# I don't know whether to laugh or cry \[sorority evictions\] **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 25, 2007, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625 "2007-02-25T18:21:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/1 "2007-02-25T18:21:16Z")
> **[Sorority Evictions Raise Issue of Looks and Bias (Published 2007)](https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/education/25sorority.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)** > > The national officers of the Delta Zeta sorority told 23 members at DePauw University to leave, including every woman who was overweight. ‘Cuz heaven forbid that overweight or socially awkward girls should experience the sisterhood of sorority living. That’s reserved for the elite, dontchaknow. I hope their friggin’ sorority goes bankrupt, is torn down, and has salt ploughed into the soil. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/2 "2007-02-25T18:26:51Z")
Well, half of the remaining “acceptable” people quit in disgust, so I guess there’s some hope for humanity after all. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/3 "2007-02-25T18:28:48Z")
I suspect this is going to attract some well-deserved vitriol. Moved from IMHO to the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![cuauhtemoc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecb155/32.png) [@cuauhtemoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuauhtemoc)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/4 "2007-02-25T19:00:56Z")
Wow, that’s really messed up. I always hear about women having social or professional problems because of the unrealistically high standards of _men_. In light of _Mean Girls_ and stories like this, I think it’s time women started sharing some of the blame! Who’s with me, fellas? [crickets chirp] 😉 ---
**Author:** ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/5 "2007-02-25T19:04:33Z")
With the event of third-wave feminism, the “sisterhood” of women has really been exposed as a myth. Most women don’t expect loyalty from other women who aren’t their friends anymore. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/6 "2007-02-25T19:16:25Z")
A sorority that only wants pretty girls? I’m shocked! What’s next? Frat parties with underage drinking?? ---
**Author:** ![Annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@Annie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/7 "2007-02-25T19:29:53Z")
This is like some freaky cross between _Animal House_ and _Real Genius_. I’d pay to see the movie if it ends with the headquarters Heathers being chased out of town by young women wielding flaming copies of “The Yellow Wallpaper” and periodic charts. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/8 "2007-02-25T19:32:27Z")
[QUOTE=Rocketeer] [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/education/25sorority.html?\_r=1&oref=slogin](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/education/25sorority.html?_r=1&oref=slogin) 'Cuz heaven forbid that overweight or socially awkward girls should experience the sisterhood of sorority living. That’s reserved for the elite, dontchaknow. [/QUOTE] You know it’s perfectly OK to copy and paste a paragraph or two so we know what the fuck you are ranting about without going off to some other site. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/9 "2007-02-25T19:40:40Z")
This is really sad, but I hope this is a lesson to all members of sororities (and their male bretheren). All that talk about “sisterhood” is a load of bunk. All these organizations care about is making a bunch of money and perpetuating a certain image. I’m glad half the people selected to stay gave the chapter the finger, but it’s disappointing the others didn’t follow suit. How awesome would that have been if the whole sorority had quit? I hope the girls who quit or got kicked out stay friends forever, because that would be the true testiment of their bond. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/10 "2007-02-25T20:23:25Z")
It was front page news on the Seattle Times this morning. What’s next? “Pope revealed to be Catholic!” “You won’t believe what bears are doing in the woods!” ---
**Author:** ![CynicalGabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@CynicalGabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CynicalGabe)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/11 "2007-02-25T20:27:28Z")
The girls that got evicted and/or quit are probably better off. I have no tolerance for fraternity/sorority social scenes of the type that apparently exist at that school. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/12 "2007-02-25T20:27:51Z")
[QUOTE=kung fu lola] With the event of third-wave feminism, the “sisterhood” of women has really been exposed as a myth. Most women don’t expect loyalty from other women who aren’t their friends anymore. [/QUOTE] When did they? Not in my lifetime, anyway… ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/13 "2007-02-25T20:29:40Z")
