To the Editor:
Does anyone think that the destruction of the fraternity system will solve all of our social and cultural problems? I ask this question because everyone seems to be implying this result in public forums these days. Zeta Psi fraternity must be derecognized because they did something that many people find distasteful and some think portrays as misogynists. And, of course, once Zeta Psi is derecognized and the fraternity system as a whole is gone, then all men will be properly respectful to women and never engage in destructive activities. It seems to me that people are missing the boat in that the fraternity system is probably one of the best ways that we can change things on campus.
Let us imagine for a moment that there are no longer any fraternities on campus. Will the end of the Greek system stop drinking and the dangers that come with it? If the room parties that I have seen in the past are any indication, not likely. Drinking, especially at a young age, is something that occurs across the country in numerous settings, and the elimination of the Greek system won't change that. It therefore won't change the behaviors often associated with that, and in fact will probably make things worse. Why? Well at fraternities, you have a bunch of people who look out for each other and for their house as a whole. Safety and Security is often wandering around, making sure that things don't get too out of hand. I doubt that there will be many people who cut off people at a room party, or make sure that someone gets to a couch where they can sleep his or her drunkenness off without being bothered. Neither will the end of the Greek system change the general attitudes of men towards women and how they should be treated. The fraternities are not causing this problem -- people come here with these attitudes. While the Greek system has its flaws, it is probably the most effective way we have to address these problems. They are an organized social forum that will reach a large number of people. Instead of destroying Zeta Psi, perhaps the campus and the Greek system should work together to make Dartmouth a better place for everyone.
