Is there a happy medium for MIP

Originally posted by SapphireSensation:
Peace & Blessings
For MIP to be modified, people would have to first realize that what "Real" pledging is all about. Real pledging does not constitute being constantly beaten like a recalcitrant child. The purpose of getting wood IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE GIVEN AT ONE POINT DURING THE PLEDGE PROCESS, NOT THROUGHOUT. I cannot speak on my organization's symbolism. But, through my personal research on fraternal organizations(BGLOs, Masons, etc), the wood comes from the African Rites of Passage.
ANYBODY CAN TAKE PAIN!!!!!
It takes a true & real woman/man to learn the history of their respective organization and not only memorize it but EMBRACE IT.
The same Sorors & Frat that condemn you for being "paper" are the same ones that you NEVER SEE at a service project or even a scholarship luncheon. You only see them at a session, a party, boatride, etc. And, what kills me is that they still wear paraphernalia and they haven't been financial since they crossed. Overall, if you are not going to do right by your organization, then don't even mention that your a member. When you represent your organization, you BETTER represent it well!!!!!
So, when you wrap all of these elements up together, this is what you get...people, who are members of our organizations, that criticize and half-kill pledgees.
The happy medium will only come when people realize that the BRUTALITY is unnecessary and you can reap all of the fruits of being members of our illustrious organizations, just the same.

TrueGeekLove, I apologize for going off on a tangent but, there are cerain things that need to be said...thank you
SapphireSensation

I feel as though one needs some kind of physical pain when trying to enter a fraternity, I say this because first off NOT EVERYONE CAN TAKE PAIN. When pain is brought into the equation it allows the members to truly see how much the initiant really wants to be a part. Anyone can memorize facts and information. It isn't hard to read information and spit it back out in a comfrotable atmosphere. If an org is really in the business of making better men/women, they must test the individuals in every way possible. They need to be tested mentally, spiritally, and physically. There are also other lessons that can be learned from moderate physical trials. One key lesson is hummiliation, and nothing is more hummiliating than taking wood or something of that nature. I must say in closing that I do not advocate mindless beating of pledgees but I do feel as though for someone to just get a few signatures, write a essay or two, and learn information is not enough to join an orginization. The test of a man is the fight that he makes.