The Baldwin-Wallace student body is approximately one-third Greek; which leaves a majority of students who are non-Greek. A truism? Perhaps, but one that some feel is overlooked. In the minds of many of these independent souls lies a distrust and distaste for their Greek peers, and all for which the Greek system stands. These are the "GDl's," that is to say, "god-damn independents". Greeks are referred to as "geeks" and varied obsenities.
In the minds of the anti-Greeks, the Greek system is archaic and medieval, or, at best, mid-50's: the sorority rituals - sisters dressed up in white, skipping around like angels, lighting candles, hugging and kissing, crying "sisterhood forever" and distastful backstabbing; the "hell week" of the fraternities, pledges with Arab headdresses guarding flagpoles, men sworn to silence in the presence of women, worn out bodies running ten miles as a climax of initiation, all in the proof of manhood.
The hysteria generated by the Greek culture is another annoyance to the majority population. Food fights in the cafeteria, turning it into a human zoo, the chanting of fraternity songs or chants at inappropriate times in loud drunken voices and broken glass always underfoot, can be disturbing.
Other students have tried to beat the system without being Anti-Greek. In fall quarter of 1976, a group of independent girls in Lang Hall formed the "Alpha Moo" society, taking "greek" letters. The Alpha Moos claim to have all the benefits of sorority life - close friendships with organization - with none of the problems, mainly money.
Although the GDI attitude is real, more and more independents seem to be becoming less hostile toward the Greek system. The "live and let live" attitude is seen in the infiltration of independents into the Greek system. In such traditionally Greek events as May Day and Homecoming, independents participate in groups representing dormitories, thus cashing in on greek fun without being greek. Whether one sees it passively or not, or tries to become involved without being involved the Greek system lives at Baldwin-Wallace. Live and let live.
