Might sound weird, but if I am being completely honest...

[DGTess]

Originally Posted by BlueOwl

Not a popular opinion, I know, but I also think that some level of hazing is acceptable. For women joining sororities I think that dressing up in funny or cute costumes on Big Sis reveal night is FUN!! But for example, at my daughter's school (Big, public in CA) her chapter considers this hazing! I have only heard of two incidents of unforgivable hazing within sororities,,,one occurred at U of Wisconsin and one at University of southern Cal.. For Fraternities for men, EVERY SINGLE man, young or old that I have EVER met experienced some form of hazing!!! Even though every organization proclaims that they don't haze. THEY DO!!! I strongly object to anything that endangers life or limb and or any activity that is humiliating. But, for men joining fraternities, some activities can really help to bond the group. Plus, with men's fraternities, there is that element of having to prove how badly you want to be initiated.

I agree that hazing has become the "zero tolerance" of university education. I've been told of events/traditions that are scrapped because "someone" "might" consider them a form of hazing.

However, my spouse was (I believe) hazed unmercifully; he has NO USE for his fraternity. When I mentioned that my nephew was investigating greek life on his campus, and should I let nephew know he has a family connection to that fraternity, spouse said "He doesn't want to be a XYZ." (I finally asked him why he didn't resign, and he implied that was more effort than he was willing to put forth for the fraternity.) When "brotherhood" events cause that reaction, they certainly do nothing to help the cause.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by BlueOwl

Not a popular opinion, I know, but I also think that some level of hazing is acceptable. For women joining sororities I think that dressing up in funny or cute costumes on Big Sis reveal night is FUN!! But for example, at my daughter's school (Big, public in CA) her chapter considers this hazing!

Originally Posted by DGTess

I agree that hazing has become the "zero tolerance" of university education. I've been told of events/traditions that are scrapped because "someone" "might" consider them a form of hazing.

Exactly. The problem is not that some level of hazing is acceptable but nevertheless is prohibited. Hazing is not acceptable. Period.

The problem is that too often some things are labeled as hazing when they really aren't hazing.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Exactly. The problem is not that some level of hazing is acceptable but nevertheless is prohibited. Hazing is not acceptable. Period.

The problem is that too often some things are labeled as hazing when they really aren't hazing.

I feel like this would be a good place to teach collegians some critical thinking skills. "Oh, you want to do X? What's the worst possible thing that could happen if you do X? How might a member or pledge feel if made to do X? What are the benefits of activity X?" and so on...