Al Roquer investigates Horrors of Hazing

[Kevin]

We from the major GLO conferences always complain that people's perceptions of our organizations are often shaped by local organizations that don't have moritoriums on speaking with the press placed on them. Perhaps this "report" by Mr. Roker serves as an excellent example of this.

It is time for us to look at our policies of not allowing our chapters to show themselves on MTV, not allowing our members to comment to the media. By doing this, we are forcing the media to go to these local organizations that may have represented us well about 20 years ago, but today? Certainly not.

They do not have risk reduction policies like ours, they do not have anti-hazing policies like ours, they do not have huge insurance premiums to pay like we do (although I know there are some exceptions).

I really wish that the press wouldn't have doors slammed in their faces all over campus only to be welcomed in by some start up local named Delta Tau Delta (in honor of their idols from Animal House).

[sageofages]

Originally posted by hoosier
This is a quandary for me.

I think kids deserve to have a little fun, and while I wouldn't want to be held upside down while somebody wrote on my forehead, it seems to me that you are describing an awards ceremony, which an 8-yr.-old boy would enjoy, and he would wear the "B" for bobcat proudly so all his classmates and teachers could know he was a winner.

Surely two adults could safely hold an 8-yr.-old upside down.

I'm not accusing you, but too many mothers today want to eliminate all risks from the lives of their children. They seem to only want only teacher and adult planned and supervised play, only on areas carefully padded with wood chips and rubber meeting Federal Standard 1234 (sec. ccd).

Another example is boys swimming naked at the YMCA and summer camps. Generations of boys grew up learning to swim in the suit God gave them, and showering after gym class in gang showers. (I last saw a nude swim class at U. Maryland about 1975). The past generation of mothers has ended these traditions, alarmed that shy little Johnny might feel "uncomfortable".

I'm opposed to GLO hazing, but the generations of boys grew into men - leaders, soldiers, inventors, teachers, etc. - not by suffering from hazing and locker room fun, but by learning to give and take.

I do under the bonding of common experience. And I was on the receiving end of what I now know was hazing in a school sanctioned activity in 8th grade (Curtis Jr High School, University Place School District, Tacoma Washington), and I don't feel "damaged" by it.

HOWEVER, this was indirect definance of a stated policy of BSA...the "ceremony" itself had no basis in the CUB SCOUT mystic (not the right "motto"), and when confronted on the inappropriateness of this, was still continued. THAT is the fertile grounds that the seeds of further and more dramatic hazing are sown.

[PhoenixAzul]

Originally posted by ktsnake

I really wish that the press wouldn't have doors slammed in their faces all over campus only to be welcomed in by some start up local named Delta Tau Delta (in honor of their idols from Animal House).

uhhh...do you mean Delta Tau Chi? DTD is a national fraternity founded at Bethany College.

[Tom Earp]

Ah, a true Animal House Lover!

ktsnake is getting into Law School so you must forgive Him.

But, whether We as National GLOs try to explain this away as only a Local Problem, it really isnt.

We on GC see this almost daily from not only Locals, but from Our Own Brothers and Sisters of National Status. That is what is sad isnt it?

But Remember, stay away from News Media. Bad is good, good is bad and doesnt get reported that much

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by ktsnake
Delta Tau Delta (in honor of their idols from Animal House).

Um...I think you're thinking of Delta Tau Chi. Last I heard, Delta Tau Delta had been around since 1858 and has a number of chapters -- mine has been continuosly active since 1862.

But taking your comments a step beyond, I suspect that most nationals have chapters that they wouldn't want dealing with the MTV's of the world. If for no other reason, the MTV's of the world can pretty much make any chapter look bad through selective editing. But we all beat that horse when the first sorority show was produced.

Additionally, I would still say that most undergraduates don't have the background to deal with the media.

I understand your thought process, but I think it has a few flaws that could sink us deeper.

[rho4life]

I saw this a few nights ago and it was just silly. I can NOT view Al as a serious journalist.

[33girl]

Originally posted by rho4life
I saw this a few nights ago and it was just silly. I can NOT view Al as a serious journalist.

And every time I see the lovely Deborah Roberts all I can think is "Girl FRIEND. WHAT were you thinking?"

[Kevin]

Originally posted by PhoenixAzul
uhhh...do you mean Delta Tau Chi? DTD is a national fraternity founded at Bethany College.

That's what I meant.

Delta Tau Chi I believe is also a national law enforcement professional society

[Kevin]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Um...I think you're thinking of Delta Tau Chi. Last I heard, Delta Tau Delta had been around since 1858 and has a number of chapters -- mine has been continuosly active since 1862.

But taking your comments a step beyond, I suspect that most nationals have chapters that they wouldn't want dealing with the MTV's of the world. If for no other reason, the MTV's of the world can pretty much make any chapter look bad through selective editing. But we all beat that horse when the first sorority show was produced.

Additionally, I would still say that most undergraduates don't have the background to deal with the media.

I understand your thought process, but I think it has a few flaws that could sink us deeper.

Well, you're thinking worst case, I'm thinking best case

For example, there was a special on the History Channel about fraternities. Our chapter at Ole Miss (I'd put it on par with any top chapter of any group in the country) was represented there. They taped and interviewed our members. There was also another fraternity taped in that show (the kid ended up going with them [the fool]). Both groups, however were excellent representations of what fraternities SHOULD be.

I can think of several chapters of my organization that I certainly would not want on that type of show though.

I think a "Fraternity Life" using our Ole Miss chapter on MTV would not only be a great show, it'd go a long ways towards putting our best foot forward.

[NinjaPoodle]

Originally posted by 33girl
And every time I see the lovely Deborah Roberts all I can think is "Girl FRIEND. WHAT were you thinking?"

Ditto on that. Al, stick to the weather, in YOUR neck of the woods

[moe.ron]

Originally posted by rho4life
I saw this a few nights ago and it was just silly. I can NOT view Al as a serious journalist.

Wait a minute, when did Al stop being a weatherman?

[Kevin]

Originally posted by moe.ron
Wait a minute, when did Al stop being a weatherman?

Dude... did you not see the series he did when he had his stomach stapled?

omigaw

[kddani]

Originally posted by ktsnake
Dude... did you not see the series he did when he had his stomach stapled?

omigaw

and then turns around and works nearly full time for the FOOD NETWORK reviewing cook offs and all that kind of stuff.

Kinda defeats the purpose, doesn't it? And I still don't understand how he has such a good looking wife who allows him to get away with that.

[RedRoseSAI]

I wonder what his Today Show co-worker Katie Couric thinks of all this...she is a Delta Delta Delta, after all (and a proud one, at that).

[ZetaPhi708]

Originally posted by ktsnake
Well, you're thinking worst case, I'm thinking best case

For example, there was a special on the History Channel about fraternities. Our chapter at Ole Miss (I'd put it on par with any top chapter of any group in the country) was represented there. They taped and interviewed our members. There was also another fraternity taped in that show (the kid ended up going with them [the fool]). Both groups, however were excellent representations of what fraternities SHOULD be.

I can think of several chapters of my organization that I certainly would not want on that type of show though.

I think a "Fraternity Life" using our Ole Miss chapter on MTV would not only be a great show, it'd go a long ways towards putting our best foot forward.

Hey Ktsnake, do you know if the History Channel has that special that you mention on DVD? I would love to see it.

Also, MTV wants ratings and sensationalism with these "greek" shows. Maybe they should do a documentary about REAL fraternity/sorority life and the positive things that our GLOs do on campus' all across America.