Frats have always been trying to escape the stereotypes surrounding them. As Mr. Ritter pointed out we are seen as "pinheaded, collar-popin, rufie-slipping, street-pissing, and bar-fighting brothers," and sometimes we are, but have you looked at Penn State and college students in general lately? The only difference between "frat boys"and the rest of the student body is that they do it with letters on their chest. I'm sure those guys who play dungeons and dragons (no offense, just going with stereotype precedent) Saturday night have occasionally urinated on something other than a porcelain bowl in town before. There are plenty of other non-fraternity members and alumni who do this kind of nonsense every weekend. I'm not trying to make "frat boys" out as saints, but it's sad when fraternities get stereotyped when it's college kids in general pulling those kinds of stunts.

Paul Phiambolis

Class of 2007

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Greg Ritter's bold letter to the editor brings up great points, but one I'm highlighting: "Cat calling women as they pass within 30 feet" is indeed unacceptable behavior. On the surface, it may seem harmless for frat boys or any boys to flirt women and enjoy the attention. Maybe it's just a game with one conclusion: Boys will be boys and girls will be girls.

Underlying Ritter's comment is the fact that many women avoid going out alone and/or at night because of a fear of men. Women are cautioned about threats of being harassed, attacked, or sexually assaulted by a stranger. What man then can be trusted? Men who've assumed the right to cat call and swear at women don't make life better for anyone.

It may be hard for a man to imagine that preparing for a night of partying could also include mentally cataloging ways to prevent being physically hurt by a woman. But that's in the back of many women's minds when they plan to drink and dance with their friends. In agreement with Ritter, on a weekend night downtown, everyone should at least become more aware of how negative cycles in everyday life get perpetuated by our behavior.

Elizabeth Lee

graduate - psychology

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I have been away from the piss-laden streets of the most wonderful place in the world for about four years now, but I just wanted to defend not only frat boys but all students living in the beautiful borough of State College. Greg, did I see that you work for the Maintenance Department at Penn State? As I recall you are one of the guys who drives around in the blue or white trucks keeping our campus immaculate, correct? Let me just first say that you gentlemen do an excellent job, however, I also remember quite a few incidents that you guys were caught staring mouths agape at a young co-ed walking by or yelling the word perfectly placed on their rear ends.

Boys will be boys whether they are in a frat or an apartment, a bar or a tailgate, an old alum or the foreign exchange student who saw a bare leg for the first time. When you mix booze, beautiful women and the euphoric atmosphere that is State College some people are going to get out of hand.

I agree that across the board men have to be more respectful. Chivalry is not dead and usually works a little better than tickets to the gun show.

Dan Healy

Class of 2004