My friends were nice enough to give me some ideas for the topic of this week's column. Or should I say rather that they were nice enough to give me an idea of what shouldn't be a topic for this week' s column. It's two words and its initials are Z.P. Please, they implored me, whatever you do, don't write about Zeta Psi fraternity. That's all we've read about recently, that's all we've heard about it, and you'll only end up repeating what's already been said.
They have a point. The story of Zeta Psi's "sex papers" was reported one week ago today and since then, the controversy has dominated each issue of The Dartmouth. It has also graced the pages of the latest issues of The Dartmouth Review and The Dartmouth Free Press. And yes, much of what is said is starting to sound repetitive.
But so what.
It is not that I am incapable of forming my own opinion. But hearing the diverse opinions of others can only help me determine my own viewpoint. My first reaction when I heard about the sex papers was one of disgust as well disappointment in the students responsible. I quickly emailed news of the incident to people on the outside; they all responded with reactions that mirrored mine and with declarations that the fraternity should undoubtedly be derecognized. At first, I was sure I agreed with this solution. That night, however, I attended the rally in front of Zeta Psi. In hearing the dialogue between two brothers representing the house and the crowd gathered on their lawn, I started to realize that perhaps the issue wasn't as simple as I had originally thought. I left the rally with frozen toes and confusion. An initial reaction is one thing. An informed opinion requires more time and effort.
A week later, I remain appalled by the actions of Zeta Psi. And although I am still not certain as to how these actions should be dealt with, I have a much clearer idea of all the complexities involved, thanks to those peers who have spent the past week sounding off on the issue. Reading The Dartmouth has never been as intellectually stimulating as it has been this past week. From reading the opinions of fellow students, alums, outsiders, and even a few professors (although I wish more would contribute) on both sides of the fence and in-between as well, I have been able to solidify my own opinion. True, some of the letters and columns have incensed me, such as Andrew Ryan's (The Dartmouth, April 23rd, "Zete Alum: Live and Learn") comment that women will be better off when they "realize all men think like our brothers at Zete Psi." But even those views I don't agree with can help me affirm and refine my own. The dialogue that has started in regards to the sex papers is necessary and healthy for our community. As Lech Walesa said at Monday's lecture, "We need to compare our understanding on the same topic."
So what if people may start to sound alike in their arguments after a while? I would rather read the same ideas again and again than have the campus respond to this situation with silence. Someone famous once wrote (and I can't remember who it was but I had to memorize it for twelfth grade English): "How do I know what I think till I see what I say?" Or in this case, what others say. So to all those people who are sick of seeing the words Zeta Psi on every page of the newspaper, sorry, but it's imperative that we keep talking, listening, thinking.
