Everyone has heard about the controversy over the website JuicyCampus.com. Many feel as if the website is “cruel and inhuman” while others feel as if the site is a way for students to express their own free speech. I went on the site for the first time this week and was dismayed to see the over 100 largely negative responses to the topic “Best Frat/Sorority.” Many of the replies to the topic made stereotypical statements about each of the sororities and fraternities such as “Alpha Chi girls are snobby b*tches,” “TKE are all cocky and ugly,” and even going so far as making accusations that our fraternities rape their own members. My question is, who are these anonymous commenters to be saying these types of things? Are they members already in Greek life who are unhappy, people who did not receive a bid during recruitment, or just random students who have no idea what kind of an impact being a part of this organization can have on a person? My bet is on the last one.

One of the most offensive remarks to me was that those who are in Greek life are “paying for their friends.” One anonymous poster writes, “Greek life is a messed up cult with people that think they are better than everyone else and are so wrapped up in themselves. I wouldn’t even think of paying money so that I have friends and parties to go to here.” In no way do I ever feel as if I am paying for my friends by being a part of Greek life. Just a few facts for what the money actually go to: about 75% of our dues go to the fraternity’s headquarters and the rest goes to t-shirts, social activities and fraternity events. Unfortunately, the money is not going to the other members in the fraternity for being involved, instead it is going to bettering the chapter as a whole.

I feel as if one anonymous poster said it best when they rebutted to the comments about Greeks paying for their friends. The poster claimed, “If you’re trying to tell me that I paid for my friends, then I am glad to inform you that I’m not paying nearly enough. These people mean more to me than any amount of money.” The people that I have met in Greek life are some of the most incredible, selfless, caring people you will ever meet. Who else would spend 24 hours in a rocking chair for the National Kidney Foundation, get “pied” 38 times, play kickball for hours, sponsor a freshmen bonding activity, or host a dodgeball tournament to support their late brother and friend? And not to mention how much money is donated from these amazing organizations to each of their own specific causes. Greeks just don’t call each other “brothers” and “sisters” because it is what you are supposed to do; we call each other this because it is a bond that each of us share. And while yes, I am paying money to be a part of this incredible bond, in no way do I think an amount of money could ever sum up my feelings for Greek life and the people in it.