Is Greek system important?

Stacey DeFever

PRO

Responsible and mature adults all over the world join clubs and organizations of many different kinds. These clubs are an excellent way for one to get involved in his or her surroundings.

Fraternities and sororities are no exception. They are not merely pathways for free beer and meeting members of the opposite sex.

Social events are a part of the Greek experience but are not the sole reason one should join a fraternity or sorority.

Greek organizations are nationally based and provide a number of opportunities to those who belong.

One aspect of a Greek organization is its philanthropic opportunities. Every Greek organization at Cal State Long Beach spends time and money to sponsor fund-raisers to support the charity of its choice.

Leadership training and opportunities are also a large part of belonging to a Greek organization. Elected individuals run the business aspect of these groups such as writing national reports, handling the club's finances, public relations, meetings and planning of events.

Many opportunities are also available to practice public speaking skills, interviewing techniques and working in group settings.

Employers look for well-rounded individuals when they hire for their companies. They want confident leaders who can give back to the community and are not afraid to take risks. Alumni of fraternities and sororities are known to possess these qualities that are necessary for success in the corporate world.

Stacey DeFever is a journalism major at CSULB.

Wes Woods

CON

What is the purpose of a fraternity or sorority? Is it to be like everyone else? How about being yourself? To me, the point of these organizations is to show that you can drink beer.

I see signs on campus that advertise how you might be lucky enough to be inducted into a fraternity or sorority. Is this a test to see if you are cool enough to drink beer with others? If you are fortunate enough to get selected by professional beer drinkers, you can ditch your friends because now you have graduated into a cooler group.

Fraternities and sororities should not be defined as clubs. This occurred to me as I was walking through campus on Club Day and discovered their booths.

People attend college to become adults, productive members of society. If you want to join a club, go back to your treehouse.

I can go to the bathroom and meet people. If you are that desperate for companionship, you might as well join a religious group. I think these kinds of clubs were introduced in an article the Daily Forty-Niner ran about cults a few weeks back. Fraternities and sororities should have been included in the article as well.

Another reason to join a fraternity or sorority is to meet members of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, after consuming all of that beer, two tend to become rather fat. I guess if you want a plump partner, these clubs are suited for your tastes. Sounds like the life to me.

Wes Woods is a journalism major at CSULB.