Please check your identity at the door and enter into the sorority world.
Sadly, a record-breaking group of girls (numbering in the 400’s) did just this over the past weekend by participating in rush week.
Not only do sororities come with a large price tag and demanding amount of time, they encourage divisions of the student body, between different sororities and Greek vs. non-Greek, and they also limit individualism.
Freshmen are surrounded by a sea of girls boasting their letters, tricking them to believe all upperclassmen are part of this Greek clique. Being in a new and foreign environment, freshmen, girls especially, are easily impressionable and eager to fit in. The idea that it is impossible to make friends without rushing is planted into their minds through the endless amounts of stickers, posters and quad shout-outs proclaiming “Go Greek.”
The sincerity of these “friendships” is debatable. Prior to even meeting the hopeful pledges, they are stalked on Facebook, somehow lending insight as to whether the candidate is their “type.” Judgment is based on where you are from, who you are friends with and the way you carry yourself in tagged pictures.
How is a solid friendship supposed to form when it is built on predispositions and assumptions?
“Sisters” within the sororities reinforce a materialistic lifestyle. One may be led to believe it is just the mandatory dues you are forced to pay (where is that money going exactly?), but don’t forget about the clothes (omg, so unique), the lifestyle (those that tan together, stay together) and the pressure to purchase expensive accessories (fake designer purse? Never!). What’s family for anyway?
But in the end, it’s about their service, otherwise known as philanthropy. Never heard of it? Exactly.
Some girls justify their membership to a sorority by saying they want to give back. So why is it that we hear more about the decades-themed formal coming up in two weeks instead of the organization in need? Aside from the one week each sorority has designated as their philanthropy week, the student body knows nothing about the charitable acts these girls are taking part in.
College is a place to learn and grow, a stepping-stone for the real world, an environment where stepping out of the box is encouraged. In contrast, sororities celebrate and promote conformity, exclusiveness and locking yourself into the box. Stay above the influence and “Go You.”
– Gabriele Geerts is a junior in the Doisy College of Health Sciences.
The views written in the letters to the editor section reflect the opinions of the individual authors and do not reflect the views of The University News.
Stefee • Sep 29, 2011 at 7:29 am
Wow. This author clearly has a lot of guts and is bolder than I’d ever be. Even though I agree with most of this I’d never put it out there in public like that. I do have some friends in sororities and even though Greek life isn’t for me, I still respect their decisions to rush. I don’t have the time and money to be in a sorority and I also struggle with body image, so I’d crack under the pressure to look good for formals. I used to be anorexic and need to protect my recovery at all costs, so I’m not sure subjecting myself to something where appearance is given such weight would allow me to do so.
Rob • Sep 24, 2011 at 1:53 pm
?The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.? Friedrich Nietzsche…I think you hit the nail on the head in your letter Gabriele
A.M. • Sep 26, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Nietzsche also suffered a mental breakdown, lead a “campaign against morality” and claimed that God is dead. Not to bring religion into this but I don’t see how his controversial theories or this quote play in to support Gabriele’s rant particularly considering this is a Jesuit University and Christian Moral Teaching of Stewardship would suggest that no one should “own themselves” anyways. @Gabriele, would you suggest that organized religion is equally appalling? Considering that it is time consuming (going to church and praying), expensive (tithes), dresses a certain way, and sings songs/chants about things they are proud of? I guess its hard to say what good works the church does and its definitely hard to know where the money goes… good thing they don’t have facebook yet
Patrick • Sep 24, 2011 at 11:06 am
Man, Godwin’s Law took effect pretty quickly on this one.
Tom from Kansas • Sep 23, 2011 at 6:11 pm
I agree with the author! Greek life is dumb and is contributing to the downfall of the United States. LAST I CHECKED, THIS IS AMERICA. We should focus on American life and not Greek life. If you want Greek life, MOVE TO GREECE!
The founders of this great nation didn’t need fraternities and sororities to succeed in life! Who are we to question the way of life of the great George Washington and his comrades. In order to restore the United States to its former glory, we need to abolish all Greek life — not just at SLU, but everywhere!
A.M. • Sep 26, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Ever heard of the freemasons? Interestingly all but two presidents since 1825 have been greek and all but two ever have been masons… Get your facts straight Tom from Kansas. Pretty sure the founding fathers promoted freedoms include the freedom of assembly defined as “the individual right to come together and collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests” I hope your comment was just trolling but in the event it wasn’t think twice before attributing the downfall of the US to the greeks
DJ • Oct 6, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Tom
Before you make bold statement, check your facts. 48% of all US Presidents are fraternity men, 40 of 47 US Supreme Court Justices since 1910 are fraternity men, and I can keep going. Believe me no one loves America more than members of Greek-life.
Ralph W. Emerson • Sep 20, 2011 at 8:08 pm
?To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.?
Goes both ways.
TB • Sep 20, 2011 at 8:49 am
Dearest Goobriele,
While you may think that you weren’t attacking people, you were. You blatantly tried to knock an organization that is what it is due to the PEOPLE that make it up. You may as well have stood in the middle of the student activity fair with a picket sign voicing your opinion against any organization. After all, everyone should just be an individual, right? No more crews, groups, organizations, cliques, posses, teams, etc. etc. Sorry, anarchy is for england, go back to the 60’s. Bottom line is, people join groups because they share an interest with other members and think that their targeted group is a vessel for those interests. Seeing as your only interest is disapproving of people getting together in any form, I guess that leaves you alone, by yourself. At least can consider yourself an “individual.” Good luck with that in a social world.
Gabriele Geerts • Sep 19, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I?d first like to give a shout out to the UNews and thank them for providing a platform for which the student body is allowed to voice their opinion.
I think it is important to inform everyone that I never rushed therefore making the claims that I am just holding a grudge against a bid I never received ludicrous. (But thanks for providing a good laugh.) The thought never even crossed my mind, partially because I was once a blessed small town girl that didn?t even know what Greek life was. Ignorance was bliss.
