Quote:
Originally posted by The Original Ape:
When you meet people, do you trust them blindly? No; they must EARN your trust. And they must do so according to the kind of behavior that makes you comfortable around them, true? If so, then you should understand why it's necessary to have some form of trial/pledge process. You have to know if the person truly understands what it means to earn the title brother. They are willing to call you brotha, but can they live it? That's what pledging SHOULD be designed to evoke.
I freely admit that some people should not be tryin' to pledge other people because they themselves don't know, understand or live by the precepts of the fraternity. But because they were initiated, they are granted the right to. I've always believed that Neos should not participate in pledging, unless they are offering ideas that could enhance the process; on the other hand, I don't mean to insinuate that all neos are immature. My point is that I understand your point; but real brotherhood is a prize that has to be earned-just like trust.
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quite frankly...i don't trust ANYONE that is abusive...and since trust is an important factor in the development of genuine...and strong fraternal bonds...abuse underminds the very bond of sisterhood/brotherhood that the pledge process is supposed to foster...understanding what it means to earn the title brother/sister is not compatible with understanding what it means to take pain, abuse, etc ...a scare tactic used to "ensure" that certain things are kept private...yeah...you may get pledges to keep silent about certain essential things in the process but the result is mistrust and the keeping of oaths and the like out of FEAR...not out of LOVE for the organization and the desire to promote the sacredness of it...
[This message has been edited by SableCherub (edited June 13, 2001).]