_Editor’s note: This is a letter to the editor written by a member of the MU community who is not part of The Maneater’s staff. It is not the opinion of The Maneater or its editorial board. In accordance with our letters policy, we publish every letter submitted to us barring personal attacks or hate speech; we welcome responses to this and everything we publish via a letter or in our comments section._
I am a member of a fraternity and I have some thoughts on the MU4MikeBrown rally on Thursday night. I fully support their right to free speech, and to gather and march for something they’re passionate about. I think the 1st Amendment is the best thing about this country, and the fact that MU4MikeBrown is raising awareness for issues like racism, homophobia, and sexual assault is a great thing. However, last night’s march crossed the line from raising awareness to an attack on the Greek community.
The first issue I have with the march was exclusivity of its location. Before walking up to Chancellor Loftin’s house, the march only took place in Greek Town. To me, this says that MU4MikeBrown felt like Greeks were the main source of transgressions against women and African-Americans. I can assure you this is not the case; most Greek chapters encourage ideas like friendship, morality, and service. A few bad eggs that get publicity from the media does not mean we are all the same.
The second issue I have with the march was the fact that MU4MikeBrown essentially stood outside my house and insulted me; saying that because I am Greek, that I am a racist. The march stopped on the corner of Richmond and Rollins and chanted, “we want freedom, freedom. These racist-ass Greeks, we don’t need ‘em, need ‘em.”
First off, I’d like to remind them that there are historically black Greek chapters at Mizzou. These chapters are recognized by Mizzou Greek Life and were incorporated into Greek Week last year. Secondly, I resent the assumption that all Greeks are racist. We are NOT all Oklahoma SAE. I am not a member of the Mizzou SAE, but I can assure you that not all SAE chapters are like Oklahoma. While I do not consider myself racist, the incorrect stereotype of Greek Life nurturing racism is something I’ve accepted that I will have to endure. However, for MU4MikeBrown to stand outside my house and chant that I am a racist takes it to another level. That is an attack on a very personal level. MU4MikeBrown claims their event was meant to be peaceful, but an incendiary chant that claims all Greeks are racist contrasts the idea of “peaceful”.
MU4MikeBrown, you have the American right to say whatever you want. You can use that to gather and express your ideas in any way you please. I encourage you to use that power wisely and responsibly. I beg you to not lump all Greeks in with OU SAE, contrary to popular belief we have members of all backgrounds in our community. We are supposed to be One Mizzou, and Thursday night’s rally was far from that.
_— William Black, wabkh5@mail.missouri.edu_
