Letters to the Editor

Dear Pitt News Editors:

On Feb. 14, 2006, The Pitt News ran a new comic series, “Frat… Dear Pitt News Editors:

On Feb. 14, 2006, The Pitt News ran a new comic series, “Frat Man,” by Scott Ginter. The misogynistic behavior displayed in this series promotes negative and false stereotypes of the Greek community. We find this generalization insulting and the series as a whole irresponsible and distasteful.

It is beyond our imagination when references to sexual assault could or should be found humorous. The Greek community has spent significant energy trying to move past the negative “Animal House”-esque stereotype, and we will continue to admonish degrading and offensive behavior in all its forms.

The Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Association Sororities, the National Pan-Hellenic Association

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Dear readers,

The Pitt News would like to apologize to anyone who was offended by Tuesday’s comic. Our intent was not to further negative stereotypes about the Greek community. In the cartoon – a spin-off of “Semester of the Dead” – the Greek character is a superhero out to save the community, and he rescues a woman from a purse-snatcher. The hero’s comments to the crook were intended ironically: He’s telling the criminal not to bother women, and at the same time making light of a well known, but inaccurate, stereotype about fraternity brothers.

It was not meant to suggest that the character, or any other fraternity brother, would actually mistreat women. We understand that the message was unclear and extend our sincerest apologies to the Greek community. The Pitt News does not intend to run any more “Frat Man” cartoons.

Jessica Lear

Editor in Chief