Greek community service sincerity considered
Crystal Burey
Issue date: 10/9/09 Section: Opinion
There are endless stigmas attached to the seemingly infinite social circle of Greek life present on our campus and other college campuses across the nation. One may judge the way they dress, talk, and congregate for lunches, but what is to be said of their involvement in the college community?
Sororities and fraternities on campus are mandated to do service by the college. Literacy Day and Make A Difference Day are opportune times to spot groups of coordinated t-shirts frolicking off to the Marlo room with coffee cups in hand. But when else do we see these organizations leaping to action in Easton? Sure, some of them may be coordinators at the Landis Community Outreach Center and perhaps a few volunteer regularly, but as a whole, when do they contribute to the city in which our comfortable college bubble is situated?
Obligated service can appear fake or unnatural, some type of internal gratitude that you've enriched someone's life by coloring and not connecting with them. Often, people give of their time because they are "needed," as though the learning process is strictly one-way. However, it seems that Greeks always want attention and praise for doing service. Truth be told, no one is usually praised for something they were forced to do.
The argument could be made that the phony façade is Lafayette's fault. People can't possibly be genuinely interested in something they are forced to do, right? So then we blame the college; shame on you, Lafayette. But if Greeks pay dues for what is in essence a catalyst to social life, nice housing, exclusive lunches, and practically nightly partying (and a few other unmentionables), I don't think it's asking too much to make them give back.
The question really becomes whether Greeks would collectively volunteer and participate in "philanthropic" activities if they were not required to. I am guessing not. Think about it; some organizations' members are only required to fulfill 2 hours of service per semester. Seriously? And those that can't possibly endure a measly 2 hours over 4 months incur the cost of a fine. Of course one can argue that some Greek members become legitimately involved outside of the mandate placed on their organization. Sure, we can argue that for humor's sake, but how many of those people do you know? Not the majority.
It is bad enough that the socio-economic divide exists between downtown and College Hill, in addition to us having our own issues as a college community. Whether or not we all agree, it is unavoidable that Greeks contribute to the downfalls that plague our perfectly packaged institution.
Sororities and fraternities on campus are mandated to do service by the college. Literacy Day and Make A Difference Day are opportune times to spot groups of coordinated t-shirts frolicking off to the Marlo room with coffee cups in hand. But when else do we see these organizations leaping to action in Easton? Sure, some of them may be coordinators at the Landis Community Outreach Center and perhaps a few volunteer regularly, but as a whole, when do they contribute to the city in which our comfortable college bubble is situated?
Obligated service can appear fake or unnatural, some type of internal gratitude that you've enriched someone's life by coloring and not connecting with them. Often, people give of their time because they are "needed," as though the learning process is strictly one-way. However, it seems that Greeks always want attention and praise for doing service. Truth be told, no one is usually praised for something they were forced to do.
The argument could be made that the phony façade is Lafayette's fault. People can't possibly be genuinely interested in something they are forced to do, right? So then we blame the college; shame on you, Lafayette. But if Greeks pay dues for what is in essence a catalyst to social life, nice housing, exclusive lunches, and practically nightly partying (and a few other unmentionables), I don't think it's asking too much to make them give back.
The question really becomes whether Greeks would collectively volunteer and participate in "philanthropic" activities if they were not required to. I am guessing not. Think about it; some organizations' members are only required to fulfill 2 hours of service per semester. Seriously? And those that can't possibly endure a measly 2 hours over 4 months incur the cost of a fine. Of course one can argue that some Greek members become legitimately involved outside of the mandate placed on their organization. Sure, we can argue that for humor's sake, but how many of those people do you know? Not the majority.
It is bad enough that the socio-economic divide exists between downtown and College Hill, in addition to us having our own issues as a college community. Whether or not we all agree, it is unavoidable that Greeks contribute to the downfalls that plague our perfectly packaged institution.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 32
a greek
posted 10/11/09 @ 5:17 PM EST
I don't get this. You're required to have a certain GPA to stay at Lafayette--are you wrong for wanting to graduate Cum Laude? By your argument, you have no academic drive. (Continued…)
Alpha Phi Omega Alumni from Drexel living in Forks
posted 10/11/09 @ 5:55 PM EST
There is a national co-educational service fraternity named Alpha Phi Omega (http://www.apo.org) that was founded on Lafayette College's campus in 1925. (Continued…)
why so serious
posted 10/11/09 @ 6:23 PM EST
looks like someone is a little irked at their exclusion from greek life. is their a reverse-racist undertone to this argument or is it just me?
DeAndre Morrow
posted 10/11/09 @ 9:55 PM EST
Don't listen to them Crystal. We know that the current Greek Life does nowhere near as much sincere community service as ABC or Omega Psi Phi. They got nothing on us. (Continued…)
CN
posted 10/14/09 @ 1:17 PM EST
What about those greek alum (like myself) who continue to donate money/time to the organizations that were affiliated with our philanthropy?
Your opinion piece is unsubstantiated and illogical. (Continued…)
Crystal
posted 10/14/09 @ 10:25 PM EST
I'm glad to see people sharing their opinions, no matter how much I disagree with them. The piece I wrote is an editorial (an article in a newspaper or other periodical presenting the opinion of the publisher, editor, or editors-taken from dictionary. (Continued…)
service before self
posted 10/14/09 @ 11:22 PM EST
Boom, Roasted.
But in all seriousness, Crystal you are awesome.
I must say to you, "also a greek" some of your arguments are a little misguided. (Continued…)
Kameisha Jerae Hodge
posted 10/14/09 @ 11:48 PM EST
Wow.
I must admit, after going to the Greek Forum last year, I still remain unconvinced (and thoroughly unmoved) by the current Greek Organizations' commitment and dedication to their missions. (Continued…)
juspeach3s
Kameisha Jerae Hodge
posted 10/14/09 @ 11:51 PM EST
(footnote)
taken from Kappa Delta Rho's mission statement.
gossip girl
posted 10/15/09 @ 12:01 PM EST
save farinon from the greeks
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