LETTERS: Truths about the Greek system

To the Editor: Isn't it interesting that the only individuals who speak out against the Greek system on this campus are those unaffiliated with it? Why has no one from within the ranks of the Greek system stepped forward to decry the alleged torture of pledging? Are we to believe the brightest students in this country have been brainwashed by "being blind-folded on their knees eating a jar of mayonnaise?" In truth, no one who has actually been through a pledging process has written a column on its evils because the process is not evil at all. Pledging at the University is a harmless process that encourages the bonding of new memebers. Its result is the formation of friendships that last a lifetime, as well as entrance into a respected brother- or sisterhood that transcends the boundaries of this school. It follows that Greeks are given the rare opportunity to find education beyond the classroom, through interaction with their brothers or sisters. At the same time, other Penn students are welcomed into the only safe social scene near campus at Greek-sponsored parties. I implore your readers not to allow Giulian's careless misrepresentation of Greek life to divert attention from these facts. In reality, most Greeks reflect on pledging as the most fun and exciting months of their college careers, and never regret their decision to join a fraternity or sorority. Mike Steib College '98 President, Delta Kappa Epsilon