To the Editor: I think Daniel Feldstein might have benefited from giving a balanced view of the Penn Greek community, but his column ("Sign a bid card, enter Penn's other social community," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 2/2/01) did otherwise. While Feldstein mentions the postive social growth one might individually experience from Greek life, I wish he would ask whether or not a Greek system is a necessary or even a very useful method of accomplishing those positives. One does not need to go through a semester of hazing, pay hundreds of dollars in chapter dues and go through a very public process of choosing and excluding people to accomplish social good. The fact is the Greek system at Penn does have sort of an ugly underbelly that I think people have to question more than Feldstein does. As a graduate associate, I have seen and talked to some residents who are left out of the bid process and have to face the humiliation and negative feelings of being rejected afterwards. Perhaps the Greek community fights the social ills of West Philadelphia in subtle, yet powerful ways. But, then I have to ask why a co-edÿservice fraternity needed to form and whyÿI see more ads or articles in the DPÿadvertising Greek systemÿsocial options and activities than public service activities. Finally, can one just gloss overÿthe promotion of strippers wrestling in pudding, rape occurences and even alcohol-related deaths because of questionable links to personal growth and community service? I believe a Greek system, if run well and according to some representative standards, can indeed be a positive force. I am not against people having frat party-type fun or even a sensible, fair rush process. But let's not defend it in the name of personal growth and community services. I do agree with Feldstein that the Greek community at Penn "has a nearly limitless potential to positively impact student life." However, the fact that that potential is so often unrealized and might be the biggest reason to question and refrain from this underachieving community in the first place.
Naresh Nagella Law '01
To the Editor: This is a message to everyone who decided not to sign a bid with either a fraternity or sorority. The decision you have just made will not hinder any aspect of your future at the University of Pennsylvania, as Daniel Feldstein infers ("Sign a bid card, enter Penn's other social community," DP, 2/2/01). Feldstein incorrectly suggests a fraternity or sorority is able to offer experiences that are unavailable to non-Greek members in the Penn community. Numerous campus organizations can fill the lack of Greek provided "services and resources." And contrary to Feldstein's beliefs, the Greek system is not the only way to meet individuals with different backgrounds and philosophies. The environment within the college house system actually supports interaction among students of different life experiences. Whether through faculty dinners, PennTalks discussions or simply roommate assignments, the college houses provide opportunities to exchange ideas with other students. Meeting students of similar interests is possible outside the realm of fraternity row as well. There is no better way to find individuals with the same interests as you than by joining a club sport, an activist organization, one of Penn's 3,576 a cappella groups or student government. The relationships you build within these groups will be just as meaningful as a brother or sisterhood (and you won't even be hassled for an annual alumni donation). So as others on campus are being hazed, remember that your life can have a meaningful purpose without being Greek. The only peers who will judge you upon your house affiliation are themselves Greek, and there are more of "us" then there are of "them." And always be glad you chose to be an independent non-conformist (by not signing a bid card).
Michael Pezzicola Wharton/Engineering '02
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