Fraternities and sororities do not have stellar reputations, and for good reason.

Greek life is plagued with a repugnant history of abusive hazing, discrimination and elitism. Most of these problems persist today.

Many people outside of Greek life struggle to comprehend its bizarre traditions and culture. When I first visited a large college as a child, the gigantic mansions with illegible foreign symbols baffled me.

Why would organizations dominated by white Americans call themselves Greek and co-opt random pieces of Greek language? How could a system that outwardly projects being pristine, grandiose and esteemed simultaneously be infamous for the dirtiest and most despicable hazing, partying and alcoholism? Why would anyone choose to be part of such a cultish group?

Ask the average fraternity or sorority member these questions and they will probably reply, “That’s just the way it is.” I am a part of Greek life myself and the system even alienates me at times.

Ultimately, none of the negatives associated with Greek life are guaranteed. When operating properly, fraternities and sororities bring only good to their members with social, leadership and housing benefits.

Cat Edwards, a fourth-year student at the University of Minnesota, said many students dislike Greek life because of the culture associated with it.

“It seems like a lot of normalized alcoholism,” Edwards said. “Lots of day drinking. I lived in Dinkytown my freshman year, right on frat row. I’d walk to class sometimes, and it’d be like 10 a.m. and there’d be guys out on the front lawn drinking from red solo cups. I think a big part of it is also the reputations for sexual assault and misconduct.”

Greek life’s stereotype of rampant alcohol abuse is entirely based on reality, but it is not universal.

Every organization is different, and every person in each organization is also different. In many fraternities and sororities, partying is an aspect of life for some members but little more so than average college students outside of Greek life.

In other organizations, drinking is so deeply ingrained in the culture that it becomes problematic, creating an environment where sexual assault is far too common. In 2019, 41.5% of sorority members reported experiencing sexual assault compared to 25.8% of non-Greek undergraduate women, according to the Prevention Advocates program, which works to reduce sexual violence in Greek life at the University.

These problems are serious and need to be addressed. These issues stem from the culture within some Greek organizations, not the Greek system as a whole.

The list of potential issues in Greek life goes on. Discriminatory practices and exclusion toward minorities were historically widespread, and some organizations were infamous for judging members unfairly by appearance. Although most organizations have begun to promote inclusivity and fix these problems in recent years, they still exist.

High financial costs are also a common criticism. Membership in many sororities in Minnesota costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per semester even when not living in the house.

Hazing, another major problem in the past, has been widely prohibited but persists in some organizations.

We should not downplay these problems; they can be fixed. In many organizations, they already have.

When most people think of Greek life, they picture massive, stereotypical fraternity houses, but Greek organizations are actually far more varied. In addition to traditional social fraternities and sororities, many are based on areas of study like engineering, agriculture or STEM. Others are based on cultural background or religion, allowing minority groups to share spaces together.

All of these groups are Greek organizations like any other. They all have traditions, histories, ceremonies and shared values that define Greek life’s existence and make each one unique.

Yet, all examples of Greek life being unproblematic and positive are rarely discussed and are overshadowed by the larger number of organizations full of issues.

When Greek life works properly, it is highly beneficial.

“I think there’s built-in friends and job opportunities involved in Greek life,” Edwards said. “Some people may not like the idea of that, and for some people, it sounds great.”

Jaye Shaw, a first-year student at the University and member of a sorority, said Greek life helped her build connections.

“Through Greek life, I’ve been exposed to a lot of new people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Shaw said “It connects you with upperclassmen, and going through the process of rush, you meet so many different girls.”

While many people dismiss Greek life as “paying for your friends,” anyone can make friends outside of an organization if they choose. Membership dues in Greek life are not paying for the people — they pay for the unique experiences, activities and events that could not be obtained outside of a large community.

“There’s a lot of benefits to being in sororities,” Shaw said. “There’s a lot of events and get-togethers, and I like that they are also philanthropic sororities. Each sorority has a different philanthropy, which is really nice because we’re not just doing it for the statement.”

Because Greek organizations are inherently social, they push members to meet more people and naturally improve their social skills. As a result of my experience in a sorority, I have grown much quicker and become much more comfortable in a variety of social situations than I would have otherwise.

The structure of Greek organizations also allows for many unique leadership opportunities for personal growth.

“I’m a chairwoman, and I’m on an honors committee,” Shaw said. “I got these roles within three weeks of being initiated, so there’s a lot of opportunity to have leadership.”

Daigan Berger, a third-year student and member of a fraternity, said leadership in Greek life helps people develop interpersonal skills.

“A lot of leadership experiences, like managing finances or managing a group of people, have difficult parts,” Berger said. “People have various opinions, and when you’re the vice president or the president, you need to be able to understand multiple perspectives.”

Additionally, Greek organizations offer flexible housing arrangements that can create unique experiences. Some organizations save money by not owning a dedicated house, instead meeting in certain rooms or suites on campus. 

Other groups provide the unique opportunity to live in a massive residence with a group of friends that cannot be replicated outside of college. Sharing cooking, cleaning and living spaces together makes an ideal living arrangement for everyone.

“One of the good things is you don’t really have to find roommates,” Berger said. “You get to live with friends and don’t have to look for housing.”

The bottom line is that none of the common criticisms of Greek life are universal. The most important consideration when joining Greek life is finding an organization that helps you grow.

“Focus on joining an organization that has people that you think would like to hang out with,” Berger said. “Then, once you join, you still need to put in effort to get to know people.”

Bringing together college students with shared experiences in a dedicated organization is nothing inherently radical or problematic. Just like with any community, the people within every Greek organization make it what it is. 

Find the right people, and your experience in any group, Greek or otherwise, should only be positive.