The Fred Gives Alternative to Vernon Street
SARAH ICKOW
Issue date: 12/12/06 Section: Opinions
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I am confused as to why the anonymous opinions contributor who wrote the article about the Fred in last week's Tripod chose to write as though the Fred is well liked on campus. I'm pretty sure no one ever described the program as a "shining beacon." From the beginning the Fred has been unfairly represented in the Tripod. The program is mocked and written off as an Ivory Tower full of elitist intelligentsia.
I would also question claiming superiority over those of us in the Fred who do choose to drink or smoke while decrying the elitist people and ideas behind the program. I take offense to being labeled as though I'm in a constant drug induced haze simply because I am a member of the Fred. Elitism does not just describe a feeling of intellectual superiority.
We presented ourselves as the anti-Vernon, not as sober or anti-alcohol. The Fred was meant to be a place where people felt comfortable drinking if they chose or if they chose not to. I don't know about any of you, but when I go to the frats, I don't feel very comfortable when I'm not drinking. At Fred Friday night events, the majority of the people are not drunk or even drinking.
When I signed on to be part of this program last year, I worried I was becoming part of a community based upon criticizing fraternities, when in reality the only different thing about was the prevalence of wine instead of beer. I now see that the Fred offers me more than Yellowtail instead of Keystone Light. I have a place where I feel comfortable drinking or staying sober.
More importantly, the Fred offers events, intellectual and otherwise, I can attend during the week. The Fred is composed of several groups with different focuses or themes that hold varied events. These groups make the Fred a true alternative space. Our mystery critic claimed "The Fred is not unique in promoting an alterative option, so it should go." I think the Fred is unique because we offer events every day. We are not just a club or "social organization" that holds occasional or weekly events. Said individual makes no mention whatsoever of these groups.
I would also question claiming superiority over those of us in the Fred who do choose to drink or smoke while decrying the elitist people and ideas behind the program. I take offense to being labeled as though I'm in a constant drug induced haze simply because I am a member of the Fred. Elitism does not just describe a feeling of intellectual superiority.
We presented ourselves as the anti-Vernon, not as sober or anti-alcohol. The Fred was meant to be a place where people felt comfortable drinking if they chose or if they chose not to. I don't know about any of you, but when I go to the frats, I don't feel very comfortable when I'm not drinking. At Fred Friday night events, the majority of the people are not drunk or even drinking.
When I signed on to be part of this program last year, I worried I was becoming part of a community based upon criticizing fraternities, when in reality the only different thing about was the prevalence of wine instead of beer. I now see that the Fred offers me more than Yellowtail instead of Keystone Light. I have a place where I feel comfortable drinking or staying sober.
More importantly, the Fred offers events, intellectual and otherwise, I can attend during the week. The Fred is composed of several groups with different focuses or themes that hold varied events. These groups make the Fred a true alternative space. Our mystery critic claimed "The Fred is not unique in promoting an alterative option, so it should go." I think the Fred is unique because we offer events every day. We are not just a club or "social organization" that holds occasional or weekly events. Said individual makes no mention whatsoever of these groups.
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