The Daily Helmsman, what an interesting student newspaper. I, like most students here at The U of M, pick up a Helmsman most every day, though I usually just do the crossword puzzle and toss the rest, but occaisionally I check out stories on the Tiger Basketball team. Unfortunately for me, I was lucky enough to catch the Labrats comic strip in the Wednesday, February 20 issue of the paper. What I saw was both shocking and appalling at the same time. For those of you who were lucky enough to glance over the comic, it was a few funny blurbs in which the author was taking a degrading shot at Sororities.
Now I understand that there are those who choose to see Fraternities and Sororities as a means for social and shallow interaction. However, to this uneducated minority of people, let me help to educate you on the Greeks here at the U of M. Greeks here consistently score either the top or among the top for the highest GPA’s of any student organizations. Members serve in high-ranking positions both in SGA and SAC. Greeks have held the office of SGA president more times that not in the years that I have attended The U of M. Greeks also participate heavily in Frosh Camp and campus recruitment events.
Not only are our Greeks active in the world, so are many famous athletes, politicians and successful business people. Here are a few that might catch your eye.
- Dave Thomas (founder of Wendy’s) and Dr. Seuss: Sigma Phi Epsilon.
- Cindy Crawford: Pi Beta Phi
- Bill Cosby and Michael Jordan: Omega Psi Phi
- Elizabeth Dole: Delta Delta Delta
- David Letterman: Sigma Chi
- Rosa Parks: Alpha Kappa Alpha
- Senator Margaret Chase Smith (First Female Senator): Sigma Kappa
- Boyd Tysley (Violinist, Dave Matthews Band): Sigma Nu
- General George S. Patton: Kappa Alpha
As you can tell, whether its acting, politics or in the business world, men and women of Fraternities and Sororities have gone on to be successful in all walks of life. So to the author of the Labrats comic strip, be careful of who you slander, because you obviously don’t know what you are talking about.
In any situation, Greek or not Greek, the portrayal of women in your comic strip set the male species back hundreds of years. Both my mother and my sister were in a Sorority, and I take great offense to the way you decided to depict women in your comic strip.
To my brothers and sisters of Greek organizations, be proud of who you are. You have chosen a path that has created greatness for many men and women before you. The knowledge and friendship you will gain from your involvement in Greek life will better you in all the things you do. Be proud of your Fraternities and Sororities. Wear your letters with pride.
Justin Hefley
Senior
Business management
