It’s All Greek to Me

“Too much of a good thing is wonderful.” -Mae West

Jonathan Chapman / Columnist

There was a time when I would have agreed with Ms. West, but I am afraid those days are over. They ended when women’s rush began.

Before I begin a recap of the events that caused me to stumble upon this realization, I must inform you that I have never held any particular grudge against Greek life. In fact, my gut tells me that this is simply a passing discontent, and that soon, I will no longer be at odds with any sorority. But for the time being, at least, I am.

When I first visited Elon, I was told the same statistic as every other high school junior and senior. Only 33 percent of the student body is involved in Greek life.

At times, I find it hard to believe that it is only 33 percent. Maybe it is just me, but it seems like pledges are appearing around every corner I turn.

I will be walking to class and they will be walking in front of me. An innocent act, for sure, but then they begin to exchange stories about what happened at the house last night or who won the rock. As the story becomes more intense, so do their voices. Until, finally, they seem to be telling all of Elon the past evening’s events and giggling uncontrollably at some humor that they apparently find in the tale.

I am glad they are enjoying themselves, but is it necessary for the whole Elon community to revel in their bliss? Or eat with it?

My worst peeve seems to find me more often upon arriving at McEwen after a hard day of classes and meetings only to be greeted at the bottom of the stairs by the sweet song of the sisters.

I slowly mount the stairs, hoping that my ears are deceiving me. When I reach the top and pass through the two doors to swipe my Phoenix card, I am almost knocked over by the racket that accosts me.

I have no problem with people eating at McEwen — or Harden for that matter. If you pay for the meal plan, you should be able to use it. These girls had every right to be in these places.

So what is my problem?

My problem is that they aren’t even eating.

Some of them are, but the majority seem to be participating in an unwritten ritual. All pledges must sit for at least 30 minutes after completing their meals which consist of a salad with no dressing. In addition, all pledges must speak louder than their neighbors, forcing the whole dining hall to become aware of their presence.

Of course, this ritual must be performed during the hours in which the dining hall is busiest.

Obviously, there is no such ritual, but it boggles my mind how inconsiderate any group of people could be. Many students, like me, just want to have a meal and move on. I’m not asking for the girls to sit alone at separate tables. I eat with friends. We all do. But is it really necessary to be so loud and so oblivious to one’s surroundings?

Perhaps some consider their perfection permission to take over the campus. Or maybe others could care less who gets shafted. In any case, these royal bonds should be at least loosened a little.

I went into this whole women’s rush process not knowing what to expect myself. I tried my hardest not to fall prey to the traditional stereotypes that have been attached to Greek life, in particular sorority life.

But as I watched my friends try to keep their heads above water during rush, bid day and now pledging, I came to the harsh realization that sometimes stereotypes grow from seeds of truth and that right now is prime planting season.