To the Editor:
Regarding Kevin Niparko's "Reason To Rush" (Sept. 30), I share his sentiments: most underclassmen don't realize what goes on in the Greek system beyond drinking and fraternizing. As an international and minority student, I strongly suspect this is why both groups are underrepresented in the Greek system those in our networks are less likely to have participated in the Greek system, and so we have fewer opportunities to learn about Greek life. But I find it curious that Niparko places the onus on underclassmen to discover the other side of the Greek system.
Can we fault underclassmen for not knowing anything about Greek houses other than what they see with their own two eyes? As an unaffiliated upperclassman, I still wouldn't know what goes on in Greek houses beyond partying if not for my fellow affiliated '11s and even then, they talk far more about drunken formals, tails and pong tournies than they do about community service or barbecues. Niparko's reaction to underclassman ignorance of Greek life is akin to Captain Renault being shocked to find gambling in Casablanca.
