Everyone made some really interesting points in this discussion.
I too agree that change is inevitable for the Greek system in order for it to survive the current social schema.
However, I am new to the "alumni game" - just graduating last May. I have to say, I wish I had known about this resource during my tenure at school.
I beleive that such events as wet t-shirt contests work both ways. First, they do indeed degrade the females that participate in them and most of the time bring about negative publicity to those organizations that host them.
However, I did a study with some communications professionals (Weber, Fregoe)for my degree and found that the avergae non greek student doesn't pledge or join because of the diminishing characteristics of a greek system - a theory contrary to the popular beleief that many beleive they won't get in or that the Greek system is fraut with negative morals.
With this in mind, it seems that such activities that seem a bit radicle, may indeed be the same activities that help recruit members and, more importantly, mature the current membership.
I say this because I'm sure we can all remember our first party that we held as an active - it was mostly work and a little bit of fun. A complete different perspective from when we were just partying at a Greek House. The same goes for any situation...point being made, you grow up a little when you have to take on responsibility that you aren't used to.
Also, keep in mind that other organizations including radio ststaions, media stations, and even University organizations (other than Greeks) do hold wet t-shirt contests and even other "questionable" events to attract students. I concur, the degree to which they are scrutinized for their actions is far less than that or a Greek organization - however it is done all of the time. MTV is a prime example.
In all, I think that hosting an event like this in your own house is a very BAD idea - mostly for the liability reasons but also because of other factors including relations with neighbors, sterotypes, etc.
My recommendation would be to co-sponsor the event with a bar or even another organization on campus (we did ours with the Entertainment Affairs Committee). We let them use it as an event that they put on (they were required to do 10 / semester) and gave them 1/3 door money while we worked with the bar to give drink specials and raffles. The bar bouncers took care of the "security" and the bar took liability issues. In a small town, we did about $1000 every time we did one (6 six I was in - 1 per semester.)
The key was getting others involved, planning and implementing in a PROFESSIONAL manner, and being responsible about it.
Okay, I knwo it was long - just trying to help.
Thanks to everyone who keeps posting...I think we need more of this.
inzo
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