Independents vs. Greeks: A mindless match-up

The Greek system -- too often the columns which deal directly with the community at Penn State criticize it needlessly.

Usually, they accuse the writer of being bitter or uninformed. The other most common response will be a letter regarding the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

It all seems repetitive after awhile.

Thus, taking into consideration my fascination with the amazing "social hierarchy" on campus, I wanted to give my observations and suggestions on the problem of Greek/independent relations. (Let me also state for the record that I am not in an IFC fraternity.)

First, I feel the myth should be dispelled that the two groups cannot coexist on a wide scale.

As a general rule, some of the nicest, most intelligent, and articulate people I know are members of sororities and fraternities. I feel that the greatest advantage of the system is its ability to provide excellent opportunities for leadership for those willing to take advantage of it. A majority of the strongest leaders I have met on this campus have a connection to the Greek system.

Another great advantage is the tremendous social opportunity it provides. This campus is way overcrowded. Walking through the HUB is like waiting in line at Space Mountain. The hypocrisy of those who criticize the Greek system for its "clique-like" nature is unbelievable.

This is a university where cliques are inevitable, and in a way, necessary.

Whether you are discussing the football team, the Spanish club, the Undergraduate Student Government or even the Collegian staff, a large university demands people organize themselves into smaller groups.

If you fail to organize, you are likely to lose yourself in the sea of Generation X humanity. It follows that similar groups are likely to socialize with one another and hang out with other groups promoting similar interests.

This is no new social theory I am espousing.

On the other hand, I also see a problem in the way IFC/PHC handles a situation that should only be dealt with in a positive light.

The oft-repeated "Dance Marathon" response to criticism illustrates this point and, in my opinion, causes animosity toward Greeks.

Having participated in 'Thon with an organization and sponsoring a child, I realize the scope and greatness of the event and the wonderful job the Overall Committee accomplishes each year raising millions of dollars for children.

Nevertheless, it often seems 'Thon is used by many members of the Greek community in the wrong way -- as a quantification of their existence.

It pains me to observe individuals use 'Thon as a defense for the Greek system when countering criticism on unrelated problems. It comes off to many non-Greeks as saying something like, "We run this event which helps kids with cancer and that qualifies us to do other things you might morally question."

Such statements signify to me that 'Thon, unfortunately at times, is viewed by some as the "great Greek scapegoat," alienating certain members of the University community.

This is a bothersome trend I sense around campus by those in the "independent" world each February, and is something I feel Greek leaders should address.

I realize 'Thon has opened up tremendously to other organizations in the past few years, but I would love to see it truly become a University-wide event, with all organizations banding together with the same vigor expressed by the Greek community.

Perhaps 'Thon leaders and morale captains should not be so obviously dominated by those within the "system." The event could be renamed the "Penn State Dance Marathon" instead of the more exclusive-sounding "IFC/PHC Dance Marathon."

In addition, I find it a good idea, in the full spirit of community, to desegregate Greek and independent divisions in 'Thon competitions such as "most money raised" or "Crazy Bands."

This could provide incentive for non-Greek organizations to work harder and band together, ultimately increasing the pledge volume.

Such changes, although in a sense symbolic, could make an already tremendous event even better and truly promote a University-wide sense of unity toward a common cause.

I challenge student leaders to work harder in future years to make 'Thon a uniquely "Penn State" event, eliminating the "IFC/PHC philanthropy in which other organizations are invited to participate" perception that unfortunately exists on parts of campus.

The overall benefits would be tremendous.

It is very unlikely that the problem of the "Greeks" versus the "independents," and the natural separation which exists, will ever go away.

However, perhaps individuals can think about the situation rationally, with progress made toward establishing a better, more unified University community.