Jell-O

Recently, I've been writing a lot of letters to the editor of The Daily Collegian, Penn State's student newspaper. Well, here's another. Douchebag, Greg Miller, decided to complain about how Fraternities are no longer aloud to use strippers and Jell-O wrestling to attract potential pledges. While, I'm not against strippers and Jell-O wresting, Douchebag made bad arguments and statements that just piss off all non-Greeks. Here's his comment:

Ok, so I can understand the ban on exotic dancers in fraternities, but is there truly a need to put a stop to Jell-O wrestling ("Fraternities OK with dancer ban," Feb. 1)?

I understand Penn State is trying to ruin the greek system, which is the lifeline of this school, but there needs to be some slack on this Interfraternity Council leash. Jell-O wrestling is pure entertainment. Are these girls forced to wrestle around in that green or red slop called Jell-O? No. Does it put down all the women out there? No. Jell-O wrestling is a voluntary act. These women enjoy tossing each other around, getting ready for the fight over a free T-shirt and cheap parting gifts.

So I ask you, why take away Jell-O wrestling? You may think you're attacking the fraternity system, but what you're really doing is depriving these women of a once in a lifetime opportunity here. I for one, feel sorry for them.

Greg Miller
sophomore - finance

Yeah, he's an idiot. Here's my response:

Greg Miller, you make bad arguments and issue statements that make non-Greeks dislike the Greek System ("Ban on Jell-O wrestling ends fun for fraternities," Feb. 3).

First, your arguments are bad. Although I'm against the banning of Jell-O wrestling, your logic is flawed. Jell-O wrestling is pure entertainment, but so is watching strippers. Girls are not forced to participate to wrestle, but strippers are not forced to strip. It's their choice of employment. Also, many people would argue with you about how Jell-O wrestling is degrading to women. Girls may enjoy it, but that doesn't mean it can't be considered degrading. The argument you should have made is that it this policy interferes with your personal freedom and freedom of speech or rather, expression. If the public doesn't like Jell-O wrestling, only the image of the Fraternity is tarnished, not Penn State's.

Second, you stated that "Penn State is trying to ruin the greek system, which is the lifeline of this school." I'm not in the position to debate Penn State's "attempt" to ruin the greek system, but I do wish to discuss your lifeline comment. The Greek system is indeed a part of the overall social fabric but, according to Penn State, only 12% of students are involved in the Greek system. How can 12% of the population be the "lifeline?" I suppose the 88% of us non-Greeks sit at home and do nothing outside of class and contribute nothing to the "lifeline." Thanks for creating a bigger divide between Greeks and GDAs.

UPDATE: I made the Collegian one week later