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Mob mentality makes people do foolish things they wouldn't ordinarily do. The need for acceptance is so great that common sense takes a backseat to wanting to fit in with the group. This perpetuates cycles of violence, hazing and crime in all sorts of peer groups.
I highly doubt the men and women who founded our GLOs in the 1800's-early 1900's intended to paddle the backsides of their initiates, nor lead them blindfolded through a cold and wet forest, eat bugs or consume alcohol until they suffered a brain hemorrage. Back then, the thinking was to create an exclusive society dedicated to the mental, moral, academic and social improvement of its membership.
Boys will be boys, and military hazing is certainly nothing new. This has spread to the fraternities, and in time, has also spread to the sororities. To inspire loyalty and leadership, you need only be a role model.
If you say that hazing worked for you, that's great. I'm not going to argue with you. I'm not going to agree either. What started off as innocent can turn into something very ugly when placed in the hands of a sadistic or conniving member. And everyone jumps on board. The mob mentality. How else do you explain Nazi Germany? And no, I am not comparing a GLO to the Nazis. But I am comparing how people of all shapes, colors and ages strive to fit in. Even the non-conformist has a peer group: The goths, the alternative kids, the punks, the stoners, the socialites. Whether or not they want to admit it, we all fit into some category. Or more than one category.
But remember-- it just takes one idiot going too far or one new member getting injured/killed/bringing on a lawsuit to ruin a tradition of 100+ years. Why bring down your chapter or your entire organization. Promote a positive message. It will increase the worth and prestige of your group. Everyone will know of you and want to be like you. That doesn't mean they get to join. But it does mean that the privilege of membership is something worth striving for.
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