Post Author: turne4al
Fraternities catch a lot 0f flak for the perpetuated stereotype that they are destructive and irresponsible partiers. But some members of the fraternities at Madison have other insights as to who is truly the worst and the wildest.
In 1976, Fraternity officers issued a warning. In their eyes, alcohol abuse amongst the general population of the student body was becoming a deep concern. The officers stated that “when the fraternities hold social functions we try to control the amount of alcohol consumed, and while still allowing the students to enjoy themselves, we police the grounds, hire security officers, and limit crowds.” (Landes)
This raises a very valid argument. Who is to blame when a party gets out of hand? The people organizing the event, or the belligerent masses that are often comprised of a majority of non-greeks?
Alan Peterson, a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, would blame the latter. In a letter to the editor in 1978 pleading for more common decency among students attending frat parties. He informs the readers of The Breeze of all the hassle it takes to be a social outlet for a growing population. Licenses are required from ABC. ABC policies also mandated that ID’s be checked at the door, taps be cut off at midnight, and number of guests be limited (along numerous with other restrictions.) This proves an increasingly difficult task as the night progresses due to larger numbers of people becoming progressively more intoxicated and unruly. “I would like to say that my impression of the people I have had to deal with in the past three years is this: you have no concern for your personal conduct, you have little if any consideration for your host, the fraternity, and your lust for “just one more beer” at midnight when the taps go dry is only surpassed by the sex drive of an albatross that has been at sea for seven years. What you need is a huge, indestructible stainless steel cell that cleans itself and never runs out of beer.” (Peterson)
Peterson and the other officers’ comments are a reminder that fraternal organization are riddled with misconceptions. People don’t always consider the immense amount of work put into entertaining strangers. Perhaps the complaints and criticisms that fraternities endure should be reexamined.
Works Cited:
Landes, Larry. “Obvious Alcohol Problem Needs to be Fully Realized”. The Breeze. Oct 1, 1976
Peterson, Alan. “Open Fraternity Parties: Student Conduct Appalling”. The Breeze, Feb 3, 1978