To the Editor:
I was amused by last Monday's Opinion column by Carolyn Wachsman and Polina Globerman, titled "What's Up with the Frat Scene?" It is unfortunate that the Frat scene these freshmen are experiencing so poorly reflects the entire scope of Dartmouth parties. Perhaps I can offer a few social alternatives to those long lines and crowded basements the authors seem to deplore.
First of all, one of the greatest features of Dartmouth's social life revolves around the House system. Keep in mind, members of the Greek system refer to their organizations as Houses, not Frats. This is based partly on the old saying, "You wouldn't call your mother a moth, or your country a ..." You get the idea. More importantly, referring to the Greek letter organizations as Houses ties them into the larger network of social groups on campus. The Greek Houses fit in with a hole gamut of affinity, residential and undergraduate houses which play a vital role in the social life of the College. Ever hear of Foley House? La Republic? The Happy Home? Amarna? Not all of these organizations revolve around alcohol or dances, but they provide a wide array of things to do on a cold weekend night.
If Ms. Wachsman and Ms. Globerman have raged at Panarchy or the Native American House and found it wasn't their scene, they still should not despair. Randy's Weekend Update lists only two or three parties most nights; try knocking on the door of a house that's not registered. Chances are you'll find more people are willing to take the time to get to know you if there isn't a full blown rager going on. Just keep in mind, the Greek Houses are not pubs. They do not exist to provide free booze to randoms; rather, they exist to give students a place to relax away from the watchful eye of the College.
In the end, the social scene at Dartmouth is what you make out of it. There's not a lot to do in Hanover, so it takes some effort to find an outlet from the books. Don't make the mistake, however, of blaming drunken fraternity men for not taking the time to entertain you when there's four hundred other undergraduates knocking about their living room. If you aren't satisfied with the meat-market dance party at Chi Gam each weekend, take a step and explore the smaller Houses, Greek and independent, single-sex and co-ed. You might be surprised by what's around.
