The Greek Choice

I must begin by admitting to some apprehension in writing this article. When approached with the idea, I had many concerns. The debate over Greek life is a surprisingly multi-faceted one. It is also one that has caused unwarranted tension and division on our campus. I feared that there was nothing to say on the matter that had not already been said. Most of all, I wondered if the Torch was really an appropriate place for such a topic.

After some reflection, however, I have come to realize that the Torch could, perhaps, be the most appropriate forum for this article. I will not attempt an argument for or against the merits of Greek life. The Vanderbilt Hustler is a far better forum for such discourse, and will almost surely be filled with it in the weeks and months to come. For those freshmen—excuse me, first year students—who have yet to encounter these debates, I envy you. And for those who have heard them all too many times, you know exactly to what I’m referring.

It usually begins with a critical attack on the Greek system by a student who has been either rejected, or somehow disillusioned, by that system. Then comes the defense from a Vanderbilt Greek member or governing body (IFC, Pan-Hellenic Council, etc.) citing the wonderful community service and academic record of its membership. Ultimately, the debate will die and be replaced by the topics that really matter, for example, what container is best for consuming beer (see Sept. 5th’s Hustler).

This, however, is not the type of debate I am looking for. There is far more to Greek life than what lies on the surface. We are often so concerned with what the Vanderbilt Greek system does that we forget about what it means.

Leaving home and going off to college is a life-changing experience. We are faced with decisions and opportunities that we have never before encountered. Upon arriving to campus, however, we find that this freedom is not limitless. In fact, it is far from it.

It has been a trend at Vanderbilt and across the country to create a more comprehensive and regulated first-year experience. This is particularly common amongst the Ivy League and comparable institutions, and in programs like Vanderbilt’s College Halls. It is likely that universities have good reasons to make such changes. The transition to college life can be a difficult one and, without guidance, many students may find themselves traveling down the wrong path. Still, this new educational philosophy could have an equally dangerous outcome. It seems that young adults are no longer trusted to lead their own lives, and this is a concerning thought. After all, how are we to learn from our mistakes if we are not allowed the freedom to make them?

The answer to this question, I believe, may be found in our Greek system. “Going Greek” is one of the few great choices that we have at Vanderbilt. It is an expression of our freedom, our independence, and our maturity on a level that we rarely see. The same can be said for dismissing the Greek option. Either way, we are choosing how to spend much of our social, philanthropic, and other free time.

Why is this choice so important? Because if a person is never tempted by excess, such as that which is purported to exist in the Greek community, then that person cannot be said to have triumphed over it. It’s the difference between avoiding a challenge and facing it head on.

Of course, certain Greek members will make bad decisions and the system, in many ways, fosters these choices. The community does not, however, force these poor decisions on its members. Too often, both students and administrators are found blaming the Greek system for the behavior of its membership. This is hardly more justified than blaming guns for murders or automobiles for car accidents. Don’t forget that non-Greeks can, and often do, make similarly bad decisions.

Despite this fact, the attack on the Greek establishment is escalating. While there is certainly room for concern over some of its abuses, the real threat may be found in a psychological and increasingly political tendency to seek equality by denying individual choice. I’m speaking not, of course, of the equality our Constitution guarantees. I’m speaking instead of that distorted view of equality that demands sameness in every walk of life and the same one that, ultimately, can lead to socialism or worse. Many now view the Greek system as a symbol of exclusion and elitism. Not only are these labels harsh, but they exaggerate the reality. Either way, Greeks should not apologize for identifying themselves as such. Instead, they should embrace the choice that they’ve made. Those who opted out of the Greek option should do the same.

Greek membership is not for everyone. At the same time, it is open to those who want it. This is the thing that causes so much frustration and disagreement over its existence, but is also the thing that makes it so great. We do not need to join the Greek system to appreciate its importance. Rather, we should be honored that we are given the option to do so and should fight to protect it. After all, what value is our ability to make a choice if we have nothing from which to choose?