The "modern woman" has certainly been through a complicated metamorphosis; as everyone knows, there are still many people who consider women the inferior sex, incapable of doing anything a man can do. While many women have formed advocacy groups to support and further women's rights, other organizations unknowingly destroy years of work by dedicated feminists--and the stereotypical attitude of the annual sorority rush process is no exception.

 While it is noted that sororities are social organizations, it should also be noted that sororities have roots in something other than date functions. According to a brochure distributed as promotional material for the 1997 rush process, "Sororities were established over a century ago by women who felt the need to enrich their college experience. Sororities encourage young women to learn and grow in the spirit of sisterhood and friendship while upholding the ideals that are associated with high academic achievement. Through community service projects, campus-wide involvement, and the acquiring of leadership skills, the sorority member not only builds a sense of belonging to the campus but gains fulfillment in her own life as well."

 Okay. Obviously, the sorority claim is that sisters are, or should be, well-rounded individuals with motivations reaching beyond parties and semi-formals. Why isn't this aspect a greater part of the sorority rush process? Why are prospective sisters asked to wear pretty clothes and come to modern versions of the 1952 debutante Sunday social, where debutantes wore white gloves and tea-length dresses and concentrated on keeping their clothes wrinkle-free? Why do "old" sisters tempt rushers with cheesy songs and cheers, practiced months in advance? This isn't Sesame Street--this is college, and we would hope college women wouldn't want to join an organization with a teddy bear as its mascot and a basketball cheer as its credo. Ladies, this process has got to go.

 Sororities were established over a century ago, and perhaps the rush process follows social graces of those times. A modernized rush process should be designed around the modern woman, who, according to many, does not want to be judged simply on the way she looks or on her perfect manners--women today claim to want equal treatment.

 If community service, campus involvement and leadership skills are also high on the sorority priority list, why aren't applicants asked to write an essay as part of the rush process? Applicants could be judged not only on their appearance and social skills, but also on their written communication skills, leadership ideas and potential suggestions for advancement of the sorority. Sure, someone may look like they'd make a really sweet sister or a great party friend, but how many "uncool" people are turned away from Greek life each year--despite any great philanthropic ideas they may have?

 Of course, it's unrealistic to say sororities shouldn't judge based on appearance and personality--those play a role in any organization. But outward appearance should not be the main focus. Many girls who go through rush are putting on a show worthy of an Academy Award; they want those Greek letters and will do anything to be a member of such an elite group. Do sororities want the real deal, or do they want a bunch of superficial women interested only in how to get a date with a frat guy?

 As any social group, Greek organizations will always be under public scrutiny--outsiders will say they convene only to consume alcohol and have a good time. Meanwhile, insiders will defend their position by saying, "Sure, we like to party, but we also had a blood drive last week that was so gosh-darn successful. Can't you overlook the bad stuff?"
 
 If sororities want to break the stereotypes that surround their organizations--that all sorority girls are preoccupied with appearance and drinking, for example--perhaps they should revise their recruitment procedure. Until that day, surely they will be viewed negatively by the rest of us, especially the people who don't get a bid because of the way they look.

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