Just a few issues that should be mentioned.....
First of all any beating or abuse is obviously hazing and inapropriate behavior. I am glad to see that this problem has become less and less common.
As to the mental "abuse" that some have referred to, I would like to raise a few ideas to the benifits of practices that have now fallen under the classification of hazing. Scavanger Hunts (now banned on my campus) where pledges are forced to find/ask for items that could be embarrassing do have merit. In the real or buisiness world, success depends on ones ability to be outward, never ashamed to ask a dumb question or feel intimidated by coworkers or bosses and executives. The Scavanger Hunt enhances ones ability to accomplish goals even though there may be tough challenges to conquer. In reality that is most of pledging was about, or at least it was in my case. Many of my brothers said that pledging was one of the toughest situtions they've been through, however they will be the first to tell you how much it has helped them. Pledging helps make everything you do in life comparably easier. It enhances time management skills. After pleging I would accomplish much more, since I was forced to use my time more efficiently during pledging to accomplish my goals. This is why so many extremely sucessful people are from Fraternities or Sororities.
Greek life certainly isn't for everyone. If it is not for you, please don't participate. I wish that people would stop trying to force their opinions on a successful institution that has been more than able to govern itself. When individuals are at fault, do not blame entire institutions. That shows that you are to lazy to come up with a viable solution to a given problem.
Greek life is for those who wish to push themselves and achive more. The opportunities that it opens up are endless. Those who participate in the Greek system have gained better teamwork and communications skills than you will ever learn in a classroom. Do you have to be part of a Fraternitiy or Sorority to gain these skills or opportunities? Of course not, however why would discourage an intitution that has provided so much for so long?
Bottom Line - Hazing is wrong, but true pledging is the root of the greek system and I woulde hate to see that vanish.
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