I also do not define myself as a journalist or even aspire to be a journalist. The facts that I did present though were completely accurate, sororities are expensive and time consuming. Ask anyone involved in Greek life. Heck, you probably won?t need to ask; I?ve found that sisters love to whine about how tired they are from all that chanting done the night earlier. Now I am not certain on how much time they exactly put in or what their dues are but it is general knowledge that both are on the high end of the spectrum. Think back to all those recruitment practices or the day you are asked to write the check if you need reminding. And can we please stop denying the fact that girls are stalked on facebook? Own up to it already. I know girls in the system that have told me it is true. Are sisters not even credible sources? Who would a journalist consult to verify this information? Maybe the fact that you are too ashamed to admit the truth is a sign that you probably shouldn’t be doing it at all. All other claims are my opinion. So I return the challenge to get your facts straight; I never rushed and I don?t write for the UNews. And this information is trustworthy, it is coming straight from the horse’s mouth.
What I found most concerning was how personally people took this letter. This is not an attack on the individuals. Again, this isn?t about the individuals; it is about the Greek organization. (Don?t hate the player, hate the game) I have numerous friends that are branded Greek and I wouldn?t ditch these friendships based solely on their affiliation. It is their choice to join and I respect that. Why can?t my opinion be equally respected?
Not everyone is going to agree in life. There will be differences in opinions, whether it is religious, political, or favorite ice cream flavor. Each of us will be confronted with opposition and I hope that everyone will take a stance for what they believe is right. I?m not going to apologize for my opinion or back down from the smug glances I have received. It seems I have a target on my back which I wear proudly; similar to the way Greek life wears their letters. Can?t take the heat? Get out of the kitchen.
I wrote the letter to shed light on the option that is shadowed by Greek life and provide what I believe are legitimate reasons as to why one should choose not to rush. Don?t agree with me? I pose the previous command of ?Go You? and do something about it–something more than bash behind closed doors at chapter this week.
Peace and love to Romans and Greeks alike.
Caroline • Sep 19, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I am very sorry that you feel compelled to write such nasty things about a system that you clearly do not understand. To me being Greek is much more then what you believe to be true, it?s about being bonded to a group of people because of common goals and philosophies.
I went through recruitment my freshman year because I was having a hard time meeting people on campus, I was far away from home and missed my friends and family. I hoped that going through rush would give me a chance to meet some great people and it did just that. I never once felt like I was going to be punished for letting my individualism shine through. In fact I firmly believe that because I was myself I ended up in a sorority that was the best fit for me and I have formed friendships that I know will last a life time.
If you look at the creeds or open mottos of any of the sororities on SLU?s campus I can assure you that not one of them glorifies being materialistic, conformist, or judgmental. And as for us not caring about our philanthropies, think again. My sorority, rose over $10,000 for our philanthropy last year. We strive to raise money and awareness year round as well, not only during our philanthropy week (As do all of the other sororities on SLU campus as well).
You also mentioned not knowing where the money from dues goes, a large part of what we contribute in our dues is allocated to putting on philanthropic events as well as sisterhoods which give us an opportunity to bond with our sisters that we may not see as often. The reason that I love my sorority so much is not because all of the girls are just like me, quite the contrary actually, it?s because no two girls are exactly the same. We may agree on the principles that bind us together but we all have something diverse to offer to the group.
There is one last point I would like to make before I wrap this up. Sororities do not divide students; people who lack understanding and love in their hearts divide students. My roommates are not Greek and I am still incredibly close with them, I do not think less of them because they are not Greek and they have never made me feel like I was silly for wanting to be in a sorority. Also I have friends in a variety of sororities and we all work hard to support each other?s philanthropies and I have never felt that because I was in a different sorority then them I was somehow forbidden to be friends with them.
Being in a sorority is ultimately about love, loving your sisters and loving your cause. If you have ever been to a preference round of recruitment and seen sisters hold each other’s hands as tears stream down their face because they feel so much love in that room you would understand that we are much more than what you believe.
Anna Schuh • Sep 19, 2011 at 4:28 pm
We could go back and forth on this for hours/days/months/years/decades/WHATEVER, but honestly what’s the point? You’re obviously pretty committed to your opinion and our words don’t seem like they’re going to change it. Same goes for me. No way you’ll ever put me in a box or convince me that Greek Life is anything short of the best decision I’ve made in college. Ditto to all the positives said by members of Greek Life who posted before me!
So it looks like all we as Greeks can do is prove you wrong with our actions. When I initiated into my Greek organization, I vowed to “do good” in every aspect of my life. I take that vow very seriously and I’ll be doing good until I die. 🙂 I’m deeply sorry for whatever experience you had that inspired such a strong distaste for Greek Life and I can only hope that your future interactions with members of the Greek community reflect our shared dedication to our values! If you encounter violations of our ethical code by a member of any of our organizations, I encourage you to contact that specific organization’s executive board, easily found on chapter websites via a quick Google search, with an account of what happened. Much more productive than an over-generalized article that highlights no specific problems and attacks every member of a huge system, all of whom could not be at fault for your low opinion of us. We hold ourselves and our members to a high standard and if a member is not representing our values we would like to know, as others’ actions reflect poorly upon us and our fellow Greeks as well. You’ve made that painfully clear. If you have any specific and valid questions or concerns about Greek Life, feel free to contact me! [email protected] I do love a healthy debate over the pros and cons of Greek Life.
P.S. If you need further convincing that we don’t ‘cut’ based on looks, take a gander at a photo of me during recruitment. Hah. Purple hair, barely any make-up, wearing a knee-length jean skirt, nowhere near a size zero (or 6.. or 8.. WHOAMYGODWHAAAT??!), as pale as Edward Cullen and I’m pretty sure I was wearing a trash bag in my profile picture. Yet they still let me in. So……
P.P.S. @Maddie I don’t know you, don’t want to and from what I can tell, you have a strong distaste for ‘my kind,’ hah, but I want to point out to you that even if you’re only trying to “make a point,” referring to our fellow females as “fat,” ‘forgettable’ or ‘fuckable’ (forgive my paraphrasing) is still hurtful.
JCP • Sep 18, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Let’s do this in bullet point form.
1. Ouch – someone must have not gotten a bid on bid day.
2. Freshman GPA is from their High School GPA- you went to high school, you didn’t just happen to be, right? I mean, I’m not judging.
3. So, what you’re saying, Madalyn, is that you are as well in a sorority? Or do you prefer to call it a cult? Just because your organization comes from Sacred Heart and it’s name doesn’t derive from the Greek alphabet – big woop. You and I are no different. Our sororities have just as much history as your organization – most founded in the 1800s.
