I am almost always a person who intervenes when I see something that is out of control. It seems like whenever I go out with friends I always end up babysitting some sick person who couldn't get themselves home. Or if I stay in, I get a call from someone who needs to be picked up from somewhere or who wants someone to cry to. This is not a role that I necessarily cherish, but someone has to do it. I would rather have an annoyance in my night than let a friend remain in an unsafe situation.


I went to New Orleans over spring break and got to spend a few nights on Bourbon Street. A friend was visibly drunk and stumbling around. I repeatedly took drinks from her and urged the others that we were with to not supply her with any alcohol. Everyone saw her stumbling and generally embarrassing herself. I decided that the situation could get dangerous (or she could get into legal trouble) so I made the decision to take her back to the hotel. I had to deal with resistance from her (which i expected) but also the rest of our group, who told me that she was fine to stay. I felt really uncomfortable with the idea of her staying, so we left. Of course, the night could have turned out fine, but I was not willing to risk any negative consequences on something that could be easily avoided.


I think the bystander effect has huge implications in the greek community at large. This goes beyond telling your sister when their behavior is bad. As a greek community, we need to help other chapters and foster a sense of caring and unity on an inter-chapter level. We often see chapters that are not as involved as they could be or chapters that get fines or are put on probation. And instead of working as a community to raise our standards and to be more congruent in our values, we make fun of/ostracize chapters that are in trouble. We need to get beyond the gossip and stereotypes that dominates much of the way we discuss other chapters. encouraging and looking out for each other is the only way to create a community where trust and honesty is instinctive. But of course, this behavior must start somewhere and in our own chapters is the place for it to begin.