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DeltAlum, I hear what you're saying. You're right that in the regard that as long as hazing is against the law, it's not exactly the best thing to do. The main thing that I disagree with, is that it does matter what James thinks, it does matter what you think, and it does matter what I think. What fraternities and sororities need to realize is that if we don't stand up for what we believe in, we will continue to let lawmakers dictate what we do. I'm not saying that my definition of hazing is right. I just feel that the current FIPG definition is ridiculous. You said it yourself that you think some of the definitions of hazing are crazy. It does matter in that you and all of us have the power to get it changed. Hazing laws have been put in place to protect people. Tell me who needs to be protected from filling out an interview form. What normal person will be scarred for life by being called "pledge" for a couple of months. Individual states have written laws against hazing. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that each state's law against hazing is different. I'd really like to know what is different and I think that it will probably be different from the FIPG definition. Unlike Delta Tau Delta, the fraternity I belong to does not have a national. We have absolutely no desire to have a national. But that does not mean that we don't use just old fashioned common sense when it comes to hazing our pledges. The main thing that I've seen in the news about hazing all stems from alcohol. I think that alcohol has caused the word hazing and it's definition to snowball. I don't necessarily think that alcohol should be barred from rush functions or fraternity functions as long as those consuming are of legal age. I do agree with strict punishment for those fraternities and the members who force pledges to drink any amount. But like I said before, I would really like to discuss the other aspects of hazing. I think most people will agree with you that some definitions of hazing are crazy. I think that if more people would talk about the other aspects of hazing and get away from the drinking and beating the crap out of someone, hazing could be a much more rational topic to discuss.
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