Greek life has forever had its nasty connotations. No matter how well established and respectable the fraternity or sorority, it always has a stigmatism attached. Images of aggressive partying, unwarranted sex and jaded attitudes come to mind, no matter how far-off or exaggerated the perceptions may be. Fortunately, a recent letter from a University of Maryland sorority sister, Rebecca Martinson, helps the Greek life reputation, sort of.
The profane email sent to Martinson's fellow Delta Gamma sisters has gone viral and actually encourages the sisters to partake in many of the unsavory activities attached to sorority life.
"If you just opened this like I told you to, tie yourself down to whatever chair you're sitting in, because this email is going to be a rough f------ ride," the note begins. It contains 41 f-words and criticizes the girls of being too awkward and boring during Greek Week. It basically calls them out for not getting belligerently drunk or having sex with members of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Okay, maybe it's not suggesting that the sisters take it that far, but it pushes them to at least break out of their stiff shells.
"Newsflash you stupid c----: FRATS DON'T LIKE BORING SORORITIES. Oh wait, DOUBLE F------ NEWSFLASH: SIGMA NU IS NOT GOING TO WANT TO HANG OUT WITH US IF WE F------ SUCK, which by the way in case you're an idiot and need it spelled out for you, WE F------ SUCK SO FAR." Classic.
The viral email has spawned a slew of parodies, including a reading from actor Michael Shannon via "Funny or Die."
In response to the backlash received from her nasty email, Martinson is no longer a member of the Delta Gamma. She has resigned as the sorority's president.
"This is a regrettable action by a college junior - a personal email that is now on view for a global audience. And as all reasonable people can agree, this is an email that should never have been sent by its author. Period. This email should not be depicted in any way as standard or routine or tied to any official sorority voice. It is not an official voice or message and should not be construed as such. For the young woman who wrote it, we can only express our regret and concerns for landing notoriety in this manner. We now consider this matter closed," the sorority posted on its webpage.
The mayhem is over, but the lesson will remain.