Quote:
Originally posted by dirtymike1906:
Very good points 12dn and justmyo!
12dn, your points about parenting and teaching made me visualize the military as another arena in which pledging/hazing is sanctioned.
And Justmyo, I agree with your views on spite. I do remember a time, however, when "pledging" was totally exclusive from "hazing."
I think that what now separates BGLOs from other areas of society where "pledging" is endorsed is "purpose." In many ways, we have lost our direction. Many are compelled to join only to step, chant, wear a t-shirt, and turn out next year's Greek Show, only to never be seen again shortly after graduation. Some of us are the ultimate groupies--we only aspire to rub elbows with fame, rather than partake in the creation and maintenance. Whereas people are able to agree with forms of "hazing" in education, military, etc. for a noble "purpose," they see little place for similar activities on a greek level.
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hazing is not SANCTIONED in the military...and think about this for a minute...a member of a sorority or fraternity is not obligated to pick up a gun and kill someone if necessary to defend his/herself in a time of war...i don't know about you...but i see a big dang difference between activities that are seen as "hazing" in the military and what some fraternity and sorority members do for no other reason or purpose of preparation but to say that they are hard...i never heard one of my sister or brother flights during training BOAST about how hard they were as a result of their training...hmmmmn...anyhow...here's a suggestion...though far fetched...when i was in training we had to carry these tiny forms called form 341's that were blank forms that had a space to put all our info...name, rank, all that...the reason we carried them was so that if we were seen doing something "wrong" someone authorized to "ask" us for one could do so...they would then fill it out with all our info and send it to "headquarters"...say ya'll carried something like that and everytime you were even suspected of hazing you had to give one up...and it was sent to headquarters...after having so many pulled you or your chapter would be suspended and if too many people in your chapter had a certain amount pulled...that chapter would get indefinitely shut down...my point...if you REALLY want to get rid of hazing...you can do it...and nearly eradicate it within 5 to 10 years tops...
also...defending greeks just because they are greek and automatically assuming that those that report hazing are out for "easy rides", are lying, or are causing trouble only exacerbates the problem...again...if you want to get rid of it you can get rid of it...it is still here because not everyone wants it gone...that is the truth...and once you clearly admit that and address that...you can get your organizations on track...but as long as you deny that fact it will stick around...stop sugar coating situations...if there is no bruise there was no abuse according to some...that is a sad mind set to have...gdi out...
[This message has been edited by SableCherub (edited June 09, 2001).]