Have you heard of Delta Gamma’s Bronze, Pink & YOU campaign? Every month we focus on a different wellness topic that helps guide, educate and empower our members, and friends, to make informed choices in their day-to-day lives. Bronze, Pink & YOU plays off of our motto (and our colors) to serve as a constant reminder to “Do Good.”
October’s theme is #TalkGOOD and, clearly, it doesn’t focus on using proper grammar. Rather it focuses on the impact our words and messages can have on both ourselves and those around us.
Using social media has truly helped sisters stay connected and build strong bonds far past their collegiate days and across the world. Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, GroupMe, Facebook groups … they all help achieve this undeniably positive outcome. However, expressing yourself on social media can also have negative consequences, as it lends itself to abandoning morals and ideals under the perceived protection of anonymity.
Finstas. Their existence isn’t a problem. In fact, we heard from many of our own sisters that they use them to be “silly and real” and share their raw, unedited and honest thoughts and life updates. From the Fraternity perspective, we are not concerned if your account has your name on it or it doesn’t. Just know that you are always connected to Delta Gamma. Chances are, there is at least one person who follows you and knows who you are. Therefore you are a representation of a Delta Gamma woman.
We don’t want to criticize social media, rather we want to help you make informed decisions for how you choose to express yourself in this public space. It’s not about how or where you post, it’s about what you post.
The account may be anonymous. But the message you’re sending isn’t. What do we mean by that?
Example A:
You may say that you respect other cultures and other identities. But if the words you use in your Snapchat story are slanderous or degrading to a group of people, does that show respect? You may say that you have a heart for serving those less fortunate than you. But when you make homelessness a costume, does that show respect? The message you’re sending through your actions is contradictory to who you say you are.
Example B:
You may say that Delta Gamma helps you become a better version of yourself. But when you think it’s okay to talk negatively about one of your sisters behind their back, is that really the best version of yourself? You may say that Delta Gamma is about furthering your educational and cultural interests. But when you post on Instagram that you and your sisters skipped class because you were too hungover, what does that say about what DGs truly value?
When a photo or caption posted on Instagram or sent on Snapchat is problematic, it’s that person’s behavior that is the problem. You can ask a sister to take down a post that’s offensive or inappropriate, but doing it “because it makes Delta Gamma look bad” shouldn’t be the reason. It should be because the message that they’re sending is that their actions don’t match their verbal intentions or commitment to DG. We should be focusing on how we can help that sister better align her actions with her morals, instead of only being angry that the picture was posted.
When you joined Delta Gamma you made a commitment, a pledge, to uphold our values. Not just because someone tells you to, but because you share those same values. This is why we have a Social Media Policy - we want to help you do and say what you promised; it’s not a restriction, it’s a reminder. Whether in person or in writing. Whether in pictures in a frame or pictures that disappear after 10 seconds. Every message you send has an impact. Because they’re not just our values, they’re yours too. Remember your Oath.
TDH, sisters.