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Tri Delta national headquarters responds to ABC series
Laura Bryant
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Campus
ABC Family's new series Greek is stirring more than just laughter across the campus of Miami University.
Described as a dramedy, the series relies on traditional stereotypes of fraternities and sororities to create drama. The Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) sorority, among others, has nationally formed several statements in regards to the content of the show.
"We realize it is entertainment," said Michelle Shimberg, the international president for Tri Delta. "There are things exaggerated and overdone. We wanted to speak out to those who watch the show to offer a more balanced view of what the Greek environment is all about."
The Greek community rests upon five pillars: service and philanthropy, scholarship and learning, leadership, brotherhood and sisterhood, and community. Miami senior Amanda Makulec, vice president of standards of the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Leadership, believes the show Greek does not represent these pillars that the Greek community-including Miami's-uphold.
"It does not follow with the fundamental principles of Panhellenic, as outlined in our creed and mission, which is difficult to remedy," said Makulec, via e-mail. "When a program sheds so much negative light on being Greek-through commercials, marketing, and the show itself-it is difficult to appreciate the entertainment value the show holds for many other individuals."
However, according to Shimberg, nationally Tri Delta does see positive potential of the show Greek.
"It is obviously very popular and ABC has extended the show's run, and so to us that seems like a very positive opportunity to have people who are watching the show learn about the Greek system," Shimberg said. "We think that the positive side of the show is that there is interest in the Greek community and what it means to be part of the Greek community and for us that's very positive."
However, a concern for Miami's Greek community is how potential members, who have not yet been educated about Greek life, may view it.
Described as a dramedy, the series relies on traditional stereotypes of fraternities and sororities to create drama. The Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) sorority, among others, has nationally formed several statements in regards to the content of the show.
"We realize it is entertainment," said Michelle Shimberg, the international president for Tri Delta. "There are things exaggerated and overdone. We wanted to speak out to those who watch the show to offer a more balanced view of what the Greek environment is all about."
The Greek community rests upon five pillars: service and philanthropy, scholarship and learning, leadership, brotherhood and sisterhood, and community. Miami senior Amanda Makulec, vice president of standards of the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Leadership, believes the show Greek does not represent these pillars that the Greek community-including Miami's-uphold.
"It does not follow with the fundamental principles of Panhellenic, as outlined in our creed and mission, which is difficult to remedy," said Makulec, via e-mail. "When a program sheds so much negative light on being Greek-through commercials, marketing, and the show itself-it is difficult to appreciate the entertainment value the show holds for many other individuals."
However, according to Shimberg, nationally Tri Delta does see positive potential of the show Greek.
"It is obviously very popular and ABC has extended the show's run, and so to us that seems like a very positive opportunity to have people who are watching the show learn about the Greek system," Shimberg said. "We think that the positive side of the show is that there is interest in the Greek community and what it means to be part of the Greek community and for us that's very positive."
However, a concern for Miami's Greek community is how potential members, who have not yet been educated about Greek life, may view it.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Cary Dice
posted 8/31/07 @ 10:06 AM EST
I've been in the advertising agency business for over thirty years. When I started, there were still some vestiges of what you can see on AMC's "Mad Men" series - most women were secretaries, smoking was widespread in the office, cocktails at lunch, etc. (Continued…)
taylor.oneal
Taylor O
posted 8/31/07 @ 10:43 AM EST
The Greek community rests upon five pillars: pointless philanthropy, drinking and sex, false self-esteem, friendship by proximity (not authentic values), and conformity. (Continued…)
Dylan A.
posted 8/31/07 @ 10:47 AM EST
Lets be honest here, the show depicts what most people think of when they think of the greek system and a show about "brothers and sisters" doing community service work would not be that interesting now would it?
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