Controversy and Social Media

Controversy and social media

            ‘Pepsi’s recent ad starring Kendall Jenner caused quite an uproar on social media. The ad takes place at a protest, in which Kendall leaves a photo shoot to join people from different cultural backgrounds. The advertisement, which has now been pulled, sparked outcry.

         This advertisement has given another example of how important social media is in the success or failure of a campaign. Within hours of the ad being released, social media was lit up with opinions from consumers. There are people who see no issue with the ad, but those opinions are overshadowed by those opposed to the ad. While the ad is not inherently offensive, the way it is a perceived affects the audience’s response. The ad contained a likeness to a photograph from a Black Lives Matter protest, and many people felt that this action generalized the efforts of those involved in these protests.

         Social media can make or break a company’s reputation, and these past few weeks have given many examples of how important it is to have a positive presence on social media. Social media lets the opinion of the consumer be heard immediately by a company. This instantaneous feedback helps companies learn how to properly target their audience.

Giving Back and Dancing the Night Away

Giving Back and Dancing the Night Away

            This past week, I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in Central Michigan University’s Greek Week. During Greek Week, fraternities and sororities are paired up to form teams. These teams then compete in different events throughout the week. The goal is to raise money for a selected organization. This year the Greek community was supporting the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center and the Kristy Malter Foundation. Kristy Malter was a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta who passed away from bacterial meningitis this summer, so this Greek Week was personal for many of those participating.

            The week concluded with each team performing a mock rock, a dance performed to a medley of songs that tells a story. Each team competes in front of each other, spectators, representatives from each organization, and a panel of judges. At the conclusion of the event, one team is crowned the champions of mock rock, and then there is a team titled as Greek Week champions. Although there is plenty of friendly competition, the whole goal of Greek Week is to raise money, and this year the CMU Greek community surpassed the amount raised in 2016 by $16,000. The total amount raised was $83,500.

            This past week I spent late nights learning new dances, and I spent my afternoons playing athletic games and volunteering to give back to the children of the ICCAC. Even though this week was exhausting, seeing how everyone’s work impacted the community made everything worth it.

Going Greek

Going Greek

         It was a chilly fall day and hundreds of girls gathered outside rows of tall, white tents. The inside of the tents rung with the singing of sisters waiting to welcome home a new class. I was overwhelmed with nerves, and I couldn’t help but compare myself to the multitude of girls surrounding me. I was waiting to find my home away from home, and honestly I just wanted to find a group of women that would love me for who I am.

         Hours passed, and I had been in more tents than I could count on one hand. I had been in many tents where I could feel at home, and I knew this would make the process even harder. There were only a few tents left for me to visit, and I was struggling to keep my energy up to make a good impression. It was time for me to enter one of my finally tents, and I was ready. The girls began to cheer, as my group lined up. We were introduced one by one to a sister, and they took us to have a conversation where they get to know us better. I didn’t want to jump the gun, but I felt that this could be the place I can call home. Day one was complete, and I was feeling torn. I didn’t want to set my hopes on a chapter that may drop me, but it was too late. I had my eyes set.

         The recruitment days went by, the houses I returned to got less and less, and eventually I was down to two. Of the two houses I had left, the one I had my heart set on was listed. I was overjoyed, but the process wasn’t done yet. I tried to remember that I needed to keep an open mind, but it is hard to keep an open mind when you already have your heart set.

         It was bid day, and I waited intently with my group to find out where I would be jumping home. I got my letter, and I could feel my heart beating in my throat. I was filled with suspense as I opened my envelope to reveal the chapter I would join. I laid my eyes on the crest and I could feel my smile grow. I had received a bid from the chapter I had my heart set on. This week had been stressful, and there were many times that I wanted to drop. The moment I opened my envelope made it all worth it. I had found my home, not just for four years, but for life.