<p>NYC let me clarify what I said about the greeks. First of all I think you need to look at the demographic of Furman, they are making great strides in trying to diversify the campus, but it can’t be denied that most of the people going to Furman are white and from a middle to upperclass background. Some people consider a lot of aspects of Furman to be “country clubby”, from some of the freshman traditions during Oweek, to the general population and Furman stereotype. </p>
<p>Having said that, when you look at a sorority or a frat picture on a website most of the kids are going to portray that same ideal… because it is a predominantly white campus. I actually disagree that the greeks divide by class and race because if you are a minority and want to be greek affiliated it is actually easier to join than if you were white because the sorority/frat want to diversify their organization. I was also saying that the greeks fill a void for people who want that party atmosphere. I would never (and I stress that) consider Furman a party school, or a drinking school. It happens like any college campus but it is not big unless you outwardly seek it. If you are looking to drink then they DO dominate campus. if you are a big music person, or active in religious organizations for instance and aren’t interested in parties… they will not affect your impression of school, greeks won’t exist as far as i’m concerned. </p>
<p>As far as social divide is concerned, I think that as in any environment those who don’t want to interact with other races or social classes won’t… that is not the majority though. Furman from that aspect is no different to any other situation, it’s about whether or not you want to be an integral part. I don’t feel like there is a push to create divides within the student body. </p>
<p>Also from the beginning Furman tries to eliminate these problems by making your transition into school, about meeting all kinds of new people and really getting to know people. It doesn’t give you time to be choosy about who to accept and not accept, because when it all starts you theoretically know no one…</p>
<p>You had mentioned Duke earlier, and I would say that the Greek life is bigger there than it is here, and that the issues with alcohol are much stronger whether you are in a frat or not in one.</p>