Spring Break
TV's 'Greek': Get Real
Issue date: 8/29/07 Section: Opinion
When the media spotlight pauses to shine on Greek life, we have learned to take the good with the bad. "Greek" is clearly a popular show (ABC Family has ordered 10 more episodes), which proves that the Greek community itself is an interesting subject that people want to know about and that is encouraging. However, the story relies heavily on predictable and tired stereotypes and the show's female characters are dismally flat and focused only on men, dating, sex and fashion. Worst of all the show has come dangerously close to making risky behaviors such as binge drinking, casual sex and hazing appear glamorous. There is a difference between making fun of stereotypes and promoting them - and there have been certain moments in "Greek" that have come close to promoting behavior that can have serious consequences.
But let me be clear. Tri Delta is not protesting the show. In fact, the show has inspired lots of good discussion about the Greek experience among our members. I just hope that given 10 more episodes to work with, the show's writers will begin to offer some balance to the overly-used sorority stereotypes and try to portray a deeper and more rewarding sorority, and college, experience. Anyone who has had close girlfriends knows how special these relationships are and also knows it takes a great deal of loyalty, love and sacrifice to make a friendship last. The values of friendship, loyalty and personal growth are the hallmarks of the true sorority experience and will resonate with all viewers, Greek and non-Greek. From time to time the relationships between the show's main female character Casey and her best friend Ashley has shown glimpses of the trials and tribulations of true friendship, but I will keep watching and waiting patiently for their friendship, personal growth and development to take center stage to advance the show's plot.
"Oh, lighten up already!" That is what you are thinking, right? Hey, I understand that a TV show's primary goal is to entertain its viewers, but all I am asking is that the writers at ABC Family begin to provide some balance between unoriginal sorority stereotypes and what sorority women are actually like. I think that will make the show more interesting for its 18-34 demographic.
But let me be clear. Tri Delta is not protesting the show. In fact, the show has inspired lots of good discussion about the Greek experience among our members. I just hope that given 10 more episodes to work with, the show's writers will begin to offer some balance to the overly-used sorority stereotypes and try to portray a deeper and more rewarding sorority, and college, experience. Anyone who has had close girlfriends knows how special these relationships are and also knows it takes a great deal of loyalty, love and sacrifice to make a friendship last. The values of friendship, loyalty and personal growth are the hallmarks of the true sorority experience and will resonate with all viewers, Greek and non-Greek. From time to time the relationships between the show's main female character Casey and her best friend Ashley has shown glimpses of the trials and tribulations of true friendship, but I will keep watching and waiting patiently for their friendship, personal growth and development to take center stage to advance the show's plot.
"Oh, lighten up already!" That is what you are thinking, right? Hey, I understand that a TV show's primary goal is to entertain its viewers, but all I am asking is that the writers at ABC Family begin to provide some balance between unoriginal sorority stereotypes and what sorority women are actually like. I think that will make the show more interesting for its 18-34 demographic.
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Michelle
posted 8/29/07 @ 10:41 AM EST
Hey if you are interested in discussing/debating the show 'Greek' we've got an ongoing group on www.sororitylive.com - log in and add your opinion, it's important that Greeks follow Ms. (Continued…)
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