In undergrad, there was a frat brother who would watch fictional movies and randomly announce which characters he thought would have tried to join black Greek organizations.
Prince Akeem from Coming to America? He would have tried to be an Alpha. Jody from Baby Boy? He was Omega material. Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense? Iota—because he is a ghost.
This brother had no chill.
Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy with clearly defined three-dimensional characters that lends itself to this kind of speculation. To be clear, this is a thought experiment. While I make my living as a philosopher, this is a highly speculative exercise that is grounded in broad generalizations about the organizations, but the question is still an intriguing one: Which black Greek organizations would these characters have tried to join?
I have a few ideas:
1. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: Tyrion Lannister
This is the organization to which I belong, but it is not an attempt to make us look good that convinces me that the Hand of the King would have been at an Alpha informational relentlessly taking notes. It’s his ingenious and yet, at times, ruthlessly understated brilliance.
2. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish
Littlefinger is pretty, petty and particular. He would have been the dude on the yard who was popular with the ladies and dressed to impress, but did it all with a smirk on his face. Not saying he would have gotten into the Kappas, but he definitely would have tried. He is also frequently seen eating candy on-screen. I’ll just say it’s peppermint.
3. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: Khal Drogo
This is obvious. Rough around the edges, but with a good heart and fierce loyalty, Drogo would have been at the Que informational already wearing gold boots, fatigues and a torn purple shirt.
4. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity: Jon Snow
Jon is brilliant, loyal, courageous and sometimes mocked because he is trying to do the right thing. Like Jon’s role in the show, Sigmas are an indispensable part of the Divine Nine.
5. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity: Jaime Lannister
This character is handsome and passionate and was missing for half the show. They are plenteous on the East Coast, but Iotas can be hard to find in the South and Midwest. Jaime would have tried to pledge Iota.
6. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: Cersei Lannister
She is regal. She is bougie. She prides herself on her outward appearance, and she is not one to be trifled with. She may not get her hands dirty, but she will ruin your life if you cross her. Sounds like an AKA to me.
Cersei would be at the AKA informational ready to remind folks of her family’s background.
7. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: Arya Stark
This character’s story arch is the most gangsta. When we met her, she was wide-eyed and naive. After she pledged the House of Black and White, she became a cold, calculating assassin. The cold open of season 7 let us know that she doesn’t forget, she doesn’t forgive and she is loyal to family. Arya would certainly be attracted to the crimson and cream.
8. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority: Sansa Stark
The eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell and his wife, Lady Catelyn, Sansa learned that King’s Landing was a much harsher environment than she expected. No one was to be trusted—no one but family. Zetas and Sigmas have a unique connection. Sansa would join her half brother and share that special bond.
9. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Daenerys Targaryen
Not many took her seriously. They thought her an insignificant threat to the Iron Throne. She spent time wandering in the wilderness while she slowly and methodically built an army and learned to control her dragons. Dany would be at SGRho events plotting how to take over the yard.
Additional Notes:
Samwell Tarly would have pledged Alpha. Missandei would have been an AKA. Grey Worm would have been an Omega. And Ramsay Bolton would have been a lacrosse player who joined a white Greek organization at an Ivy League university.
Let’s discuss in the comments, or simply feel free to tell me how right I am.
