Hazing. Is it necessary?

[L.O.C.K.]

Yes I pledged, and it was hard.

Is "hazing" necessary? Yes, but only parts of Hazing. Hazing is defined so broadly that anything can be considered hazing.

The reality is you can NOT have a strong organization if anyone can just walk in with out sacrificing any time, etc to gain that membership. That is called a club.

Fraternities are where they are today because of the brotherhood built between members and the leaders that they create. This can't be accomplished if you don't feel a sense of brotherhood within the organization.

Now, am I advocating for stupid stuff? No, not at all. Doing callisthenics (sp?) should not be hazing. Memorizing your organizations history should not be hazing. Having to greet brothers should not be hazing. Making someone drinkg 2 litres of vodka should be hazing.

The reality is we all rationalize what we do to our pledges, or else they wouldn't do it. We all say what we are doing has a purpose. You can find meaning in anything. But it is important that the meaning is relevant, the means is safe, and the message is clear.