Thinking of rushing..Terrified of hazing

[NotYetGreek]

I am considering attending University of Idaho and rushing a sorority. I joined Greek Chat so I could browse the forums about hazing. I want nothing to do with hazing or any such incidents. That is the one thing that is holding me back from rushing. I understand from reading these posts and news articles that most hazing goes on during the pledging process. Also, that most hazed students were actually doing the acts their abusers asked them to do. If someone tries to leave a dangerous situation are they harmed? Or are they allowed to freely leave?

Does anyone know if University of Idaho still has problems with hazing? Do most universities have hazing problems? Should I not even rush? I am so terrified of this, so any serious information or experiences would be appreciated.

Are there any tips anyone has to look out for early signs that may foreshadow hazing that I should look for before I am in a dangerous situation?

[kddani]

Originally Posted by NotYetGreek

I am considering attending University of Idaho and rushing a sorority. I joined Greek Chat so I could browse the forums about hazing. I want nothing to do with hazing or any such incidents. That is the one thing that is holding me back from rushing. I understand from reading these posts and news articles that most hazing goes on during the pledging process. Also, that most hazed students were actually doing the acts their abusers asked them to do. If someone tries to leave a dangerous situation are they harmed? Or are they allowed to freely leave?

Does anyone know if University of Idaho still has problems with hazing? Do most universities have hazing problems? Should I not even rush? I am so terrified of this, so any serious information or experiences would be appreciated.

Are there any tips anyone has to look out for early signs that may foreshadow hazing that I should look for before I am in a dangerous situation?

You are WAY overreacting. Very very few sororities haze anymore. Even fewer that than do any kind of hazing which could be considered "dangerous". All of the NPC sororities have hotlines to call to report hazing and hazing is a crime in most states.

Again, you are WAY overreacting.

[NotYetGreek]

I don't really think I am overreacting. I see many news articles about greek organizations losing their recognition because of hazing issues and also death reports. I understand what I can do AFTER an incident, but I want to avoid anything happening in the first place.

But, maybe the media has overdramatized these situations. That's why I am asking for information.

[als463]

Originally Posted by NotYetGreek

I don't really think I am overreacting. I see many news articles about greek organizations losing their recognition because of hazing issues and also death reports. I understand what I can do AFTER an incident, but I want to avoid anything happening in the first place.

But, maybe the media has overdramatized these situations. That's why I am asking for information.

Honestly, I think you may be overreacting to the overdramatized situations in the media. Sororities offer a great way for you to meet new people and bring your skills and passions to the table, in order to help others through philanthropy. I think you should consider looking at the various sororities on campus and you may be surprised that they are filled with some great girls. Check out greek life but, please go in with an open mind.

[pshsx1]

When does the news ever report on the good any person or organization is doing?

Do some better research.

[Kevin]

What exactly is there to be "terrified" about? Even if there was hazing, it's not as if they can force you to do anything. Simply walk away and call the hotline/law enforcement authorities.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by NotYetGreek

I don't really think I am overreacting. I see many news articles about greek organizations losing their recognition because of hazing issues and also death reports. I understand what I can do AFTER an incident, but I want to avoid anything happening in the first place.

But, maybe the media has overdramatized these situations. That's why I am asking for information.

There's the big scary hazing that you see on TV, that's really rare because when it happens, people usually get caught and chapters get shut down.

There's smaller hazing that is slightly more common and less likely to get caught. It's also far less dangerous although still disallowed by the Inter/national sororities.

But the best defense against hazing is you. Never agree to do something you're not comfortable with. I never once dealt with real hazing as an active and only a couple of times ran across things could have been called hazing even if they weren't intended that way and no participant was upset.

Don't go into recruitment looking at all of these girls as potential hazers, look at them as potential sisters.

[Ghostwriter]

Originally Posted by NotYetGreek

Does anyone know if University of Idaho still has problems with hazing? Do most universities have hazing problems?

Are there any tips anyone has to look out for early signs that may foreshadow hazing that I should look for before I am in a dangerous situation?

I didn't know Idaho had a problem with hazing. You seem to be a little too paranoid. Sororities, in general, do not have a real big problem with hazing at this time. The risk is too great and most Nationals have a zero tolerance for this type behavior. I suggest you not join a sorority as you seem way too weak.

I think that VandalSquirrel might be able to clarify if she is still around.

[IrishLake]

Originally Posted by pshsx1

When does the news ever report on the good any person or organization is doing?

Do some better research.

This. You only see the BAD things in the news about greek life. The good FAR outweighs the bad. Personally, I was never hazed, but I saw it happening in other chapters on my campus. Even still... what I saw back then was minor. My org has a very strict anti-hazing policy with it's own designated hotline to report hazing incidents to. You will be FINE! Go in with an open mind and open heart. If at any point you feel you are being hazed (if you pledge somewhere), contact the proper authorities.

[NotYetGreek]

Thank you all for your points. I agree that all you see is the bad because stories of greek organizations benefitting society wouldn't be as popular. I guess I just saw a few articles within a short amount of time and was scared that this was the norm.

I appreciate your advice. I will stop LOOKING for the bad.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by NotYetGreek

Thank you all for your points. I agree that all you see is the bad because stories of greek organizations benefitting society wouldn't be as popular. I guess I just saw a few articles within a short amount of time and was scared that this was the norm.

I appreciate your advice. I will stop LOOKING for the bad.

Look at it this way. If it was the norm, then it wouldn't be newsworthy would it?

[carynie13]

I would also suggest that when you go through recruitment not to listen to the tent talk because I can almost bet that you will hear about sororities that "haze hard" when in fact it is completely untrue. Don't let the gossip bring you down. I know I didn't and I'm so happy for that because I love my (non-hazing) chapter.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by NotYetGreek

Does anyone know if University of Idaho still has problems with hazing? Do most universities have hazing problems?

OMG! Of course!!!

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by kddani

Very very few sororities haze anymore. Even fewer that than do any kind of hazing which could be considered "dangerous".

I wouldn't go that far. The "sororities" (and fraternities) aren't what's hazing. It's some of the members in some of the chapters that are hazing. It is good that you put "dangerous" in quotations.

This is one of those topics where the person can read the hazing headlines and draw their own conclusions. Whether they want to pursue Greekdom is completely up to them. We aren't suffering for members and don't need to convince anyone of anything.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

If it was the norm, then it wouldn't be newsworthy would it?

Yes.