EDITOR,

I was shocked and saddened by the editorial, “Greek Shirts fittingly convey conformity culture.” As a member of the Greek Community, but more importantly, as a member of the Whitman community, I am constantly fighting the stereotypes associated with Greek Life. From the article, I gathered that the author must think of me and my “paid for” friends as some type of sheep, mindlessly following one another, eagerly dressing alike as we go off to take jello shots. The cavalier way in which the author suggested that these t-shirts are a form of “self-branding” is frustrating as I have been shown countless times that matching t-shirts are imperative when putting on all-campus events such as Dr. Seuss Day and Mr. Whitman. In terms of actual facts regarding these t-shirts, we, as a group, vote on the design of the shirts (this expression of democracy must be shocking), and then anyone who is interested can purchase one. The author’s reference to the “Hooters” shirts, created in 2005, were designed by the then senior class to be a play on word referencing the owl, which is a Kappa symbol. Although I personally am not in support of that shirt, I find it far more problematic to censor each other’s ideas. I would also like to point out that while there may not be “pio shirts” there are shirts for Youth Development Initiatives (YDI), Campus Activities Board (CAB), freshman residence sections and various IM sports teams. Each of these groups is an important addition to the Whitman community, and why should I be bothered by their purchasing of t-shirts? Are we suggesting that any group who wants a t-shirt is in some way giving up their individuality, becoming “prey of hegemonic corporations.” I would hope not. I would also hope that each time I wear a kappa t-shirt, I am not faced with the stereotypes outlined in the article.   I am truly disappointed that the content of my character would be assumed by the writing on my chest.

– Carole Wilson ’09