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Here is what we decided to do when we had to pledge each new class: We sat down and wrote what qualities we wanted our new class to have or to add on to. Then we looked for ways to build all those qualities up. We never gave bids to jackasses that need a kick to do anything, so we knew each of our pledges was fully capable and would represent our letters well.
When I look at hazing I think of three things:
1) The sad fact that brothers are taking enjoyment in giving these pledges crap work and putting them through hell.
2) The pledges are being broken down and built back up. This is what they do in boot camp when they push you until you accept every order and start fitting their mold. I guess this is what people think makes a class "tight".
3) When the pledges sacrifice more for something, they feel their reward is even more deserved and valued. Those letters represent something grand to them.
In our pledge class, kids did each activity. The point of each activity is made clear from the beginning so everyone goes in looking to achieve the same goals. When there were problems, we talked to them. For example, if I saw a kid not wearing his pin I would fume up but I would tell him why it was so important to wear that pin. I would make him know that and from then on he became the model pledge.
I'm sorry but hazing is the easy way out. You can achieve the results you want without breaking someone down.
-Rudey
--Just do a search on the internet for trust building and teamwork exercises.
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