|
When the Great Anti-Hazing Backlash among National fraternities occurred, it was simple: "STOP HAZING!!! IT'S BAD!!!"
Few alternatives were offered - actually it might be closer to none. A series of goals was provided, but no path for how to reach these goals.
Well, that's not entirely true - the 'old path' was still around, and that seemed to reach all of these goals, right?
Basically, rules aren't the answer (to my mind) - rather, implementing solid programming suggestions that reach the same goals as a hazing program, but in a legal and safe way, is the key to killing hazing. These suggestions should be specific, detailed, and accessible - the current trend toward vague, idealistic prose without any sort of specific suggestions for pledge events, running of a pledge program, or means to reach the outcome provides little in the way of a viable alternative for those who are currently hazing.
Punishment does not work as a deterent - that has been proved in cases ranging from the death penalty to drunk driving laws. I will contend that we can extend it to this case as well.
|