Ripped From the Headlines

[gordonzola]

The SF Chronicle reported today on the complete banning of alcohol at UC Berkeley's "Greek" Row after many, many problems and complaints. The frat boys and sorority girls are filled with a mix of self-pity and righteous anger over the University's action. Intelligent quotes such as "It sucks" filled the article.

One quote especially caught my eye though. "It kind of makes me angry," one sorority sister said, "because that's the only social life around, basically -- the fraternity parties."

Originally I was planning on mocking. Yes, Berkeley, the Bay Area, the country's 4th largest metropolitan area, "There's nothing to do! It's so unfair!"

But then I realized how fucked up this policy is. Take away the alcohol and the "Greeks" will go elsewhere to find it. Maybe to my neighborhood, my shows, and my bars.

If a university can't or won't eliminate their "Greek" system, I would propose a system of enforced house arrest. Close off the streets in front of their houses. Warn innocents who might pass by accidentally of the dangers of drunk frat boys, their political tendencies (including the racism/sexism/homophobia etc.) and the increased likelihood of molestation and rape in the restricted zone. Let 'em party themselves into a stupor. Just don't let them leave in groups over two people *and* unless they can pass a Breathalyzer test.

For the sake of the outlying communities, don't encourage them to go off-campus by taking away their biggest joy.

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Comments

[reddawn.livejournal.com]

hahaha. yeah, hmm. i remember going to visit northwestern when i was in high school. that's a school where over 60% of the student population is "Greek" so you can imagine what they're campus life is like. there was a student panel about extracurricular activities where only 1 of the 6 people on the panel was not in a frat or sorority. when some kid in front of me asked what there was to do outside of Greek life they responded, "you don't have to be in a frat or a sorority to go to their parties!" whoopdefuckindo. and that's 10 minutes north of chicago, mind you. as you might imagine, northwestern quickly dropped off my list of potential schools.

of course, in my home state of michigan, students have rioted in e. lansing because of the threat to make the entire campus area "dry". yeah, big wonder i didn't go to school there either. oh yeah, there's an ordinance against having indoor furniture on your porch now, since it facilitates dragging it out into the street and setting it on fire. what the f? haha.

the Greek population is less than 2% at the school i did choose, and even then it's a joke. there's some urban legend going around that the sororities aren't aloud to have a house because there was an ordinance passed in chicago stating that any place where more than 11 women reside is legally defined as a brothel. i have my doubts as to the veracity of that story, but still, it's a fun one to pass along.

[reddawn.livejournal.com]

god, i just re-read that and i'm seriously starting to doubt my abilities as a speller in the hours before 3 p.m.

Pet Shop Boys

[(Anonymous)]

Aw, I love the Pet Shop Boys. So underrated by punks.

[(Anonymous)]

Well, they're too lazy and boring to come to your neighboorhood or shows, but i am similarly lazy (though I won't cop to boring), but I live a little closer, and worry about their impact on my dive bar. They've already found the bowling alley/thai restaurant.

I'm all for cordoning them off.