Close-mindedness doesn’t help system
I’m sorry. Could someone please define ‘normal’ to me? You see, I am confused because when I checked in Webster’s dictionary the word ‘normal’had several definitions. However, the most relevant definition is: ‘normal’ meaning according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle. It also means conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern. That seems clear enough, but what I am confused about is Spencer Drury’s definition of normal. His letter to the editor from Nov. 10 states that normal defines a person who does not participate currently or in the past has not been a member of a Greek organization. As of Nov. 10 that definition was not entered into the dictionary that I checked in, but who knows? Maybe I was looking on the wrong page because after all, I am not normal, I’m Greek.
Mr. Drury, before you go on a tirade against something you apparently know very little about, you should have re-read the article that you claim prompted your letter.
The article I read stated the editorial board agreed with the University that hazing is wrong and needs to be stopped. It also said the rules that define hazing need to be more clearly defined and then gave specific and very good examples that backed up their previous statements. The article, I feel, spoke for many Greek students who felt the same way. I agree with you when you said that changes should be made in the Greek system.
Like most things in life, there is always room for improvement. No one system will ever be perfect and I am positive that the Office of Greek Affairs is working everyday to make the LSU Greek system stronger.
There is a clear difference between disagreeing with and attacking someone’s beliefs or activities.
After reading yesterday’s letter, I felt like I had just gotten the wind knocked out of me.
I was astounded that someone could be that close-minded. It was clear that Mr. Drury assumed he knew all members of Greek organizations because he had gone out with some fraternity members a couple times. He states that, “Instead of promoting individuality, they stump self-reliance and creativity.”
Mr. Drury was being very creative when he stereotyped and labeled thousands of students who are Greek.
His other claims about having to leave the library because of the noise level of Greek study groups and that he had to leave Tigerland because of Greek night, is something that could be a result of anyone – not just Greeks. As for your statement about keeping your identity secret for fear of your personal safety – Are we talking about the mafia or a fraternity?
I can’t deny that sometimes I wonder about the actions of some members of Greek organizations. But to say the negative aspects of the Greek community outweigh the positive aspects is just ignorant.
I am not sure of all the exact figures but I know the Greek system at LSU has probably raised in the millions of dollars for various charities – not to mention the hours of community service they have put in with these charities.
As for Mr. Drury’s comment on “counting fallen Greeks,” I have no words to describe how appalled I am. How dare you? People died and he just casts it off like no big thing.
Mr. Drury claims that fraternities have no brotherhood and they don’t care who you are as long as you pledge allegiance. He must not have witnessed young men having to carry their brother’s casket at his funeral and wearing his picture or number on their chest. These relationships are real – not something we take very lightly like you imply.
A sorority or fraternity is a group of people, a club, a joint venture in combined interests. I see where Mr. Drury is coming from I just don’t understand the anger behind his words. Is it the organization or the people in it that he dislikes so much?
I know that he is not the only one who feels this way, but I would hope that people could see both sides and not be so quick to stereotype Greek from non-Greek.
Regardless of Greek affiliation or not we are all LSU students and that is our common ground.
Lauren Lagarde
junior
communication studies