When a toga-clad John Belushi danced -- or rather drunkenly synchronized -- to Otis Day singing "Shout!", it was a seminal moment in movie history. Belushi's character, Bluto, not only became a legend and an inspiration for future Frank the Tanks but, also, a stereotypical definition of the "frat boy."
With approximately 30 percent of the student population going through fraternity and sorority rush in the first weeks of the spring semester, the question regarding how much truth there is to the legend of Animal House, its inheritors and their representation of male and female members of the Greek system comes up. And, furthermore, whether it is possible to identify a stereotype at all.
First-year College student Alana Colton said she finds there to be a stereotype for members of the Greek community.
"My eyes kind of opened in the past few weeks. There is a certain type [for the Greek community] I think," Colton said. "If you are it, you are it. If you are not, you are not. There is no medium."
First-year graduate student Kate Lakin, who was a member of a sorority during her undergraduate studies at Duke University, also commented that the representation of Greek life in pop culture has a lot to do with the formation of such stereotypes.
"Movies like Animal House or Old School over exaggerate things. They tend to show what two or three frats or sororities are like at each school," she said. "The range of what the Greek life has to offer is not limited to what movies present. The reason why each group chooses one house is because of diversity."
Lakin also said despite having experienced the diversity of sorority life first-hand, it is hard not to think of a certain type.
"When you think of the stereotypical sorority girl, she would be blond, beautiful, exquisitely dressed and a social butterfly," Lakin said. "I know that is not the case, but it is the first thing that comes to my mind."
Fourth-year College student Evan Topol agreed that the representation of the Greek system is very limited in film.
"In movies, they tend to exaggerate the binge drinking and partying. You don't get the full picture. You are not appreciating other aspects of Greek life," Topol said. "Like, there are so many fraternities and sororities who emphasize their philanthropy."
Colton said she believes there are things about Greek life that are actually are understated.
"Movies tend to exaggerate hazing, but at the same time they make it look like you can pledge and still get A's," she said. "And that is just not true."
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 3 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 5 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
