Thinking of rushing..Terrified of hazing

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

"As of February 12, 2010, the number of recorded hazing/pledging/rushing-related deaths in fraternities and sororities stands at 96 - 90 males and 6 females. *"

Since the OP specifically referred to death and other extreme measures of hazing, this is an important statistic to consider. I have not found a reputable link that gives a current statistic on specifically Greek hazing incidents, but hazingprevention.org, where my statistic came from, says that 55% of students in college have been hazed...in a club/athletic team/other organization. So since by this definition we all had over a 50% chance of being hazed regardless of the organization we joined, I stand by my statement that worrying about dying or being severely mentally/emotionally/physically shouldn't be a deterrent in deciding to rush.

This topic is similar to understanding that crime reports are based on known incidents which are a percentage of actual incidents. Self-report studies and victimization studies of crime find that crime is more prevalent than 911 calls, official reports, and statistics reflect.

A similar effect would be found if there was a self-report and victimization study for fraternity and sorority hazing administered at colleges and universities.

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

"For someone that appears to be as aware of, and against, hazing as the OP seems to be, it stands to reason that they would be able to recognize hazing if it occurred, remove themselves from the situation, and hopefully follow through by reporting the hazing.

I agree. And I believe that's what PNMs/aspirants need to be reminded of. That's actually what some GLOs formally focus on during informationals/rush/aspirant programs/new member periods. This approach focuses on state laws and NHQ and school policies rather than telling aspirants whether they probably will or will not be hazed at a particular chapter. These organizations recognize that PNMs don't need members to pretend as though they know how much actual (undisclosed) hazing occurs in every chapter and can predict whether the PNM will be hazed. That can set unrealistic expectations that can lead to people saying "you told me it probably wouldn't happen" as opposed to "it isn't supposed to happen/it's against policies so please speak out if it happens."

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Alumyum

I stand by my statement that worrying about dying or being severely mentally/emotionally/physically shouldn't be a deterrent in deciding to rush.

Oh and I agree with this and it isn't what I was replying about.

For the record, discussing hazing isn't just discussing the hazing that results in death or mental/emotional/physical repurcussions.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Oh and I agree with this and it isn't what I was replying about.

For the record, discussing hazing isn't just discussing the hazing that results in death or mental/emotional/physical repurcussions.

Because of the OP's post and specific concerns, that's what I focused on...the extremes. But yes, it is certainly a broader topic than just extreme examples.

[lphiefreak]

some fraternities haze, some don't, make sure you choose the right one for you

for me its all about tradition, i have no problem but
hazing is not a good idea, we had people die from it
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...63&ft=1&f=1001

thankfully there is a video about anti hazing here from stophazing.org for my fraternity lambda phi epsilon
http://www.stophazing.org/nuwer/july08column.htm

be smart if you haze guys dont let anyone die

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by lphiefreak

some fraternities haze, some don't, make sure you choose the right one for you

for me its all about tradition, i have no problem but
hazing is not a good idea, we had people die from it
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...63&ft=1&f=1001

thankfully there is a video about anti hazing here from stophazing.org for my fraternity lambda phi epsilon
http://www.stophazing.org/nuwer/july08column.htm

be smart if you haze guys dont let anyone die

@ the bold

I find it interesting that a member of LPhiE is educating us about hazing. It's like a crackhead teaching us about the dangers of drugs [but if you DO take drugs, be smart and don't overdose].

[FleurGirl]

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?

I felt the same way before I rushed, and in retrospect, it was pretty rediculous! Although I don't go to your school, I don't think hazing happens much anymore. In the event that anything DOES happen, you can always just walk away. Don't let fear hold you back!

[tinytina10]

I apologize if this is sounding redundant because I realize its already been said but I want to reiterate that if you're put in a situation you're uncomfortable with all you have to do is say so.

As FleurGirl said, don't let fear of something like this hold you back from rushing. IMO, Sisterhood is the point of being a sorority member (among many other great things as well) and if you recieve a bid to join an organization it is because they view you as someone they want to share that sisterhood with. They aren't out to hurt you or embarrass you, what would they gain from that?