University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

DECEMBER, 1935 111 Social sororities A sorority girl gives a frank dis- cussion of the Greek letter lodges THE question of sorority versus non- sorority is not new it probably has been discussed at great length since the time of the first appearance of a sorority in 1870 at De Pauw University. This early society had all the characteristics of present day fraternities and sororities ; the charm and mystery of secrecy, a ritual, oaths of fidelity, a badge for external display, a strong tie of friendship and comradeship and a background of high ideals. True, there had been other types of organized societies, but most of them were of a literary character and bore such classical names as Ciceronean or Philoletheam. Some were secret and some were not. Part of them had Greek mottoes. From such beginnings have grown our present day system of sororities. Undoubtedly this system of organized houses developed out of a desire for closer friendship, common interests, and the need of protection. Women, a great deal more than men, tend to form class groups whenever possible. After all, it is only human, when finding enjoyable or stimulating personalities, to make every possible effort to gain their companion- ship. It is quite possible to accomplish this without organized groups, but the self-imposed bonds of a sorority insure success to a greater degree. Since 1900 the development of sorori- ties has been so rapid that the twentieth century organizations out-number all those established in the previous years. Today, however, the further establishment of such organizations is on the decline, and many colleges are establishing methods to abolish them. There is a great deal of criticism about sororities some justified and some merely prejudiced opinions. There have been a great many controversies concern- ing the respective advantages of a sor- ority girl or a non-sorority girl. To be fair, you will find there is a distinct advantage on either side. True, chapter houses have a definite influence on character. It fosters pride of organiza- tion, social discipline, and brings the indi- vidual student under observant eyes. An organized house, with its degree of pres- tige, gives a sense of social security that is hard to find elsewhere. And then there is a certain fascination, dear to the heart of every woman, in the rituals of a sup- posedly secret organization. A daily con- tact and close friendship with the mem- bers of an organization leaves you with a closer tie with your school and friends after graduation. To most girls, college means primarily their sorority. The respective merits of each one are discussed at length, and each girl firmly believes that a mistake made during rush week would endanger her entire college career. While this may be true, a girl who is just entering col- lege should also be aware of the dis- advantages of so rority life. Organized houses may engender and foster a social exclusivement. It makes some students narrow and conceited, because they assume for themselves, often unjustifiably, the reputation which the chapter may have established by the worthy performance of its members. The original purpose of sorority life was noble and fine, but to some girls of today the whole idea of a sorority means noth- ing more than a place to sleep and eat while they are in school. It is also prob- able that their sorority is the greatest only distinction they have gained while in school. Surely a sense of social security could not be based on this, but it often is, and there is the tragedy of sorority life. The accusation made by non-sorority girls that sorority women assume a false superiority is unfortunately true. Most of the advantages offered by a sorority are to be found elsewhere for a non-sorority girl if she has the courage to seek and accept them. It requires a girl strong in character and courage to go ahead and find her place and work in college life. Many girls feel campus activities are limited for them because there is no definite group sponsoring their work or because they possibly feel there is a stigma attached to the fact that they are barbarians in the land of the Greeks. However, this idea is definitely erroneous. If there is any comparison. the advantage lies with the non-sorority girl. If she is broad enough to escape an (Continued on pige 1)9/ ALPHA DELTA PL WINKERS OF THE mTEB-SOBOHTTY SUCG