[DeltAlum]

(The post above from FuzzieAlum was added as I was writing the thought below -- I agree with her. She has echoed many of the things I have talked about with some of you on IM's, etc.)

One final beating of this dead horse.

From the reaction and comments on previous threads right here on CG, I am absolutely convinced that had the Nationals not stepped in, there would have been MANY chapters of major sororities who would have jumped at being taped by MTV. It is difficult to look past the "showbiz" aspects at the really serious potential ramifications.

Again, the two or three of us with TV experience were pretty lonely voices in opposition to this kind of project originally.

Be honest with yourself. Have you really ever given any thought to the process behind Road Rules, Real Life and others of that ilk? Or have they just been somewhat entertaining programs, always with a fair amount of controversy. Did you ever really stop to think about the "formula" of these shows.

It is possible that there may be some good to come out of this situation. I'm not holding my breath, but it's not totally out of the question that some of the upsides mentioned in some of these posts might happen. I doubt it -- but maybe MTV or the producers will have a sudden attack of morality. Or maybe the Sigmas character is so strong that it will show through even the selective editing process. It's not impossible. Just unlikely.

But, I digress (again!). I simply point out that we have shined that harsh spotlight of hindsight on these women. What will probably happen is most unfortunate, but if these women hadn't done it, and if the nationals hadn't stepped in (and, thank goodness they did), somebody else would have.

Actually, in some preverse way, it might have been better if a Pi Phi or Chi O or Alpha Gam chapter was the one chosen. At least then there would be a national organization with thousands of alumni (however you spell the female version of that -- it's always confused me) and membership in one of the Greek umbrella organizations to bring whatever pressure they could to bear on MTV. I don't know what good that would do, but maybe some. Maybe.

In any event, it's a done deal. Unfortunately. But again, if the Sigmas hadn't done this, it would likely have happened anyway -- and who knows who would have been in their place and now be taking the beating that they are.

It would not be a comfortable position -- put yourself there. It could easily have been you.