Statement of the Problem
The Issues Involved in Fraternity Hazing
Fraternity hazing can kill students or lead to other physical or mental handicaps. Many people think of fraternity hazing as being harmless. The problem is that sometimes it is not. Hazing is becoming more and more violent as the individuals involved try different things during the hazing of an individual to join a fraternity or organization. Hazing has been related to over fifty deaths and many injuries.
What Is Hazing?
Hazing can be defined as the initiation of a disciplinary activity involving horseplay, practical jokes, and humiliating activities. Hazing started in 1850 as a tradition in American universities and has continued since that date. Most universities have rules about what can be included in the hazing process. Many people argue that without hazing the fraternity pledges would not have the same meaning or be special. These people argue that without hazing the pledge process would deteriorate. Members of Fraternities believe that the pledge process is directed at building brotherhood.
Why Do People Do Hazing in Fraternities or Other Organizations?
The simple answer to this is peer pressure. People want to be accepted by their peers and are willing to things they would never normally do. Many of the prospective members are not aware of what will take place until they are involved in the process. The secrecy involved allows the hazing to get worse over time as more and more ideas are thought about without real consideration as to how dangerous it may be. Often these young people do not want to seem like a wimp or sissy. They want to be part of the fraternity or organization and are willing to take chances.
Hazing often strips the individual of his self-esteem as it pushes the individual to go beyond his physical and mental limits to accomplish what he/she is being asked to do. Peer pressure and the need to belong to a group are elements that affect anyone going through the hazing process. How does this help anyone to feel closer to another or build brotherhood?
Alcohol and Hazing in Fraternities
Many of the young people have never touched alcohol until the hazing or at least very little alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol at one time can kill you. During the hazing in fraternities it is like a big party where everyone is drinking and having fun until someone drinks too much and dies or gets hurt.
Should Hazing Be A Part of Fraternities and Organizations?
If strict rules were followed without the use of alcohol there would not be a problem with hazing. Some practical jokes are fun. The hazing at fraternities would not hurt people if the members used common sense of the hazing process. It is not the process of hazing that is the problem but the way members ask prospective members to do things that could harm them. Another problem with hazing is when young people drink too much alcohol. Think about hazing in ways that everyone will have fun and become brothers without hurting one another.