If Hazing is Wrong, what's a better alternative?

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I'd agree that 13 is probably too young for OA. But I'm sorry you consider it hazing, because I can assure you it is not, not by any reasonable definition of that term. (Sorry if I'm being too blunt.) No way would the BSA approve of it if it were. Like I said, it was a pivotal event in my youth, and there was not a single second of it where I thought I was being hazed then or, looking back on it now, where I would consider anything done to be hazing.

I think the fact that it is overseen by adults helps. I don't see the day of service as hazing. I think the "not speaking" and the camping out alone are the iffy parts. I will say that I did appreciate that they were upfront about what the Ordeal involved. Most of the boys in our troop receive an invitation to OA as soon as they get their First Class, which is usually at age 11/12. This troop is an Eagle producing troop. They encourage achieving Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class in your first year. Star after 6 months, Life after 6 more months and then they may take a year or two to finish Eagle. My son had just turned 11 when he crossed over so by 12, had achieved Tenderfoot and Second Class and had one requirement left for First Class. He has all the requirements for Star now, except the Board of Review and he'll be 13 next week. In fact, he'll probably have his BoR on Monday, the day before his 13th birthday. So yeah, they're on a fast track. If he decides some day to do OA, I won't stop him, but I don't know that *I* will feel totally comfortable that weekend! I just kept thinking during that video that if a fraternity didn't allow their members to talk and made them sleep alone in a remote area, it would be considered hazing. The video made a point to say that it IS not hazing like fraternities do, which kind of got my goat too..lol.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I think the fact that it is overseen by adults helps. I don't see the day of service as hazing. I think the "not speaking" and the camping out alone are the iffy parts.

I guess I can see why you might think that, but even under stophazing.org's definition, it doesn't seem to me like these things aren't hazing. I've said a little more below.

Most of the boys in our troop receive an invitation to OA as soon as they get their First Class, which is usually at age 11/12. This troop is an Eagle producing troop. . . . In fact, he'll probably have his BoR on Monday, the day before his 13th birthday. So yeah, they're on a fast track.

Wow, our troop moves fast, but not that fast. Even so, I don't think I've ever heard of a troop where the invitation to OA is almost that automatic. I've known plenty of guys who go through Scouts for years without getting tapped out.

BTW, good luck to him on his BoR. My 11-year-old will get his Scout badge Monday night.

If he decides some day to do OA, I won't stop him, but I don't know that *I* will feel totally comfortable that weekend! I just kept thinking during that video that if a fraternity didn't allow their members to talk and made them sleep alone in a remote area, it would be considered hazing.

It's not really that alone in a remote area. We would go out into the woods as a group. We'd stop every 5-10 steps, and then the guide would say the guy next in line "go 20 steps that way." It's more like being scattered around the woods, far enough apart to feel like you're on your own, but close enough together (and with people in charge close by) to be safe (and to hear other guys snoring ).

As for the not-speaking, I think there is a difference between what was often done in fraternities and what is done in OA. Traditionally, many fraternities forbade pledges from speaking to anyone during Hell Week or some similar period, except as necessary in class or with professors. That did isolate the pledge on campus. With OA, what we're talking about is not speaking to anyone during the Ordeal itself, when the only people you will encounter are those participating in the Ordeal. Those leading will also not speak except as necessary to give direction. I particularly remember stopping the work at various points during the day and being given something (short) to read and ponder. Through the day, these readings built on each other and prepared you for the initiation ceremony. It really makes for a service day where there is a chance to think about what matters.

The video made a point to say that it IS not hazing like fraternities do, which kind of got my goat too..lol.

LOL, that would have irked me, too. But it just goes to show that they know what a lot of people will assume.

[ECUJacob]

So what's the difference between this and a football coach yelling at you or a drill sargeant yelling at you.

That's an interesting distinction. I have to agree with the others in that a football coach and drill sergeant are on a different level than your Pledge Educator.

i think when it comes down to it, it's all about what the individual is willing to do and we should hold that individual responsible. we are talking about 18+ year olds who are technically adults right? if they want to join an organization no matter what kind it is, they have to accomplish whatever the tasks are that they're assigned. if they don't want to, find another organization to join simple as that. what i don't understand is why the us govt has to hold people's hands all the time and intervene for things that people should have the right to do and not do themselves. this is not like someone is forcing you to do something. you can always walk away if you want.

You are right that adults have the right to make their own decisions and deal with the consequences, good or bad. The problem lies in levels of responsibility. All fraternities/sororities are student organizations. Although they may not all be recognized by their university/school, they are still composed of students. Therefore, it is incumbant upon the host academic institution to ensure their safety and well-being. Moreover, if a student organization does something questionable that results in a death, injury, and/or lawsuit, the local organization, national organization, university/school, and state could all be named in the lawsuit. Clearly they will want to protect there interest/investment in you as a student. Therefore, rules/laws have been established to do so.