might be retribution by our chapters and perhaps a probationary period. Perhaps it's time to really start taking our oaths as what they are - creeds by which we swear to live and do good, and never to break or dishonor them. Because our consequences really are more than just an uncomfortable meeting- they're the loss of respect of our chapter, the Greek community, and the entire campus.  It's letting those who have stood up for you and those who have come before you down. It's the threat constantly eating away at Greek life and our continued presence and relevance.

Oaths are more important than we think.

"My Fellow Americans..."

When thinking about the term, "citizenship," an image of Americans lining up to buy war bonds pops into my head. Propaganda posters and immigrants, American flags and voting booths.  However, citizenship extends far beyond that of our country.  Rather, we have the opportunity to be "citizens" of our community, university, Greek organization or dorm floor.  We are certainly "denizens" of these institutions and places, but it takes a concerted effort to become a citizen.

As a member of AOII, I try to go out of my way to be engaged in all areas of Greek life.  For an example, as opportunities arise to represent AOII, either through philanthropy, a Panhellenic event, or even volunteer to go on a dinner swap, I try to do all I am able, knowing that my comportment will reflect the entire chapter.  For example, just yesterday I attended a dinner swap, signed up to work a philanthropy event, and volunteered to represent AOII at a function.  And sure, I put my all into everything I do.  "I signed up for this," right? But citizenship isn't just these voluntary "extras." I can look back on everything I've voluntarily done as deeds well done, but what about daily sorority life?? I know that I have a terrible tendency to be late. When I know that what I'm doing will reflect upon others, I'll be on time, but when it's "just chapter"...? Expect to see me walk through the door 10-15 minutes behind schedule.  While representing one's chapter to the best of one's ability is very important, I feel that representing oneself within one's chapter is the second, just-as-important, half of citizenship that sometimes gets forgotten. I know that I could focus a bit more on it! I've been working on being more punctual, and trying to be more engaged with the daily workings of AOII, because if that foundation isn't there, how can I represent my sorority...?

One thing that I know I and all my fellow AOII's pride ourselves on is our presence in the community. We try our utmost to be as involved in our fellow chapters' philanthropies as possible. Whether it be sending a team of girls to a fundraiser or simply stopping by a booth to buy raffle tickets, we as AOIIs value commitment to the community. When chapters support each other through philanthropy and even connect through social events, I believe citizenship is displayed. However, when a chapter is disparaged or neglected, the bonds of citizenship break down.  I believe that in order for Greek life to stay relevant and functional, supposed "stereotypes" of chapters must be completely abolished.  We must learn to reach across boundaries and embrace our neighbors, regardless of preconceived notions we may have about chapters.  I think that this stumbling block to citizenship is perhaps the greatest facing the Greek community. As long as sites like GreekRank and stereotyping and bad-mouthing other chapters continues to exist, we undo all of our accomplishments, leading us to hurt our collective citizenship within the college community.

When Greeks participate in events such as Rock the Block, host philanthropies that connect to the college community, and give back to the campus, we display our citizenship within the Buckeye world. However, when we're seen mocking "GDIs" or stumbling down the street after a TG, we broadcast just the opposite.  I do believe that it's easier for those who do not understand Greek life to focus on the negative aspects, but that only means that we must try harder as a community to maintain and develop a positive image in order to ensure the continued presence and privilege that we enjoy today.

The issues plaguing Greek life are numerous. However, I believe that there is no one problem that cannot be overcome with the commitment of all Greeks to a positive citizenship, both of each individual, chapter, and the community as a whole.

"Hi, Can I Ask You Three Quick Questions??"

I have to admit, I was surprised. Every person I interviewed had a deliberate and pretty prompt answer to the three questions I posed. Of course, to what extent these answers were genuine and interviewees were cognizant of their meaning is open to debate.

The largest hint to the sincerity of a response was the inflection with which it was given. Some of those I talked to gave answers with such emotion behind them that I couldn't doubt that they truly believed in what they were saying. Others sounded as if they were reading from a piece of paper.

The question which gave the interviewees most pause was when asked what three activities their chapter spent the most time on. The other questions, concerning values and Ritual, could be seen to have clear, "textbook" answers, imbedded in the minds of chapter members during the new member process and continuously refreshed. Activities, though?? Well, socials could easily rank in the top three by any chapter's standards But is this a "kosher" response...?

I believe that there is a disconnect between each chapter's values and Ritual and actual practices. To a certain extent, there has to be. Our organizations were founded in a different time and members found themselves in different situation than today's. How can we adapt such profound ideals that our founders so fervently believed in to today's world? There has to be balance. Between holding ourselves to the higher standards set by those who came before us and leading a fulfilling, social life, there exists a tentative middle ground that I truly believe is attainable.

The real question, that we all need to ask ourselves, is how do we reach this middle ground? Do I have an answer...? Not yet, but I know what I'll be sleeping on tonight!