University of Virginia Library

Rush (Slowly)

I

Apologists for the University's fraternity
system will not be amused if we pause for a
moment to recall an editorial printed in these
columns two years ago. The piece concluded
unequivocally: "Don't rush. Don't
pledge."

Having characterized the system as "a
slowly dying anachronism," the author
rendered a categorical indictment of
fraternities across the board listing fraud,
bigotry, perverted practices of
"socialization" and elitism among other
offenses. He may have proven himself more
prophetic than commutative in suggesting a
"lag in social trends has allowed the
fraternities to remain essentially unchanged
from the days when they were founded to
preserve and foster the elitist concept of the
racist Southern gentleman." The editorial
continued, "But here too they will fail,
perhaps when the houses deteriorate beyond
repair, but more probably when the typical
entering student has no need for them."

Such a day may have arrived. Many who
were members of fraternities at the time of
that editorial long since have resigned in
disgust. (All the arguments on either side
seem very, very old.) They clutched their
battered copies of This Side Of Paradise and
marveled at the delay: what was going on at
Scott Fitzgerald's Princeton half a century
ago was only now beginning to happen here.
They reasoned, cajoled, argued and even
fought. They heard the slogans: THE
GENTLEMAN'S CLUB IS DEAD! One finally
threw his hands over his head and ran
screaming from the room. Boring. Boring.
Boring.

II

So much for the history. Others lingered
on, and they begin once more tonight the
yearly process of self-perpetuation which is
rush. The Inter-Fraternity Council, in an
effort to solidify the effect of dorm visits and
reduce petty rivalries, has pooled
representatives of all fraternities who will
state their cases along McCormick and
Alderman Roads. The collective aspect of the
new tack is appealing for it and should give
more first-year students a better opportunity
to probe beyond the surface initially. With
several houses represented at a given
appearance, prospective rushees will be able
to compare responses and thereby avoid
typecasting.

Some questions which might be revealing
include the financial obligations of pledging,
the particulars of the blackball system, the
position of a given house on racism — and
more vitally, its record which speaks louder
than any words. A first-yearman may be
interested in knowing the extent to which his
time will be consumed in menial
housekeeping chores. He should perhaps
benefit from an early inquiry into a house's
hazing practices. These and many other
questions are central ones. The brand of beer
served at parties or the color scheme in the
chapter room mean nothing.

III

We do not say "Don't rush." To urge
against rushing would merely impart an aura
of the mysterious and forbidden which the
wary newcomer soon will realize simply does
not exist. Each rushee should look closely at
the houses behind the sometimes false facade
erected to entice him. The fraternities will
service despite setbacks in recent years. For
those who find membership attractive, these
clubs will continue to feed, house and provide
at least the basis for one kind of social
existence. But before deciding, you should
weigh the merits of each fraternity on an
individual basis.

What we are saying then is, if you intend
to take part in the fall rushing, do so with
open eyes. As never before the houses are
aware of the danger they face. The threat
posed by changing lifestyles and values — and
the concomitant uncertainty — may in fact
open new paths within the system for reform
and innovation. If it does not, there can be
little doubt who the losers will be.

In any event, if your opinions are less than
ossified at this point, rush. But measure your
thoughts carefully and guard against being
rushed into an untenable position.