This reminds me of an event from awhile back on NC State’s campus (I know I’ve mentioned it before). One of the opinion columnists for the campus paper wrote a rambling article in which he called sorority members “sorostitutes.” There was a lot of outcry from the sororities, whose spokeswomen were quick to detail their diversity, commitment to community service, etc. Several days after the column ran, the sororities got together to hold a protest on campus. Photos of the event that ran in the papers the next day showed almost nothing but white, blond and brunette girls wearing identical clothes. Even before that event, I had gotten the impression that the sororities were for pretty, skinny girls with easy majors; that they were about projecting an image rather than promoting “sisterhood.” I can’t say I’m overly shocked to see more evidence that this is true. ---
**Author:** ![Speaker\_for\_the\_Dead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@Speaker\_for\_the\_Dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Speaker_for_the_Dead)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/14 "2007-02-25T20:32:47Z")
[QUOTE=DrDeth] You know it’s perfectly OK to copy and paste a paragraph or two so we know what the fuck you are ranting about without going off to some other site. :mad: [/QUOTE] I can’t imagine that it takes even a whole calorie to move your mouse and click that link. It doesn’t even require registration, for goodness’ sake! ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/15 "2007-02-25T20:46:08Z")
[QUOTE=DrDeth] You know it’s perfectly OK to copy and paste a paragraph or two so we know what the fuck you are ranting about without going off to some other site. :mad: [/QUOTE] Sorry. You are welcome to start a Pit thread about inconsiderate yahoos who don’t paste a paragraph of what they’re ranting about, if you like. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/16 "2007-02-25T20:57:25Z")
I went to college with no desire to get involved with the Greek life, and certain prejudices about it, even then. Being a HS geek, and nerd, I assumed I wouldn’t be welcome, or would be expected to be a paper mill to earn my acceptance. And I’ve never gotten any closer to the reality to see if my assumptions were accurate. So, when I read a story about sororities, or fraternities, I know I’ve got some major issues and try to force myself to keep an open mind. I can even see that there’s a legitimate reason for such a group to have high expectations for recruitment. But when I contrast that with the description of the women who met the standard, and those that didn’t, it’s really, really hard for me to think it’s anything more than BS trying to cover their real intentions. Fuck the Greek life. With a fireplug. Sideways. Using lapping compound, not lube. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/17 "2007-02-25T20:59:36Z")
I don’t know much of anything about sororities and fraternities; why does anybody want to be a member of such a group? Is there some benefit to be had from joining such dubious establishments? Is there any compelling reason that they still exist on campuses? ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/18 "2007-02-25T21:05:44Z")
**featherlou** , why join any social group? A country club? Or even a service association? The pragmatic benefit to any of these groups is usually in the networking opportunities. Then there are schools where campus housing is at a premium. Joining a frat or sorority simply for access to their housing facilities is not unheard of at those schools. (Of course I do believe the **real** benefit that most undergrads desire are the parties.) ---
**Author:** ![El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/41988e/32.png) [@El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Cid_Viscoso)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/19 "2007-02-25T21:06:14Z")
Oh yeah, the EZ DZ sorority. They had a slut purge at my school back in 1991. This stuff happens all the time in fraternal organizations, by the way. Why, my own chapter was killed off in the 70s because the house was just a bunch of dorks. Of course, I helped bring the charter back. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2007, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625/20 "2007-02-25T21:11:31Z")
[QUOTE=featherlou] Is there some benefit to be had from joining such dubious establishments? [/QUOTE] Social status. Real or perceived. > [@](#): > > Is there any compelling reason that they still exist on campuses? My opinion is that they perpetuate themselves. I think fraternity and sorority members are irrationally committed to their organizations in order to psychologically justify the hell they endured at hazing and initiation. They organization _must_ have value, why else would I have put up with so much shit to get in? That sort of thing. Either way, the Greek system is so ridiculously lame that it’s not even cool to insult it – its lameness is perceived to be self-evident. 🙂 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-sorority-evictions/393625.md?page=2)