4. So, if we’re like the Nazis of the Greek system, your organization is like the Mussolini’s of the world? I’m confused. Obviously not everyone can be in your sorority.
5. I was a non-greek for a whole entire year…[omg, how did I survive?!]Greek, non-greek… so what? It’s just like any other club that gives great opportunities to it’s members.
6. Neon Trends? Really? I’M HERE TO GET MY PH.D. – I wear what I want, when I want.
I could give you a whole synopsis of why I rushed, etc. But why should I justify how I want to live my life?
AK • Sep 18, 2011 at 9:22 pm
I realize Gabriele Geerts has the right to voice her opinion about Greek life, but what she has said is so far from the truth.
I just took alumni status with my sorority this spring, so after four years of being a Greek, I can say Geerts has no idea what she is talking about. Record-breaking numbers of young women went through the recruitment process this year, so clearly, SLU?s Greek life must be doing something right if more and more girls keep choosing to go through recruitment.
According to Geerts, sororities limit individuality, but if she were to take a look into any sorority on SLU?s campus, she would find young women with different religious and political beliefs, ethnicities, and races. She also claims that our acts of service and hours dedicated to our philanthropy, are seen once a year during our philanthropy week. Once again, Geerts is ignorant to Greek life. Each sorority has one week dedicated to their philanthropy to spread awareness about it to SLU?s campus. The rest of the year, time is spent at the sorority?s service site or any other events taking place. This past spring during Greek Week, all us sororities and fraternities raised almost $2,000 for ?Give Kids A Smile?. Finally, SLU Greeks got together at the beginning of summer to go to Joplin to help those in need whose lives were devastated by the horrific tornados. Greeks are so involved in service! Therefore, not all of our service is completed on SLU?s campus, so that is why it is not always seen.
Sorority life may be considered a high ?price tag?; however, it was worth every penny. Besides investing in an education from St. Louis University, ?investing? in my sorority has been the second best decision of my life! I have gained so many wonderful friendships with young women older and younger than me. All of my best friends are in my sorority or other sororities. These girls have always been there for me! When my aunt died unexpectedly last spring, the support I had from my sorority was incredible. I do not know how I would have gotten through it without them. My sorority and other sorority friends have always been there for me, in the good and bad times, and I know will be there for me the rest of my life. They are the most sincere, genuine, and down-to-earth young women I know. Not only will I have these friendships for the rest of my life, but it has allowed me great connections and friendships with other women. For example, I received the job I have now because my boss and I are in the same sorority. Greek life connections are so strong, and the bonds are unbreakable. I have had wonderful times at social events and completing service. Greeks take so much pride in academics as well. The SLU Greek?s GPA is higher than SLU?s all campus GPA, that is awesome.
It is unknown who said this, but this sums up being in a sorority perfectly. ?People ask why I am in a sorority and I try to explain all the things a sorority is that they cannot see. A sorority is more than letters on a sweatshirt, I say, more than traditional songs, a gold pin, rituals, and obligation, or a way of life. A sorority is learning about people, a sorority is giving without expecting a return. A sorority is earning respect from others, as well as for yourself. A sorority will not solve all your problems. But I have made good friends and found confidence there to help me take life one step at a time.?
Next time, before judging one fifths of SLU?s population, I suggest Geerts and other non- Greeks take a better look at all the wonderful things us Greeks stand for, before judging us. They should not get their perceptions of SLU?s Greek life from Hollywood and other media. I am Greek, and I am proud.
SC • Sep 22, 2011 at 1:37 pm
The fact that you graduated you’re still wrapped up in SLU greek life drama concerns me. “Grow up Peter Pan Count Chocula”, there’s a whole world out there.
AK • Sep 22, 2011 at 10:21 pm
I am still an undergraduate student at SLU. I became an alumni of my sorority this spring. Sorry I am not sorry I still care about my sorority and being Greek!
Frank Marciatti • Sep 18, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Sounds like someone’s got a grudge.
P.s. hipsters are closet conformists.
Emily Reber • Sep 17, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Ciao Maddie,
I could spend an hour or so crafting a reply to all your points about sororities, and all those made in this Letter to the Editor, but quite frankly I have other things I’d rather be doing with my time. ?Rants aren’t really my thing, not to mention I think the other pro-Greek life commenters probably did a better job verbalizing the great things about being in a Greek organization than I could. ?But I did want to write a quick note since I consider us amiche that I think it is hurtful and entirely unfair for you to be judging sororities so harshly. ?The fact that you consider Greek life to be a “brand” is, I think, indicative of how little you know about our organizations. ?Our neon t-shirts reallyyyy don’t matter much to us. ?I mean for heaven’s sake, they’re just t-shirts! ?Sorority life is about so much more than that – for me, it’s like having a concrete support system pushing me to make the most of my college experience, and a tangible group of people to share my memories of these 4 years with. ?Did Kappa Delta try to morf me into some stereotype college girl when I put on that totally outdated neon tshirt on bid day? ?If sororities didn’t allow individuality I’m pretty sure I would have been kicked out of mine a long time ago. ?Finally, I find your comparison of sororities to Nazi’s during the Holocaust to be a complete fallacy, in addition to being entirely inappropriate and untrue. ?I fail to see how you can compare an organization of college women attempting to recruit members who will add new dynamics to our group, through 3 days of “parties”, aka friendly conversations, with the Nazi’s, who tried to achieve through means such as torture and murder the annihilation of Jews, gypsies, Slavs, and homosexuals. ?
My own personal recruitment experience demonstrates how warped your vision of the “rush” process is (we don’t even call it rush.). ?I was the head “Pi chi” this year, so not only was I disaffiliated from my own sorority until bid day, but I, along with 30 other Pi chi’s from each of the 6 sororities on campus, tried to help the potential new members determine which sororities they would feel most comfortable in. ?Obviously we do not see them as different “brands” with the entirely false reputations you cited, but complex organizations with unique traits and characteristics. ?
I agree that there is nothing a Greek can do that a non-Greek can’t, but the fact that Being Greek helps with networking later in life is undeniable. ?Greeks only make up 2% of the US population, but ALL the Apollo 11 astronauts were Greek. ?All but 2 US presidents since 1825 have been Greek, along with over 30% of the US congress and of Fortune 500 execs. ?
