When I first read the blog “There Ain’t No Such Thing As
Free Beer” I was speechless. Many of the women that this anonymous author is
referring to, yes the ones who are “providing services” to fraternity men, are
Panhellenic women. We understand that the article was stylistically exaggerated
for greater effect, but rather than sounding like a hyperbole, it came across
as a crude, ignorant, and a judgmental generalization of fraternity men and
women. It is overly simplistic, black and white. There are many Panhellenic
women, and women on campus in general, who choose to attend fraternity events
that are extremely bright, remarkably involved, and highly respected
individuals on campus. Your umbrella assumption of all women who attend
fraternity events on the weekend completely disregards the true character of
these women and the respect that they deserve under any circumstance, any time,
and any place.
While the author might have good intentions by bringing up
the issue of sexual assault and violence on campus, he/she does so through
“slut shamming”. But the conversation that this author is trying to start on
campus should not be inspired by shamming those who are most affected by this
issue—the victim. To insinuate that it is the woman’s fault for being sexually
assaulted is appalling, or to say that she is asking to be viewed as a sexual
object just for stepping into a certain fraternity on campus is absurd. Articles such as these create a community
where victims of sexual assault feel intimidated or too ashamed to come
forward.
Sexual assault is a serious and complex issue on this
campus, not one to be generalized and over simplified, as we believe this
article does. Education and awareness are the keys to PREVENTION, and as a
Panhellenic Community we have taken it on as one of our goals to promote the
efforts organizations and services on campus that work towards sexual violence
education and intervention projects as well as the support services offered
here on campus for victims. If you are out, whether you are at a bar,
fraternity or duplex party, and you see something that doesn't look right,
intervene. Below are some resources that we encourage you to look at and pass
along to your sisters. Victims of sexual assault should feel the support of our
community, not be shammed by articles such as “There Ain’t No Such Things As
Free Beer”. Encourage your friends, sisters and fellow DePauw females to never
feel ashamed to report a sexual assault or violence against them.
We would like the author of “No Such Thing As Free Beer” to
feel free to contact Panhellenic if he/she would like to continue this
conversation and hopefully come to a better understanding of each other’s
viewpoint and plan of action.
Feel free to comment your own response, reactions or feelings below.
Public Safety: 765-658-4261 or 911
Sexual Assault Survivors’ Advocate (SASA) 24/7:
765-658-4650/765-658-4261
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE):
765-658-4268/765-658-4261
Counseling Services: 765-658-4268
Women’s Center: 765-658-4173
