The community gathered to discuss whether or not Greek life and feminism are reconcilable or compatible ideas at the “Rumor Has It” program, sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center on campus.
(CU Independent Illustration/Robert R. Denton)
The “Rumor Has It” program began three years ago to bring together the community to discuss important topics that affect women on and off campus, according to the WRC’s website.
“Generally, people are coming because they want to engage in conversation,” Hannah Wilks, the director of the WRC, said. “It is open for everyone. I encourage people to attend.”
This week’s topic focused on whether or not girls in sororities can be feminists, as well.
Stephanie Baldwin, coordinator for Greek life and leadership programs, said one of the main reasons sororities exist is because feminists gathered together to make a positive change in their academic and social lives.
“Higher education was for rich, white men, and educated women were few and far between during the mid to late 1800s,” Baldwin said. “The reason why organizations were formed, was to promote women empowerment in a hostile environment by forming bonds of sisterhood.”
The group discussed some of the stereotypes associated with sorority women. Some of the common pre-conceived notions brought to the table were wealth, conformity and lack of intelligence.
Kathryn Quinn, an 18-year-old freshman Germanic studies major, said alcohol and partying on campus was a common stereotype, as well.
Baldwin said the media plays a huge role in creating these stereotypes, which she said she finds are mostly incorrect, especially since she became a sorority woman in college herself.
“It was the best investment I’ve ever made,” Baldwin said. “The sorority taught me how to be a feminist. I don’t have to be like everybody else.”
Wilks asked the group what they thought were stereotypes aimed toward feminists. Many preconceived notions were that feminists are people who hate men and think of themselves as superior to the male gender. The students present also said feminists tend to be more liberal, whereas sororities like to hold on to traditions, which is a more conservative social action.
Baldwin said she agrees sororities enjoy tradition, but that they also show themselves to be forward-thinkers.
“I think a lot of that progressiveness comes in the scope of raising money for charities,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin said her own experiences in a sorority helped to develop her feminism and growth as a woman.
“I loved it,” Baldwin said. “It changed my life.”
“Rumor Has It” hosts weekly discussions on Tuesdays from 12-1 p.m. at the WRC offices in the UMC.
Wilks also said she wanted to emphasize the nature of these discussions as conversation rather than debate.
“To make sure that it’s a safe place for everyone to bring their ideas and opinions, really speak from your own personal experiences,” Wilks said. “Use those ‘I’ statements.”
Next week’s topic is about finding jobs in an economic downturn, led by Cori Shaff a counselor at CU’s Career Services dept., according to the WRC’s website.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Catarina Massa At Catarina.massa@colorado.edu.
