is this true about sororities

IzzieBear
Wed, 02 Aug 2006 23:14:41 +0000

This has never happened in my sorority, and from what I know from my friends in other houses, they haven’t quite experienced such a “ritual” either. There are many rumors that go around about the nasty things sororities do to their new members and I’ve heard too many to count: undressing and lining up in order according to breast size, standing naked while older sisters circle “problem areas” with bright red markers - the list goes on. And don’t get me started on the things that are said to go on in fraternities. These rumors had to have been started somewhere, and I don’t doubt that before strict hazing laws were passed, they occurred. However, this does not mean these events went on at UC Berkeley specifically - these sorts of sorority horror stories appear all over the nation, scaring prospective members and disgusting outsiders. I, for one, think it’s pathetic and if I was ever in the position you described during my pledge period, I wouldn’t be an initiated member today.

Also, about the “nerdy” factor - if by nerdy you mean studious, or quirky, then sure. This is, after all, Cal. While we might not be notorious for having an overwhelming number of cookie-cutter Barbie dolls and beefy Ken look-a-likes in our Greek system, I think we have a ton of attractive, interesting members, across the board. Check out facebook or pay attention to the kids you meet in class who are wearing their letters and you’ll see what I mean. This is, of course, my opinion, so you’re still entitled to your own.

NeedAdvice, are you in a sorority, or closely know someone who is? Because quite franky, your information is incorrect and I’m not sure who is telling you otherwise. We don’t tend to advertise how new members are chosen, but allow me to say that it is based on much more than how someone presents themselves physically. We only have a limited amount of spaces to fill - if we could accept everyone then what would be the purpose of recruitment? We would just have a blank poster tacked to our front door and let in anyone who wrote their name down. It’s about fit, and prospective members are debating which house they would like to join just as much as we are working to decide who we would like to extend membership to.

<3,

Izzie Bear