Ok so I guess I got on a bit of a roll there, but I like I said I was a little upset over your accusations of sororities. ?Hopefully this will help you understand how those who are a part of Greek life view it. ?We work hard to be nothing like the “typical” sororities portrayed in the media. ?It is so disappointing not to mention unfair when fellow SLU students classify us as just that and even worse attempt to trash our organizations by publicly criticizing us.?
Reebs
Maddie Guy • Sep 19, 2011 at 9:57 am
LOVE YOU REEBS!
no, but for real. we have already talked about this, but i appreciate your comment and you know that your greek affiliation doesn’t change our amiche status one bit.
Kristin Rich • Sep 19, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Reebs, nicely said… just a few more things…
1. My roommate is not Greek, one of my best friends whose wedding I was a bridesmaid in is not Greek, and some of my best friends are in other sororities. I have friends in every one of the sororities on campus, and have plenty of non affiliated friends as well. Ask any girl in a sorority, and I can almost guarantee she has absolutely nothing against non-Greeks. If non-Greeks have a problem with our organizations, well that’s a shame.
2. I don’t know if this came up in the hours of research you did for this piece, but there are sororities on this campus that raised over $10,000 in one year alone for different organizations. We put our time and energy into these philanthropic causes, and I personally take it extremely offensively to hear you say we don’t take our service endeavors seriously. Look at the good Greeks do on this campus before you judge them.
3. If you want to see Greek’s looking materialistic and superficial at our best, look at the albums of any of the 50 members who went on the spring break mission trip. It happened to be the largest SLU mission trip this year. Greeks from all different sororities and fraternities travelled together and repaired houses in the poverty stricken Appalachia for a week instead of living this “superficial” life style you claim we all lead… seeing as we all wore the same pair of pants all week and smelled like sweat and mud.
Listen to yourself and look in the mirror. It isn’t us who limit individualism, it’s people who clump “Greeks”, “Non-Greeks”, and anyone else and shove stereotypes down their throats. Maybe you don’t agree with recruitment and you’re entitled to your opinion… if it’s well backed and accurate. But comparing us to Nazi’s is just ridiculous, and making fun of our tanktops is just as bad as you’re saying we are. Maybe if you really looked into it, you’d be able to see that each sorority does offer something just a little bit different, and we each have something special to give. I personally think here at SLU, Greek life gives you a place to feel at home and a way to embrace your individuality and leadership capabilities, and I know I wouldn’t be the strong woman I am today without the women I’ve been blessed enough to call my sisters.
jon flippen • Sep 17, 2011 at 3:35 pm
you just compared girls rush to the holocaust…
Kate • Sep 17, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Gabriele-
Thanks for having the guts to say what many of the rest of us are thinking about Greek life. I strongly agree that college is a place to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. As a business school student, I know the importance of networking. I’ve spent the past couple years establishing relationships with different firms in the St. Louis area. I find it amusing that those in Greek life believe that being a “sister for life” will have long-term benefits in the real world. Business professionals are looking for hard-working, personable, and intelligent employees. Hate to break it to you girls, but being Greek doesn’t give you that instant “in” you claim to have. And if you’re planning on relying on your philanthropy efforts, you may want to rethink that. One of the reasons I came to SLU was that it places a huge emphasis on service. I’ve taken advantage of that during my time here, and I have accumulated over 300 hours of service. I’d like to think that’s a pretty cool thing to talk about during an interview, and it stands out just a little bit more than someone who does ten hours of service one week out of the entire year.
First cuts based on GPA? That seems odd considering the girls rushing are first semester freshmen with a GPA of 0…
ERIK • Sep 17, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Before I say anything I would like to say that I am not greek. I do, however, have many friends that are greek. The way I see it, its all about respect. If you want to be in a sorority, fine. Its your life, not mine. I chose to not be greek, and my friends that are greek respect my choice just like I respect theirs. Its a two way street. I do agree that sometimes, sororities can be a little ridiculous with their chants and secrets and whatnot but does it really have that much of an impact on someone that they have to write an article about it? Does it bother you that much that you have to make fun of everyone that is greek? Don’t you have anything better to do with your time? I believe everyone is titled to their own opinion but there is a fine line between expressing your opinions and being rude. Maybe the author shouldn’t have been so judgmental. She talks about how sororities are judgmental, but does she know what she is doing? I dont think that the author really thought of what the consequences would be after this was published. I hope for her sake that she does not have any friends that are greek because they are all going to be upset. Like I said in the beginning, its all about respect and clearly she has no respect for anyone else but I would be willing to bet that she demands respect from all of her friends. I respect her for her opinions, but I think the article was a way of letting out hatred rather than a well-written editorial.
Alisa Richter • Sep 16, 2011 at 11:51 pm
I respect you putting your opinion out there. I just want to say that I am Greek and I love greek life. I would not have met as amazing women as I have or have had as many wonderful opportunities.
Also greek life is a lifelong thing. As a member of my sorority I will always have connections and people who will support me when I need it. My mom was in greek life in college and now she is able to still be an active member of her sorority. How many clubs or organizations could you go back to after 20 years and still be part of a great organization?
AR • Sep 19, 2011 at 11:41 am
That is actually cool. I have never heard of that. But that is exactly my point about having all these connections. So, you can see what we are saying. From what you say the Society of Sacred Heart sounds a lot like a sorority. Sisterhood, great connections, rituals, history, making a family, etc. All of those reasons are why I joined a sorority and why tons of other people do every year.
Casey Goon • Sep 16, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Comparing us to Hitler and the Nazis is really unnecessary. The Nazis are responsible for killing millions of people. You can hardly compare our recruitment process to something like that. Not to mention that we DON’T have a power point of girls pictures. 400 girls went through rush. Do you really think we have time to do that, even if we wanted to? Not only do we have better things to do, but we also don’t judge solely based on looks, regardless of what you say.
There are so many great people at SLU that I’ve come to love and respect. Some are Greek, and some are not. We’re all people, and we’re all just trying to make our way in the world. Greeks and non-Greeks do great things for the community every day. If the Greek system is doing more good than harm to the university’s atmosphere, which I whole-heartedly believe to be true, then why nit-pick us on the petty things like wearing neon? It’s immature and irrelevant. Not to mention that I doubt that you have had anything to do with creating the trends we adhere to, so don’t tell me I’m welcome.
