The Red and Black

Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Opinions

Gossip gone wrong

JuicyCampus Web site perpetuates high school drama and Greek stereotypes

High school called - it wants its drama back.

For those who miss the glory days of hall passes and pep rallies, there's a Web site for you: JuicyCampus.com.

Hallway whispers take the form of controversial postings at the anonymous gossip site, which makes Facebook look intellectual. A thorough perusal of the site revealed a strong Greek presence. Postings discuss, among other things, the promiscuity of certain sorority girls, which fraternities are known for their drug usage and which pledge class is the "hottest."

GDIs - "Goddamn Independents" - are portrayed as na've and envious of what they're "missing out on."

The Red & Black often is accused of being anti-Greek and of perpetuating Greek stereotypes. But what are outsiders supposed to think after reading such immature postings?

Congratulations to the JuicyCampus users. You've left us more convinced than ever that some Greeks truly are in their own - petty - world. "Don't label us," you say. What else can we do when certain sororites are singled out for being "slutty" or "ugly?"

Women, in particular, should be cautious. The majority of the postings we read concerned "whores" and "sluts," and the likely exaggerated sexual activity of girls - and most posters don't shy away from naming names.

High school-style mockery doesn't fly in the real world. There's no post-graduation equivalent to use to anonymously bash coworkers.

And if you think the postings are truly anonymous, think again. A judge easily could issue a subpoena if a civil lawsuit is filed, which would reveal Internet Protocol addresses.

So prove us wrong. Gossip is inevitable, but keep it to the confines of Milledge Avenue, not the Internet.

Please, grow up.

- Shannon Otto and Jennifer Paxton for the editorial board

Wish them luck

The Make-a-Wish date auction supports a good cause, so head over to Wild Wing

Is it your dream to date a University football player? Have you had your eye on that hottie on the Bulldog swim team? Your wish could come true tonight and could grant another's wish in the process.

The University's Make-A-Wish chapter is hosting its annual date auction at Wild Wing Café. Participants will have the opportunity to place bids in hopes of winning a date with their favorite athlete. The proceeds go toward efforts to grant a wish for a terminally ill child in the Athens area.

On the dates, the athlete will sit with the winning bidder and teammates. Though going on a date with the entire football team might be a little awkward, we think Make-A-Wish has its heart in the right place.

The organization's goal is to raise much-needed funds to bring happiness to a sick child and his or her family. Any potential date awkwardness should not be a deterrent in making a difference in someone else's life.

We want to encourage fellow University students to support Make-A-Wish by attending tonight's auction or by making a donation to the organization. Let's whip out those checkbooks. When it comes down to it, it's all about the kids.

- Kelsey Blair for the editorial board

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools