THE BIG STORY

Top Ten Lessons About Fraternities and Sororities in the Movies

BRIAN C. JOHNSON, the CAMPUSPEAK resident movie expert, uses the latest mainstream films to entertain and educate students about important topics impacting campuses. In addition to his acclaimed keynote, Reel Diversity, where he helps student break down cultural barriers while watching clips from their favorite flicks, Brian offers three new programs using movies to promote student learning.

In Reel Diversity: Move Over Chuck & Larry, Brian helps students have deeper conversations about sexual orientation, and in We’ve Scene It All Before: College Life in the Movies, Brian helps students navigate the first year by exploring the facts about college life as presented by the Hollywood myth machine. Brian offers an all-inclusive experience—laughter and learning—and reminds us all about the power of relationships, community, diversity and leadership.

In his other brand new keynote Reel Greek: When Hollywood Boulevard Meets Greek Row, Brian exposes Hollywood’s truths and lies about fraternities and sororities by viewing recent comedic blockbusters that don’t quite represent the realities on college campuses. Brian’s main thought about these “Hollow-wood” image of fraternity and sorority life: It’s OK to laugh at, but not ok to live!  While great programming for fraternity and sorority chapters, Brian feels ANY student group could benefit from booking Reel Greek on their campus, in the hopes that this highly educational and entertaining keynote could help dispel widely accepted myths of fraternity and sorority life.

Following are Brian’s Top 10 Things College Movies FORGOT to Tell You about Fraternity and Sorority Life, some of which are covered more in-depth in his Reel Greek keynote:

1. Women in sororities are not having topless pillow fights, aren’t making breakfast in the buff, and do not only wrap a towel around their waists when they get out of the shower.
It is true that most sororities promote women’s healthy body image and self esteem, this type of unshackled “freedom” is just pure Hollywood fantasy.

2. The “super senior” who never wants to graduate really isn’t that cool. 
There are very few of us who can afford to stay in school for seven or eight years—who has that kind of money to waste?!

3. Academic excellence is a good thing and won’t make you a social misfit or outcast.
Educational research has proven that many fraternities and sororities not only promote academic achievement, but actively push their members to excel in the classroom and beyond!


4. Nobody is having that much sex and nobody is drinking THAT much!
 
Let’s not be fooled by Hollywood’s tricks—that is NOT beer; it’s colored water! Seriously though, risky sexual behavior and alcohol consumption are correlated, but binge drinking has been on the decrease and fraternities and sororities are taking the lead in promoting responsible behavior!

5. Your organization can have more than ONE “diverse” member (however you define “diversity”).
In the 21st century global marketplace, employers are searching for potential employees who are skilled at building cross-cultural relationships. You can increase your own marketability by learning to harvest the benefits of diversity on your campus. Practice inclusivity, not exclusivity!

6. No formal fraternity ritual includes men standing around in their boxers or tighty-whities or performing sex acts with farm animals.
 
While these practices make for some funny movie moments, they should not be taken seriously. The true fraternity ritual is where values, traditions, and principles are cemented; in turn, chapters find their collective mission and members their individual purpose.

7. Winning Greek Week will not make the campus worship your organization nor will it guarantee the student government election.
There is nothing wrong with a little healthy competition between organizations, and involvement in campus affairs is beneficial for the entire campus community. Members of fraternities and sororities consistently show committed leadership and are concerned about making a positive difference on campus.
 

8. Membership does not ensure you a cushy Fortune 500 job after graduation—you will have to ace the interview like everyone else.
Hollywood would have you think that just being a member guarantees you an executive job as soon as you graduate. Some people join fraternities and sororities for this reason alone. The international fraternal network offers many connections, but we must actively learn and practice the skills that make us employable.

9. Philanthropy and community service are at the core of our values. (BTW—refer back to #1 on this one too)
 
Despite the oft-associated negative stereotypes about who we are and what we do, members and chapters across the globe are MAKING A DIFFERENCE offering countless hours of volunteer service and millions of dollars in contributions to local, state, and national charities.

10. If you don’t like the stereotypes about fraternity and sorority life, YOU can change them!
No need to say anything more here!
 

All four of Brian’s REEL keynotes are available now for Fall 2010 bookings, and are perfect for diversity, first year experience, multiculturalism, fraternity and sorority life, res life and social justice programming. Call CAMPUSPEAK today to schedule during prime dates.