Greek system doesn't promote pride or activism as letter-writer argues

This letter is in response to a letter written by Pi Kappa Alpha president Douglas Lipsky ("Letter-writer's attacks unfounded, hypocritical," March 11). In said editorial, Mr. Lipsky defends both his pathetic organization, as well as the equally pathetic body that oversees the entire Greek system. In his argument, pride in the system is placed in the forefront as he takes offense to the anti-Greek sentiments portrayed in the school newspaper. He writes that pride cannot be seen, but the actions Greeks carry out can be seen. Pride is displayed in an individual's interactions with others, in their personal conduct, and their adherence to personal ethics. To claim accomplishments as a source of pride for the Pike house is questionable judging from their public actions and their membership in the Greek system.

As far as the Greeks' interaction with others, I can speak both on a personal and general level. On a personal level, I have lost several friends to the black hole of the Greek system. Rush is just the beginning of a life of segregation from the regular populous of students at the school. Attaining friends is an accomplishment, yet what pride can be drawn from paying to surround oneself with others who have paid for the same privilege. After this initial segregation, the system has eliminated fear and replaced it with comfort. That is what is felt and not seen. Comfort is not pride, it is simply something that can be afforded.

On a general level, one can see the pride of the Greek system in its hedonistic attitude and it its treatment of women. When one feels comfortable, personal ethics begin to slide. This comfort, ill-gotten and ill-maintained, allows people to become objects for abuse and amusement. This can go for others, men and women, outside of the HOUSE as well. This comfort can lead to gang style fighting, intimidation, destruction of property (egging and sorority raids), and all around disorderly conduct. At this point, I would like to make a plea to all of the Greeks who feel unfairly and incorrectly pigeonholed by these statements. If you are a minority existing within the walls who feels out of place and confused, leave; we welcome you back with open arms. If you are a minority as Mr. Lipsky contends, then discipline your unruly members and create a system where pride really is a factor. It is, however, impossible for the rest of the student body to ignore the actions of guilty, drunken subconsciousness which are rarely remembered by Greek leaders.

By D.B. Caulfield (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
March 24, 1997