UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The greek community is complaining about a new TV show, but their complaints are all Greek to me.

Some greeks are up in arms about a new ABC Family show, simply titled Greek. The show, they say, relies on exaggerated stereotypes for entertainment at the expense of the greek community.

Boo-frickety-hoo, greeks.

I’m sure prospective rushes are going to watch the show, realize that greek life is, like, so not for them, and run away screaming when recruitment starts.

Hyperbole is a form of comedy. The reason it’s entertaining is that things like that don’t actually happen in real life. It’s television.

No one is watching Greeks and believing that that is how real greek life is, just like no one is watching The Office or Scrubs and believing that’s how real life offices or hospitals operate. Even reality TV is a joke.

People watch TV as a diversion from real life, not because they want a replay of their days at school or work.

Anyone who thinks that Greek is an accurate portrayal of greek life shouldn’t be someone you would hope to recruit anyway.

And if you think greek life remains an exception to the public’s perception of entertainment, let’s look back at the portrayal of greeks through history, shall we?

The most notable pop culture representation of greek life is in the film Animal House. Clearly, that disparaging exposAc has crippled the greek community since John Belushi screamed “Toga!!!” How in Bluto’s name has greek life recovered?

Perhaps we should look to the thousands of American college students with Belushi posters on their walls.

More recently, we’ve had the Frat Pack’s Old School. Take note: that “Frat Pack” nickname came well after Old School’s popularity peaked.

Now, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn and their ilk have been praised widely by the average college student.

Cries of “We’re goin’ streaking!” and “You’re my boy, Blue!” were ubiquitous at Penn State. Animal House and Old School are stereotypical frat portrayals, but the heroes of those movies have since been lionized by the greek community. How is Greek any different?

Besides, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you have a bad sense of humor and no one likes you.

Take a joke, greeks. Greek is not out to get you.