Just because YOU don’t see the benefits to being Greek doesn’t mean that WE don’t. There are probably things that you do that other people don’t see benefit to. That doesn’t give anyone the right to disrespect you in the way that you’ve disrespected us. To each his own, just like you said. So leave us alone. We’re individuals just like you are. We just made a decision to join a group that you didn’t. Just because the college experience we that we chose is different from the one you chose doesn’t mean it’s worse. I think it’s better, which is why I joined a sorority.
Lizzy • Sep 16, 2011 at 8:42 pm
I’m a GDI – You’re giving us a bad name.
SC • Sep 16, 2011 at 6:33 pm
I understand the anger and rage in many of the posts above however I stand by this writer. This is her opinion and she has a right to speak her mind. It is also not a personal attack on any individuals involved, it is on the system that you have all become wrapped up in. Sorry sisters the truth hurts. There is no need for you to try to deny many of the points this author made. Sorority rush first cuts are made by a powerpoint presentation of pictures where they determine which girls are “rush crush” worthy. This is before the girls are even met by the sorority per suing them. It’s no secret ladies it’s campus wide knowledge. Personally the thought of this pure judgement makes me sick to my stomach. It’s repulsive that a social system even on a minor level like this still exists today. Though on this Jesuit universities campus it has been normalized so that everyone looks beyond the whole picture and just sees the friends they made and the fun they offer. Wake up because in one to four years your going to realize this campus had a lot more to offer then greek life and you missed your chance. This author is simply reminding those who are not yet lost.
QW • Sep 16, 2011 at 6:55 pm
First cuts are actually usually based on a grade point average, so let’s make that clear. I believe what is most frustrating to those in Greek life is how little knowledge and research this author has done, particularly when she should realize that this type of letter will receive a large amount of backlash. It’s okay to voice your opinion; it’s not okay to attack a system, made up of individuals you hardly know (the tanning remarks and clothing remarks were highly uncalled for).
Margaux • Sep 18, 2011 at 9:58 am
This writer did realize the large amount of backlash she would receive, which is why it’s great that she wrote it anyway. It is definitely okay to attack a system if you think it isn’t right, if it represents all of the things you don’t believe in.
JB • Sep 18, 2011 at 11:58 am
“Sorority rush first cuts are made by a powerpoint presentation of pictures where they determine which girls are ?rush crush? worthy.”
To begin, I would like to say that this is PATENTLY UNTRUE statement. This is absolutely NOT how sororities choose cut or accept members at Saint Louis University. Next time, get your information from a real-life source, and not from “The House Bunny.”
Also, the first cuts are made AFTER we’ve met and talked with the women who are rushing. I can’t imagine how you came up with this nonsense about sororities cutting girls before we’ve even talked to them.
Ms. Geerts’ letter and your comment are inaccurate descriptions of the system in which we’ve become “all wrapped up,” and it’s extraordinarily frustrating for people who are clearly not involved in the Greek system to pass judgement on what they incorrectly believe goes on in the Greek system. Have you ever been on the sororities’ side of recruitment? Have you ever been a member of a sorority at all? No, and I find it repulsive and rather disconcerting that you’re trying to pass off your misinformation as facts.
SC • Sep 22, 2011 at 1:29 pm
JB
I wish my source was a movie but I actually have never seen that movie nor do I want to. My source came directly from the mouths of many of your sisters. Maybe you should add a night to rush to make sure your new recruits can hold on to the sisterly secrets under the influence. Here’s a tip 80% of this school is non greek and it’s probably not just because they are not cool or do not have fun. If want people to believe sororities do good then try reflecting that aspect. Gabriele’s article is from her perspective, no one enjoys being disliked, but it is not a journal it was a letter so she did not need to do any research. If someone were to write an article like that they definitely have to do research or possibly like sit at the Dematt desk ten hours a week perhaps? This is a letter of constructive criticism so pipe down and take it.
Here’s a few tips I think might be helpful in preventing future PR problems.
Remind your sister not to loudly chit chat (in all the places on campus you’ll be seen the most) about how fat ugly girls will not be tolerated this year. Look in the mirror ladies, do all of your friends from home or childhood fit the “type” your sisters search for during rush week? If you really think so you need a reality check, the world is not plastic. This whole idea is quite interesting to me because selecting friendships based on physical similarities among white women is caused by a lack of self esteem. Look it up. Instead of spending your time trying to achieve physical perfection try trying to figure out why you insecure and accept yourself you are not in seventh grade anymore. People will probably like you a little more than and you will feel the need to have the power to discriminate a bunch of nervous eighteen year olds. Again I’m not trying to point figures I’m trying to show that if it’s not done right it’s a really bad never ending cycle and the effects are detrimental to the campus community and your futures.
TR • Sep 16, 2011 at 6:07 pm
I’m feeling very embarrassed for all of you that keep saying this is an article. Please open your eyes and notice that this is a letter to the editor. She does NOT work for the UNews in any way. Why should the UNews be ashamed and pull this article? This does NOT represent the opinion of the UNews. What, are you people afraid of a little criticism? She is voicing her opinion. Although it is quite in-your-face, it is ultimately her view. Are we as a university not allow to have opinions that may not be popular? I hate to break it to you, but in the real world there will be people who you don’t get along with or don’t share the same opinions with. Isn’t that what’s ultimately so great about this country? We can all have our own opinions, whether pro-Greek or anti-Greek.
EB • Sep 16, 2011 at 5:05 pm
I would first like to express that I find the comments regarding the author’s rumored Recruitment experience tacky and uncalled for. I expect more class from my fellow members of Greek life. Have a little more poise; don’t reply to snark with equally snarky and even elitist-sounding comments. It only feed’s the young woman’s arguments.
As a proud alumna of SLU and its outstanding Greek system, I find this article to be full of offensive assumptions. I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I do believe that opinions should be shaped by facts… clearly the author of this letter did not take the time to educate herself about the realities of Greek life at SLU.
If the author wants to portray Greek life as a catalyst for division within the student body, and therefore a negative aspect of student life, I’d like to see her next tackle and discredit the College Republicans, College Democrats, Smoke-Free SLU, Students for Life, and any other organization that argues for a cause or holds an explicit opinion.
