[Thetagirl218]

Originally Posted by ΑΓΔSquirrelGirl

The military is not on the same level as a fraternity or sorority. I love my organization, take it seriously...but it's NOT the military. I am NOT carrying a machine gun in the name of my country. Therefore...I should NOT be treated as a soldier.

The reason that hazing has been treated so very, very harshly is because there are too many chapters these days in most organizations to keep up with every single ones' individual traditions and determine what is kosher and what isn't. It is easier and in the end more efficient to outlaw any type of hazing whatsoever.

Fraternities and sororities should NOT condone activities which result in physical or mental trauma to a new member. Sorry. That's not what we're here for. I think new member retreats are a great idea, even though without actives being required to go as well, that's hazing, so we can't do it. I think new member retreats where they must drink x shots in 30 minutes to "prove they love XYZ" is stupid. Personally were I hazed I would have left. I am not so DESPERATE to be a Greek that I will subject myself to humiliation or harm. And I would never be able to look UP to a sister who had hurt me. I wouldn't be able to call her a sister, even.

I am not worried about who "earns" the letters in the new member period. If they do not come to the new member meetings and do not come mingle with the sisters at non required events they will view the sorority as a burden because they won't be seeing the sisterhood we have to offer...they will only be thinking about the two more hours they could have gotten in at work. Since all they have to do to "earn" the letters during that period is come to the meeting once a week (after which they recieve presents), not being able to do so indicates little to no interest in the sorority. Then they will usually decide that being in a sorority is not for them after all, and they'll leave. And that's ok. New member period isn't just for education. It's also to make sure you are ready to cement the life time committment.

Amen Squirrel Girl! I could not have said it any better....