Hazing Essay, Research Paper

Hazing to Beat or not to Beat

Hazing has been known as the right of passage into American colleges in the past and even still today. Primarily in fraternities hazing has been more so a problem than any other organization. Most anyone who s seen the classic college movie Animal House can recall this famous seen of young Kevin Bacon s paddling during his fraternity pledgeship. In this context, the lines and scenes of hazing are funny to some people; but for others, hazing is an all-too-real problem (Wolf 1). The definition, application, and the prevention of hazing have been on going problems in past years and are still, in some areas problems.

The definition of hazing is to harass by exacting unnecessary or disagreeable work. The definition as it is, seems to be too vague and has too many loop holes which can lead to unforeseen consequences. If the definition were to read: any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. The definition would cover more ground and leave less room probable mishaps. The definition of hazing needs to be further researched and applied. In light of all of this, though, psychologists say that hazing rituals have positive effects as well. Betsy Wagner reports that studies have shown that such rituals strengthen the group by proving devotion and helping to create a sense of belonging and loyalty ( Defining 1).

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If the definition is applied further in the means of consequences; the hazing would affect the pledges as well as the actives. These consequences, when applied to the actives, would deter from further hazing practices. These consequences would have to be as severe as 180 days up to two years in jail and $1,000 to $10,000 in fines. The acts of senseless abuse and misjudgment must be prevented in future instances. In New York the hazing law states: A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person s initiation into or affiliation with any organization he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury. Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor. A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person s initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person. Hazing in the second degree is a violation. (New York Hazing Law)

Here is a story of a fraternity hazing incident that I found interesting: The Davis Police Department is currently investigating a potential alcohol-related hazing incident that occurred at the Sigma chi fraternity house. According to police logs on Oct. 30 an 18-year-old Sigma chi pledge allegedly consumed more than 30 ounces of vodka. Sigma Chi Rush Chairperson Tim Keller called emergency crews to the 500 block of Oxford Circle at about 11:46 p.m., where the pledge was reportedly unconscious and vomiting blood. According to Davis Police Lt. Steve Pierce, who was called to the scene that evening, the police are currently investigating the nature of the pledge s drinking. He said the ongoing inquiry is focusing on whether the pledge s

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drinking was part of some kind of ritual or was just a decision he made on his own. The pledge received treatment and was released later the same evening. According to the police log, pledge President, Jeremy Zuber told police the man was required to drink more tan 30 ounces of vodka as part of pledge initiation ( Horror 1)

More organizations such as CHUCK (the Coalition to Halt Useless College Killings) are a must in colleges, universities, schools, and in communities to promote awareness to this subject. The more knowledge that is shared; the more ramifications will be known and seen through consequences. The less of senseless hazing the better for all. Consequences will play a major roll in the elimination of hazing in today society. The definition, application, and the prevention of hazing have been on going problems in past years and are still, in some areas are still problems. American colleges in the past and even still today continue to use hazing as a right of passage into fraternities and sororities.

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Work Cited

Defining Hazing , http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/ rudloff/portfolios/tammy/def.html

Horror Stories of Hazing , http://www.angelfire.come/ky/collegepopularity/stories.html

New York Hazing Law , http://www.stophazing.org/laws/ny_law.htm

Wolf Mandy, The Murray State News, Hazing prevalent on college campuses http://www.thenews.org/01317/hazing.htm