I had the good fortune to participate in Sorority Recruitment not only as a Potential New Member and an Initiated Member, but also as a Pi Chi, or disaffiliated Panhellenic Counsellor. For the author to assume that all PNMs must “check their identities at the door” is absurd. Because Pi Chis disaffiliate for the weeks leading up to Recruitment, it is tradition for the PNMs to try and guess which sorority their Pi Chi leaders are in. Most of the time, almost every guess is wrong, proving that each sorority is full of individuals, not pre-selected prototypes as the author would have you believe.
As far as the sincerity of the friendships that are formed because of Greek life: I can say with absolute certainty that some of my sisters are the most sincere and cherished friends in my life. Though my sisters are not the only dear friends I have, they’ve comforted and supported me at my lowest and celebrated me at my best- as I have for them. There’s no price in the world that could buy something like that and I can only hope that everyone can be as blessed as I have been to have such caring and graceful women in my life. We’re bonded not because we tan together (I don’t think one of them has ever set foot in a tanning salon), because we buy our designer purses together (I’ve owned one designer bag in my life; it was ugly and I donated it to Goodwill), or because we wear the same t-shirts (very proudly, I might add), but because we share the same values and happen to find each other immensely entertaining most of the time.
As the author states, college is a time to prepare for the “real world.” Greek organizations are perhaps some of the best places to prepare for adult life: one must learn to respect and get along with people one might not find pleasant, to show up to events on time and ready to complete the task at hand, to budget time effectively, to speak in front of large groups… the list could go on and on. And perhaps most importantly, Greek organizations are a wonderful way to give back to the community, even if the author chooses to refute this fact. Giving within the Greek community goes well beyond one week of activities in the spring. Many – I would even venture to say most- sorority women are constantly volunteering or raising money for their chapter’s chosen philanthropy or another charitable organization. I know of at least one sorority that consistently clocks more service hours than APO (the national SERVICE fraternity) on an annual basis.
In conclusion, I’m going to echo many of the other comments: don’t knock Greek life until you’ve tried it. Yes, it’s not for everyone, but no one expects it to be. Being Greek isn’t about who you know, where you party, or how much money you spend, and it’s not about being “YOU”. It’s about being the BEST “you” you can be, regardless of what kind of t-shirt you wear.
:) • Sep 16, 2011 at 3:12 pm
If I were the UNews, I would blackball this girl.
KG • Sep 16, 2011 at 1:52 pm
I completely agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I just wish that it wouldn’t have been written in such harsh terms.
I think that even if you wrote with a little more knowledge about the Greek community and provided factual information, members of this community still would be upset and find something else to complain about. But, it is really hard to critique an entire group of people, the majority of whom you don’t know. I know that it made me upset. I am proud to be in my sorority, but when comments are made like this it makes me feel like I am immediately being judged when I wear my letters.
It makes me sad that you have this point of view on the Greek system- I truly believe that SLU’s Greek life is different than those at state schools. That is personally why I joined a sorority- I honestly would definitely not have at another school. I really think that our system is something special because people don’t come to us because they want to live in a cool house- they come to us to make great friends and because they want to belong to something special.
I was an Oriflamme leader as well and as much as I wanted people to Go Greek, I also told people that it only makes up a small percentage of our SLU community and that they could have a great experience here whether they join or not.
In Greek life, I am still able to participate in many things that I love with a variety of different people- I belong to a lot of clubs and hold leadership positions in organizations OTHER than Greek life. In fact, a lot of campus leaders at SLU are affiliated with Greek life. Additionally, I am friends with girls in other sororities AND many of my best friends aren’t even in the Greek system (two of my roommates, for example). We aren’t exclusive- we may hang out together, but it is the same as just hanging out with a group of friends you love.
I hope that you didn’t have a bad experience with someone in the Greek system and I hope that we can do something to change your views. I know that most people involved in Greek life are very welcoming, caring individuals.
We work really hard to accomplish the sisterhoods and brotherhoods that we hold in the Greek community through our activities, and putting them down is upsetting. The men and women who plan things such as philanthropy weeks, sister/brotherhood events, educationals, and events work extremely hard doing so. We are just like any other campus organization that plans events.
I know it may be hard to look past the letters, especially when there are so many negative stereotypes in the media about Greek life, but please please please try to keep an open mind!! There are so many different people in sororities and fraternities and you may be surprised as to how many genuine, quality people that you meet.
C • Sep 16, 2011 at 1:41 pm
I would like to direct your attention to your own line, “How is a solid friendship supposed to form when it is built on predispositions and assumptions?” Just do me a favor and replace “friendship” with “opinion” and keep rereading it until you understand how hypocritical this article is.
Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.
TK • Sep 16, 2011 at 12:52 pm
As a proud member of SLU?s Greek community, I felt personally attacked by the recently published opinion piece questioning its sincerity and contributions to the university. I would like to set straight the inaccuracies straight and respond to the accusations in the article.
College was my opportunity to branch out and try new things, including Greek life. I?d never seen myself as a sorority girl, considering that I favored guys over girl friends, but decided to rush freshman year to step out of my comfort zone. Much to my surprise, I enjoyed it. The women I met were nothing like the stereotypes I envisioned and the organizations had much more to offer than boozy parties and clich? clothing.
An entire night of the recruitment process is devoted to philanthropy. Each sorority sponsors a charity at the national level, but the majority of the ones active on SLU?s campus support at least one additional cause. Several aid local organizations, which allows members to see the impact of their aid instead of just signing a check. All of my sisters attend our local philanthropy at least once a semester, and the majority of them volunteer additional time at other area organizations. Much time is spent preparing for individual philanthropy weeks, and an entire committee of women is assembled to work on raising funds and planning events year-round. To put the amount of work in perspective, only a few women plan social events and the themes and locations are announced only weeks before their occurrence. During my sorority?s three-day philanthropy event last year, we raised about $6000 for a local organization. Even if only one week of our philanthropic involvement is apparent to the rest of SLU?s community, it is impossible to discount the impact of these funds.
It is true that sororities do charge dues; however, they are well-utilized. A portion goes to nationals to fund scholarships, support philanthropy, and cover administrative expenses. The rest is used locally for sisterhood activities (including team-building instruction and leadership skill-building), social events, and a minimal amount for clothing (because we are proud to display our letters and proclaim our involvement). I am involved in several other clubs and organizations on campus and all charge some sort of dues for membership. Sorority dues are no different, just pricier because they are on a national, instead of campus-wide, scale.
