Nov. 30, 2006

Captain’s Log: It’s all Greek to me

Capt. Jon Moffett
jrm001@marietta.edu

Disclaimer: The following are solely the views of Jon Moffett and are not necessarily shared by the staff of the Marcolian. These opinions are not meant to be offensive or insulting in any way, but instead are intended to be entertaining and spark discussion among the student body.

I read something the other day. In the last issue of the Marcolian I read Going Greek: Is it really worth it? More specifically, I read the viewpoint of Adam Hintz, who was against Greek life, and I must say, I don’t agree with him. Now, this is in no way an attack on Mr. Hintz, but I’d like to shed some of my light on this.

We’re going to do something a little different for this edition of the CL . Instead of me belittling something and breaking it apart, I’m going to attempt to build up the credibility of one of the most misunderstood things on this campus: Greek life.

The first point Hintz makes is about the factions that are created by Greek life. Well, how is this different than any other group on campus, such as a sports team? In my personal experiences, I’ve been accepted by all fraternities and sororities, so even if factions are formed, they certainly aren’t exclusive.

Secondly, Hintz mentions how the entire rush process is basically a popularity contest more or less. My freshman year I received a bid from DU, and the next year I was shown interest from the Lambda Chis. This isn’t me bragging, this is me saying that if both of these houses were planning to let me in, then they’d let anyone in. And as far as the members selecting “who they deem worthy,” how else would they do it?

The third and final point he made was about hazing. Now I can’t say that I’ve ever seen or experienced hazing first-hand, so I can’t say whether or not it happens, and to what degree. And I agree with him that hazing can be damaging, but to say that Greek life equates to hazing is a misconception. People are hazed for everything they do. Hell, there’s hazing in the Marcolian office. Greeks may haze, but you know what, I’m sure you do too. In conclusion, both Hintz and I agree on one thing. There are countless positive things that Greek life does for students and for the student body. Fraternities and sororities teach students the value of brother or sisterhood, responsibility, charity, loyalty, and respect for tradition and each other along with countless other qualities.

Am I Greek? No, but that’s totally a personal decision and has nothing to do with the guys and girls involved. Would I recommend Greek life to others? You better believe it.