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To those who love to leave oh-so-eloquent comments wondering why anyone possible could care about what I write here … you may be confused. This actually isn’t CNN.com. I’m not here to deliver earth-shattering news. And I am just as aware as anyone else that Greek life does not make the world go round.
Yes — there are numerous issues facing our country today. A fight against terrorism, a looming presidential election and dying soldiers are just a few. So if you compare the inner working of a sorority to these complex problems, then you are right. Who cares? But that is not my purpose.
If, after reading these posts, you think you are wasting your time, then this site isn’t for you. It is written for those who DO care, are NOT apathetic and maybe are curious about something 20 percent of the student body is involved in. I’m here simply to educate, inform and discuss with those who have devoted energy to membership in a Greek organizations, as well as with those who wonder what we are all about.
I have no interest in making these organizations “seem more important” than they really are. Greek life is what it is — a community of social organizations who interact with one another and attempt to do a little good along the way. Nothing more, and definitely nothing less.
So, if anyone would like to let stereotypes rule their thoughts on Greek life, then that is their choice. If not, maybe I can shine a little light on this “unimportant” subject.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
“not here to deliver earth-shattering news”
Shocking. With such informative, hard hitting, and investigative journalism pieces as “This is how sorority girls follow strings to their big sisters” your future looks even brighter at Good Housekeeping magazine.
[…] Christina Graff wrote a fantastic post today on “Why should you care?”Here’s ONLY a quick extractIt is written for those who DO care, are NOT apathetic and maybe are curious about something 20 percent of the student body is involved in. I’m here simply to educate, inform and discuss with those who have devoted energy to membership … […]
you sound like Taylor from Kid Nation
Christina - I can understand that some of the comments may frustrate you, less-than-eloquent as they may be. But, one thing you must understand and accept as a journalist, is that as much as you’d like to define your readership, you can’t. Granted, the topic of your blog is well established and understood, but since it is in a public forum that is accessible to a wide-ranging university audience (and probably far beyond) it will always be susceptible to criticism.
Your injection of basic math - noting that 20% of UGA’s campus is involved in Greek Life - renders another obvious observation: 80% are not. Your conduit to your audience is through the online version of the Red and Black and therefore is completely open to public criticism. If you don’t like it, then it might not do any harm to move your thoughts elsewhere in the blogoshpere…at least where your 20% can access it.
One thing your should be proud of, however, is something all columnists and bloggers want to obtain: readers. The fact that some of the commentary evokes thoughts of junior high, the one thing you must realize is that PEOPLE DO READ WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY. If everyone agreed with you 100% of the time wouldn’t that make for a very boring discussion?
Your response may not have been necessary, but it is articulate and takes the high road in terms previous comments. And after all, you may be right…you might be able to shed some light on this unimportant (to some but not all) subject.
Sorry Christina,
You seem to be having trouble with the math. 20% of UNDERGRADUATES are involved in Greek life. You seem to have forgotten the ~8500 graduate and professional students who are largely not involved with Greek Life.
Ok people…if you really think it is that stupid nd pointless…DONT READ IT. What a novel idea…
yay grand big! I’m sorry mindless people with bad grammar choose to comment.
Right, Emily… bad grammar like your pal, Jessica? Because grammar is all that matters? Not thoughts or ideas? Grow up. And speaking of growing, grow some backbones and quit letting the comments get to you. You all are defensive only because you know that a portion of what the critics say are true.
I agree with Guillermo. You want readers- all kinds of readers. Is it true that there is no such thing as bad PR? I’m happy to read this blog, as well as each of the comments. There will always be nay-sayers in all situations, especially in journalism where everyone thinks they have a better opinion or could do your job better. Keep your head high because right now you have a blog that is getting more hits than any other on campus!
I hear this ringing in my ear that sounds like “only 20% of undergraduates are Greek” and it’s kind of like that fly that just won’t go away. This argument is regurgitated pretty frequently, but I wonder if its proponents can mention a single campus organization with comparable membership. Barring SGA, of which every student is technically a member according to the constitution, I have trouble imagining such a large, influential group on campus besides Greek life. I also wonder if this 20% includes non-Panhellenic and IFC groups. There is a growing number of chapters that are not affiliated with this most recognized group who deserve acknowledgment and, inevitably, criticism.
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