Knights and Setons mending relationship with other students

The Knights and Setons, despite their rigorous attempts to recreate their image on campus, are still perceived as drinking groups and we all have become cynical toward the real mission of the organization. On any given Wednesday, a Knight or a Seton is judged based on a navy rugby or yellow cardigan. It's no secret that in the past there have been discrepancies between the Knights and Setons and the Gonzaga student body. The following have all been articles and opinion pieces written about the Knights and Setons in The Bulletin in the past: "Knight defends the realm (2002),"  "GSBA reprimands Knights and Setons (2005)," "Knights seek to polish reputation, return to shining image (2006)," "Knights violate ethos (2008)" and "Knights and Setons have lost vision of mission (2009)."
But just as much as the Knights and Setons are at fault for certain extracurricular activities, we as students are at fault for assuming the identities of these members of our community based off the image of a sweater or cardigan.

We have given these uniforms such influence in our community because they alter our perceptions of one another and, in doing so, alter our actions towards one another. Whether or not we are willing to admit it, we have lost sight of the individual wearing the uniform in exchange for a perceived uniformed organization. We've allowed the uniforms to draw a visual line between us and them.    

Although they are not the only distinguishable, uniformed group on campus, the Knights and Setons seem to take on the greatest amount of student criticism. As a part of the community, not apart of the well distinguished "them," we expect that they will follow specific guidelines and expectations as set out in their organization. The problem arises when we recognize that the uniformed are not flawless. They are, in fact, normal college students just like you and me. Alternatively, by donning the yellow cardigans and rugby sweaters the Setons and Knights are separating themselves from us as privileged members of the community. By portraying behavior contrary to their mission of community service we have discredited them.

Our perceptions of the uniformed and the image of the organization is conversational. We set expectations, they either meet them or do not, we judge them, and that forms their image as a group. We are constantly reforming and editing their identity every time we judge them. It is apparent that the status of the reputable yellow sweater, and alongside it the status of the rugby sweaters, has plummeted due to community perception. Whether the organizations have become drinking organizations or not is irrelevant; what matters is the our perception of the groups. If we perceive the group as a drinking organization then they become "the drinking organization" regardless of truth. However, if they did not distinguish itself through uniforms would we know which individuals were Knights and Setons? Would we judge their extracurricular activities differently, if at all?

Once uniformed, the groups legitimacy is left up to the us. As of right now we have torn down the organization to such an extent that we are blind to many of their attempts to make things right and renew the camaraderie between the organization and community. We see the sweater or cardigan and deduce their identity from just that.

At the same time, a lot of good can come from our high expectations. The organization has recommitted to its mission, prohibiting any hazing activities. Now, I encourage the organization to reach out to us, show us your commitment to community service, and bring others to service alongside you whether it be Take Back The Neighborhood, clothing drives, etc. And as for the drinking ... how often does the typical Gonzaga student drink? Drinking doesn't make anybody a bad person. In fact, you may just find that their lives outside of the organization is what makes them just like you.