[justamom]

N2 I appreciate your candor. Please keep in mind my son will attend LSU, where death and permanent scarring has occurred.
I agree that for many, pledgeship can turn young boys into men of character. Good suggestion on seeking out strong alum involvement.

To be honest, I do not have a problem with situations that can be considered character building, but what one person deems character building, another may term brutality.

I couldn't steer him anywhere, he's as bullheaded as I am and will make his own choice. I would just hate to see him choose a fraternity whose policies might cause him to depledge and have a negative attitude toward Greek life.

I am mainly refering to paddling or something barbaric like that.
As I said, when my husband pledged, they did a lot of running and mental conditioning, but NO BEATING. This was in the '70's, when hazing was a given. Simply put, these young men have too much self esteem to allow themselves to be punching bags for anyone. Up to now, they haven't been exposed to the positive aspects of "fraternity" so there isn't a deep desire to belong-just a budding interest. I really hope he does go Greek. That is why I posed the original question. I guess he will have to get what info he can from his sister.