Greeks, independents proud of chosen affiliations
Personal relationships can resolve apparent controversy
Liz Essley
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Focus
But Cunitz says it's not just the Greeks who can be hostile.
"There is a sense of elitism on both sides. The Greeks feel it because they got in [to the house]... non-Greeks feel above the system because they rejected it," he said. "Nobody's right but everybody's wrong. ... Both sides definitely have animosity."
Junior Trent Demarest, though noting exceptions, also disapproves of the Greek system, especially fraternities.
"Vices are ensconced as points of commonality, of pride even. How much you can drink, how many chicks can you get in one night, seems to be the mentality," he said.
Senior Tony Bochtel, president of the Inter-Fraternity Council, considers the party issue a myth, easily dispelled upon meeting fraternity members in person.
"The biggest misconception is that the system as a whole is about parties and drinking, because when something of that sort happens, that's the the only time we get publicity. A lot of people don't see the leadership-building and service aspects of fraternities... Most guys join for the chance to be a part of something bigger," he said.
Senior Julius Goertzen says he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity for "the chance to do things right."
Just nine months ago, as an independent, Goertzen thought the Greek system was something "now worth joining. As an outsider, all I saw were conflicts and problems. I never saw the good side of the Greek system."
Now, as president of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Goertzen says he still plans to hang out with friends "on both sides of the divide, if there is a divide."
He credits his fraternity's lack of a house with his ability to keep in touch with non-Greek friends.
Students are eager to keep the divide to a minimum, and to socialize with both independent and Greek friends. Demarest is careful to acknowledge the exceptions and his many friends who are not independent. Even while critiquing Greek underage drinking, Demarest tosses a ping pong ball to a friend.
"Here ya go," he says warmly, barely noticing her sweatshirt. Embroidered in large letters, it reads: Kappa Kappa Gamma.
"There is a sense of elitism on both sides. The Greeks feel it because they got in [to the house]... non-Greeks feel above the system because they rejected it," he said. "Nobody's right but everybody's wrong. ... Both sides definitely have animosity."
Junior Trent Demarest, though noting exceptions, also disapproves of the Greek system, especially fraternities.
"Vices are ensconced as points of commonality, of pride even. How much you can drink, how many chicks can you get in one night, seems to be the mentality," he said.
Senior Tony Bochtel, president of the Inter-Fraternity Council, considers the party issue a myth, easily dispelled upon meeting fraternity members in person.
"The biggest misconception is that the system as a whole is about parties and drinking, because when something of that sort happens, that's the the only time we get publicity. A lot of people don't see the leadership-building and service aspects of fraternities... Most guys join for the chance to be a part of something bigger," he said.
Senior Julius Goertzen says he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity for "the chance to do things right."
Just nine months ago, as an independent, Goertzen thought the Greek system was something "now worth joining. As an outsider, all I saw were conflicts and problems. I never saw the good side of the Greek system."
Now, as president of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Goertzen says he still plans to hang out with friends "on both sides of the divide, if there is a divide."
He credits his fraternity's lack of a house with his ability to keep in touch with non-Greek friends.
Students are eager to keep the divide to a minimum, and to socialize with both independent and Greek friends. Demarest is careful to acknowledge the exceptions and his many friends who are not independent. Even while critiquing Greek underage drinking, Demarest tosses a ping pong ball to a friend.
"Here ya go," he says warmly, barely noticing her sweatshirt. Embroidered in large letters, it reads: Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Be the first to comment on this story