In a Mar. 2 viewpoint, "Why the Greeks are in demise," Mr. Kenneth Kitchin attacked my description of the Tufts social scene and Greek system. For the purposes of this viewpoint, I will ignore the column written by Ben Bell as I refuse to respond to sarcastic and unintelligent discourse - clearly, the only purpose of Mr. Bell's Viewpoints column has always been to promote Ben Bell, hence his title: "Spare Me." Well, Mr. Bell, I will spare you. Instead, I will respond to Mr. Kitchin's viewpoint, which, although off-point, intelligently develops an argument that merits a response.
I would like to start by saying that my previous viewpoint ("The sorry state of social affairs at Tufts," Feb. 27) did not warrant Mr. Kitchin's attacks - I merely addressed a problem that is an obvious issue on campus. I even acknowledged that there were problems within the Greek system. However, my viewpoint had two purposes: One was to point out that these problems are not present in the Greek system alone. Rather, they are problems that youth culture has faced for centuries - a result of growing up and living in a world of temptation. The second was to point out that the administration's effort to curb these problems has only inflamed their intensity.
The Greek system does not breed problems; rather, it is a group of people whose primary purpose is to be a brotherhood/sisterhood that tries to better campus life and the surrounding communities. Therefore, the Greek system is the only means by which students congregate on campus in an independent environment. It is then a target that is easy to blame, as it is the only "organized" version of the problem of youth culture. Breaking down these organizations will not solve the issues - it will only scatter them. I understand Mr. Kitchin's argument that administrative punishments have been necessitated by the actions of certain Greeks. However, I assert that while judiciary actions are often necessary, they should be combined with support for healthy organizations.
What could the administration specifically do to support healthy Greek organizations? Mr. Kitchin has already answered that question indirectly. In "The Tipping Point," Malcolm Gladwell speaks of the "Power of Context" - the idea that surrounding environments exert a huge influence on the activities of a group of people. Therefore, my first proposition is to revitalize Frat Row. This argument stems right from Mr. Kitchin's viewpoint when he states that he likes "to perform and see other bands perform in frat basements."
Mr. Kitchin, I agree whole-heartedly. I would love to see bands perform in the basement of my house (AEPi). In fact, Mr. Kitchin, your band would be welcome to play anytime - that is, if we were allowed to use our basement. Unfortunately, our basement is considered a fire hazard, as our ceilings are too low. We have repeatedly requested permission from Tufts to renovate our house (with our own money!), only to be met hastily with a negative reply. In fact, we cannot even hold brotherhood meetings or brotherhood dinners in our house, because there is not a single room that can fit us all.
This is indicative of the administration's generally negative attitude toward healthy Greek houses. If anyone saw the recent "From the Archives" box in The Tufts Daily regarding the 1995 actions of Walnut Hill, the Tufts Real Estate Holding Company with very close ties to the administration, it is clear that Walnut Hill has a history of impeding the Greek system from living a healthy lifestyle. Walnut Hill has literally allowed their houses to fall apart. Ceilings have collapsed on students - houses retain constant plumbing issues. I encourage the administration to lead by example and provide the Greeks with a safe environment so that the Greeks can provide a safe environment for their guests.
Allow me to bring your attention to an excerpt from Kitchin's viewpoint: "Indeed, I feel the Tufts social scene is vibrant. Just look at how many speakers, debates, cultural events, performances, et cetera happen outside of the Greek system!" While I do appreciate and attend many of the academic events offered by the university, I am also able to recognize the very clear distinction between them and the social scene. The blurring of this boundary is the first symptom of unhealthy campus life.
Furthermore, Kitchin must also recognize that although he came to Tufts for "academics and ultimate Frisbee," he should also be able to recognize that his "personal" expectations may not be the same as the rest of the student body. In fact, when I visited Tufts as a pre-frosh, I made the decision that Tufts was "the place for me" after attending some invigorating classes during the day and going to a fraternity at night. A group of guys that were extremely intelligent, philanthropic, and able to have a good time was exactly what I was looking for - a good balance. In fact, in a speech to accepted students, our Provost described the Tufts student body as very "normal" - students with balance. I am not suggesting that all of the students at Tufts are unhappy with the social scene; however, I am suggesting that the satisfaction of some should not overshadow the dissatisfaction of others.
Mr. Kitchin states, "it is actually laughable to think that a crowded and noisy 'social event' at a fraternity would provide the kind of international forum for leadership breeding that Mr. Allen suggested." On this point, I agree with Mr. Kitchin, it would be laughable to believe this, if that was what I had suggested. Mr. Kitchin, however, is missing the point. While he says that the "Greeks are not the social scene, but rather a part of the social scene", I would say that the Greek system is about more than being social. I see brotherhood, I see philanthropy and I see groups of friends coming up with a new entrepreneurial endeavor every night. What many do not understand is that the Greek system is much more than a party. If it wasn't, what would be the point of joining when you could party at a Greek house anyway? These additional attributes, combined with a balanced life, help build leaders. Crushing the Greek system is not the answer. Instead support it and use it for its positive purposes.