Teen comedies and popular culture may depict sorority women as promiscuous partiers, but this is not the case on SLU?s campus. Buying into these stereotypes without experiencing sorority life first-hand is even more judgmental than sorority women are accused of being. All sororities were founded on the basis of furthering scholarship, participating in service, and empowering women. If they were the toxic organizations that they are accused of being, they would not continue to exist centuries after their creation.
T • Sep 16, 2011 at 12:17 pm
I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The anger from reading this article mostly stems from the false facts that this writer is throwing out in hopes to make Greek life look to the readers the same was it looks to the author. If the writer had all the facts straight, and really knew what Greek life was about, and THEN still had this opinion, that would be a different story. Literally.
Kristin • Sep 16, 2011 at 11:51 am
I’d just like to point out that all of the angry responses such as “you clearly didn’t get a bid,” etc. further support the author’s claim that sororities are exclusive and closed-minded. This is, quite possibly, one of the most entertaining editorials I’ve ever read in the UNews. Kudos to the author for having the guts to write this and to the staff for publishing it.
sara • Sep 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm
I’ve been informed by numerous sources that this author did in fact rush and sadly was not offered a bid.
C • Sep 16, 2011 at 5:57 pm
I think it is important to point out that the author did not ever try to rush any sorority on campus. I lived on her floor freshman year and when we were going through recruitment she was not present. Last year she did work as a desk worker in DeMattias Hall, but that’s about as close to Greek life as she ever got. She was never interested in joining a sorority so I’m not exactly sure where you got this information.
Margaux • Sep 17, 2011 at 4:20 pm
This is most definitely not true. Your sources suck.
O • Sep 16, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Actually most of the “no bid” comments are from guys…
Kaitlyn • Sep 16, 2011 at 11:29 am
I wear my letters proud. As do all the other women, and men on campus.
Lauren • Sep 16, 2011 at 11:18 am
I find this article extremely offensive and frankly, outrageous. I understand that the author is entitled to her opinion, and might not be affiliated with the U News, but if she, or anyone else for that fact, plans to post their opinion on a public forum, they most certainly need to get their facts straight.
For the author?s information, I would like to clear up some very obvious misunderstandings that have therefore construed Greek Life to ?limit individualism?, be ?expensive?, and ?time consuming?, along with other statements that will be addressed. To say that Greek Life limits individualism is one of the most offensive statements to me, personally. My sorority PRIDES itself on having a very diverse group of girls that each have their own unique personalities and individualism.
Sororities at SLU, compared to state schools (and just about every other school I know with Greek Life) have the lowest dues, by far. Since you clearly explained that you have no idea where this money goes (another obvious lack of research or depth of information about your topic), I?ll give you a few examples: donations to philanthropy ? which you say we do nothing for, social events ? the venues, food, and music aren?t free, and sisterhoods ? events that help foster our lifelong friendships, which you think aren?t ?sincere?.
To say that sororities are time consuming is another serious lack of information. Sorority life is what you make of it. If a person only wants to go to chapter for an hour a week, and the occasional educational once a month, that?s ALL they are required to attend. Does one hour out of every 168 hours in the week sound time consuming to you? I don?t think so.
As far as philanthropy is concerned, only the students that do not care to participate in the philanthropy events that are very obviously posted on fliers across campus are the people that don?t know anything about our ?charitable acts?. Also, sororities never make the claim to freshman that the only way to make friends in college is to join a sorority. While talking to students as a member of Oriflamme that asked if it was necessary to join a sorority in college to meet people, I told them NO! Greek life makes up fewer than 20% of the student body at SLU, and I, personally, have a lot of friends that aren?t Greek. Of course I encouraged them to Go Greek because it has been one of the best experiences I?ve had at college, but it is definitely not necessary.
Lastly, we do NOT stalk girls on Facebook during recruitment. That is false information, likely garnered from a movie in which Greek Life is portrayed to be superficial and shallow.
Sorry for the novel, but these clarifications needed to be made.
Margaux • Sep 17, 2011 at 5:00 pm
You don’t stalk girls on Facebook during recruitment? For about five minutes freshman year I gave into the herd mindset and joined Greek life, and almost all the girls in my former sorority (I dropped once I remembered I had individuality and willpower) confessed to hella Facebook stalking during rush week. And sororities are time-consuming and expensive. I used to be fairly good friends with many girls whom now I never see any more because they joined sororities and don’t have time for GDIs. And just because SLU apparently has comparatively low dues doesn’t mean Greek life here is cheap. I mean, it’s SLU. Nothing’s cheap. I think that what Miss Geerts is saying is a generally accurate portrayal of how many (not ALL, just MANY) non-Greeks perceive Greek life: superficially and thus needlessly exclusive and judgmental. Of course not all Greeks are betchez, just a lot of people who are superficial, materialistic, and judgmental are also in Greek life. A lot of people who are superficial, materialistic, and judgmental are GDIs as well. I think all of the opinions expressed in this incredibly entertaining commentary are valid, for different reasons. And people can’t attack this girl for expressing her opinion. She’s got a right to express herself, as do we all. Greeks included (whaddup, neon? I mean, I guess). In fact, I think quietly writing a letter to the editor of UNews instead of blasting bad hiphop at top volume in the quad and shouting at people to donate money to a cause they barely remember from the previous schoolyear is a much less annoying way of expressing onself. But that is just my opinion. Which I have a right to.
J • Sep 16, 2011 at 11:02 am
I think the author had the opportunity to express legitimate, albeit personal, discordances with the greek system. Obviously it is not for everyone and I’m sure there are actual pros and cons about the system.
However, her disrespectful and ignorant way of going about this article was immature and combative, not informed and contemplative. A better written article could have looked at the good things that sororities, especially sororities at SLU, do. and then she could have gone into the things that she personally, and probably many people like her, think are bad things about Greek life.
Instead, she resorted to petty name calling and whining, making her sound like a girl who didn’t get in or a brooding teenager who still talks shit about the “popular” girls. This letter made the author seem very immature and uneducated, and I feel bad that she came off that way.
Sidenote: I’m not in Greek life, I have never wanted to join Greek life, but I still respect that decision as a personal one and recognize that there are just as many, if not more, pros to Greek life than cons.
