You know what RedandBlack - you are absolutely right. It's completely superficial, part of the system and we couldn't change that if we wanted to. I just sort of take issue with the fat/skinny house thing. As I said before, these stereotypes often get going based on very little and change the whole perception of a house that may contain some beautiful young women (both on the outside and inside.) Also, I feel that some of the top houses have been perceived to encourage unhealthy eating practices and warped body image. Rumors get started about those houses (untrue as far as I've seen) that they "circle the fat" on their pledges and demand that they loose it. I guess fat paranoia and dieting is just a natural part of being a 19 year old girl. I just don't want to be part of encouraging that.
Still, the rush process always has and always will revolve around poise, fashion sense, disposable income of your parents, and who you were in high school. Even people who claim to be "above" judgements like that aren't when it comes right down to it. If you don't like a house - call them Dorks, Geeks, Losers, Tramps, etc. I just don't like the "fat chick house" label.