[9533] in APO-L
Re: All-male chapters
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (David Wallace)
Fri Sep 30 14:44:25 1994
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 1994 13:41:59 -0500
Reply-To: David Wallace <wallajd@MAIL.AUBURN.EDU>
From: David Wallace <wallajd@MAIL.AUBURN.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
In-Reply-To: <9409301736.AA12050@mail.auburn.edu>
Brother Gagliardi--
You have asked a very good question, and one that each Brother
from an all male chapter must answer for himself, but you have negated
the possibility of answering what for me, is the most important answer:
tradition.
Now, I am not so naive to believe that traditions don't change,
and quite often for the better, but "tradition" is not just some easy
catch phrase answer to give to this question, it is for me a belief and
way of life. What we have here is very dear and sacred to me, and I
personally believe that we would suffer a great deal if forced to go
coed. I can't really explain why: you have to live it to understand
it. Brotherhood to Delta chapter is probably the most important aspect
to day to day life. I know that we are primarily dedicated to service,
and believe me, we don't neglect it at all, but we do utilize it to the
best of our resources to further expand our Brotherhood. For me the
question: "Do you feel Brotherhood with a female Brother?" took a long
time to answer...and the answer in and of itself may seem quite
ambiguous: Yes I do, but not in the same way that I do with other men.
If this offends anyone, female Brothers in particular, I apologise: such
was not my intent. I simply want everyone to understand a few simple facts:
(1) I like being all male; it works for us, and has for 66 years. Will
it continue to in the future? I cannot honestly say, but I would like
the opportunity to decide this for ourselves, not have it forced upon us.
(2) I fully respect and enjoy hanging out and doing service with female
Brothers, I have even dated a couple. But I don't feel the same way
about them as I do men, this is not some sexual thing, but rather the
fact that these are individuals with whom I share a great deal.
I hope that this clears up SOMETHING. Basically, being all male
works for us. I know there are many out there who despise us, and I'm
sorry. Please don't force us to do something that we are honestly not
ready for; let us do it ourselves. When we are ready, if we ever are,
the transition will be a lot less painfull for everyone involved. And
once again, if I have upset anyone, LET ME KNOW!! I'm not saying flame
the ever-living heck out of me, but drop me a line, and I'll try to set
things straight. After all, isn't that what we're here for? To solve
differences in a manner other than war?
Thanks for your time, and I'll see ya'll in Dallas!!
Dave
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\ | Membership Vice-President | /
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