Ralph • Sep 16, 2011 at 11:00 am
“So why is it that we hear more about the decades-themed formal coming up in two weeks instead of the organization in need?”
Decades-themed formal? Oxymoron.
K • Sep 16, 2011 at 12:39 am
While I think the author makes some valid points, many are right to critique the article as it does seem biased and many claims are unsubstantiated.
What’s important to remember is to keep the commentary not personally directed–on both sides. There are some great sororities and fraternities and great people who belong to them. But like any organization, there are sure to be some issues whether that organization be a Greek one or UNews itself.
As the author stated, it’s important to “Go You” and if that you is Greek all the more power to you. If you take an issue with certain practices that the Greek society has, then why not try to highlight those who are doing in a more agreeable manner? Negativity is easy to write about. And again, Greek life at its best as many have said is about forming friendships, networking, etc. If that’s not your cup of tea, which by the way for me it isn’t, then that’s ok. But personally, I don’t feel the need to criticize those who participate in it especially when I have such little experience with it.
I do think you are well within your rights to have an opinion though. As we all do. I think where the article went wrong that instead of focusing in on problems with the Greek system, it seemed to draw from direct critique of specific persons. There is always an exception to the rule, this goes both ways.
As to the Greek system, I encourage you to prove the author wrong and continue to work towards some of the many goods that the society was intended for. Do not look to attack her–you’ll only prove a point.
Keep an open mind. Be respectful.
A • Sep 16, 2011 at 12:37 am
I’m not saying the author is right or wrong, I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I just think you guys should stop bashing the UNews for publishing this “garbage” and complaining about what a horrible journalist this person is, because if you paid closer attention, you would notice that this was a letter to the editor. This girl does not necessarily have any affiliation with the newspaper, it is simply her opinion. So leave the newspaper out of it. I also understand that many people involved in the greek system are angered by this article, but the girl is entitled to her own opinion, so cut her some slack.
Ryan • Sep 16, 2011 at 12:17 am
Complete load of bullshit. Clearly this person either didn’t get a bid or has no idea what Greek life is actually about. Frankly, it’s pathetic that the UNews has resorted to posting such inane, poorly written nonsense. You can use your mocking “quotation marks” to make your “idea” seem like it’s “ironic” and “funny,” but it’s a shitty literary device, from a shitty writer who knows jack shit about Greek life.
Next up from this writer, why Quantum Mechanics is “just” plain too “confusing” to be “true.” Step up your game, University “News.”
Elizabeth • Sep 16, 2011 at 12:06 am
Of course we are entitled to our own opinions, you have yours and I have mine… First off… did you ever go through recruitment and have you ever been on the other side of it? Probably not since you clearly don’t know all the effort and time that is put into anything. If you have never been on the other side you are the LAST person to even give any sort of commentary on how girls are chosen… if you are going to be a true journalist get your facts straight.
Second of all, as you are trying to defame greek life as a whole, I would like to know if you, as part of the UNews, donate money or actually do anything for the community other than writing false stories… I know ALL sororities do community service our for sure.
Third of all, greek life is something that has been established for many years… are you saying that you think it is wrong for strong, smart, independent women to come together and try and prove themselves is a bad thing? Clearly you believe that women should have no rights then if you are judging founding women for establishing help empower women. Girls are never asked to strip away their individuality, again something you would know if you joined a sorority.
But lastly, I could think of a million other reasons to disprove your whole article, but I will leave you with one last reason… 20 years from now when I am looking for a job or need some assistance I will have the support from my sisters. Anywhere and everywhere I go I will have sisters. You talking about knowing the right people… well being in a sorority is the epitome of networking and getting to meet the right people. Who will you have? Your college newspaper staff…?
You article was not as clever as you intended it to be… in fact I am pretty sure most girls will look past it. But some help to you as a journalist… next time write something you have more knowledge on rather than something you barely know, you’re just losing credentials as a journalist.
RF • Sep 17, 2011 at 9:34 am
Reading comprehension fail. This is a letter to the editor and not an article by any stretch of the imagination. The writer has no credentials as a journalist because she isn’t acting as a journalist here, just as a member of the SLU community with an opinion to voice. Next time write something you have more knowledge on rather than something you barely know, you’re just losing credentials as an internet commentator.
Paul • Sep 15, 2011 at 11:07 pm
The University News should be embarrassed for posting this garbage. What a blatantly uninformed and immature attack on Greek Life. No bid.
julie • Sep 15, 2011 at 11:03 pm
you say sorority girl are judgemental?? do you hear yourself?
Fallon • Sep 15, 2011 at 10:03 pm
This article absolutely outrages me. The next time a letter like this is even thought about, research should be done to accurately ‘accusing’ sororities of being judgmental and vein. Most of this information is false and ignorant and I am absolutely appalled that someone could stoop so low as to blatantly insult greek life at SLU. Not all greek life is like this, and some chapters actually work hard on service projects and do well to maintain a family and sisterly aura to them. It is quite obvious that this individual has never experienced or tried greek life here at SLU and is writing this letter in spite and false information. You should never knock anything until you try it. Greek life has been a wonderful addition to my life-even after much hesitation to go greek-and to many other women around the globe. Just because it doesn’t fit into your lifestyle doesn’t mean you should bad-mouth it and attempt to ruin it for others.
Jenae Bretsch • Sep 15, 2011 at 9:53 pm
As a proud member of greek life at SLU, I find this to be EXTREMELY offensive. Philanthropy isnt just one week. At least one of our girls is at our local philanthropy almost EVERY DAY. We raised about 6,000 dollars for girls in need. Also, all of SLU greek life combined raised a huge amount of money for philanthropy during greek week. I find it ironic that you call greek life judgemental, when youre judging greek life, something you obviously know NOTHING about. Try not to be so ignorant.
Madisyn • Sep 15, 2011 at 9:43 pm
What a load of shit. Going Greek is about more than dressing up and being “superficial.” You wanna talk about a predisposition? This article sounds like somebody who has either had zero exposure to the Greek lifestyle or somebody who is angry they didn’t get a bid. Besides you can’t pay for friends like some may claim. Just because you pay a fee doesn’t mean that everyone is required to like you.
All but three US presidents have been Greek. Does that sound like something that could be achieved by a system based solely on looks? As far as I know Harry S.Truman was not the best looking fella.
Get a life and get a clue.