June 20, 2007

  • Another show that I believe is going to perpetuate the myths of being in a fraternity or sorority. On July 9, 2007, a show called "Greek" is going to premiere on ABC. The poster shows a crushed red Dixie cup. Sure, it's just a cup, but the connotation is that these Dixie cups are used for alcohol at parties. A preview goes on to show a guy who is a "Kappa Tau" walking around in just his boxer shorts and a hat in public and a girl that, reading in between the lines, is going to engage in eating disorder behavior because of an upcoming Rush. There is even a reference to the fraternity comedy "Old School."

    This however, begs the question whether or not television mimics reality, or if it is just pure entertainment? Personally, I do not believe there is such a thing. I cannot help but look at a piece of media and see what images and connotations it creates, fosters, or perpetuates. It is my opinion that there is always a deeper meaning, a deeper reasoning that just what is on the surface. Not in a long while have I seen a movie or a show for pure entertainment. Maybe it is my curse. I find more entertainment in my friends and colleagues, and having conversation and sharing memories with them. For example, to hear about my friend's trip to the Philippines for a cultural immersion study. She told me how she stayed with a Kalinga tribe and conversed with them about philosophical theories and realities. She took me there. I enjoyed that.

    On another note, I believe that the show is going to thrive off of stereotypes of fraternities and sororities. Here is a reality. One of my fraternity brothers lost his father around the time of a large event called Friendship Games. One by one, as brothers were going down to this event, they showed up at his doorstep, to pay their respects to the man who raised our brother and shaped him to be the amazing individual he was. That's what our brotherhood is all about. It's easy for friends to be around when times are good. True brothers and family will stay by your side even when times are bad.