Quote:
Originally Posted by mshudec
BUT, what people fail to realize is that some of what they're calling the "good" hazing, that brings them closer together IS hazing. It falls into a third and often overlooked category.
Subtle Hazing- Deception
- Assigning demerits
- Silence periods with implied threats for violation
- Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
- Requiring new members/rookies to perform duties not assigned to other members
- Socially isolating new members/rookies
- Line-ups and drills/tests on meaningless information
- Name calling
- Requiring new members/rookies to refer to other members with titles (e.g. "Mr.," "Miss") while they are identified with demeaning terms.
- Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession
It is SO important that we educate our members about subtle hazing and not just harassment and violent hazing. |
It is also important that we remember that definitions of hazing vary. These things may be considered hazing by some GLOs, and some of them might be considered hazing by almost all GLOs, but whether they actually constitute hazing is going to depend on (1) state law, (2) campus policies and (3) GLO policies. For example, none of the things listed would be considered hazing under the laws of my state.
As for the bolded, the only GLO I know of that doesn't do that is Sig Ep in its Balanced Man chapters. Otherwise, I don't know of any GLO that allows pledges/new members/whatever-else-they-may-be-called to, for example, wear the badge or be present for ritual. As has been discussed on GreekChat many times, many fraternities and sororities have rules prohibiting pledges/new members from wearing letters or having anything that displays the coat of arms. Most GLOs do not allow pledges/new members to hold office, though I know that some do.
That's why it's best not to make blanket statements about what constitutes hazing beyond the obvious things, and instead to talk about what is considered hazing by one's own GLO or one's own campus.
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