This week we’ll be talking about the different types of hazing. We’ll begin with the that takes place in sororities and fraternities, as it’s the one most closely associated with the term.

When most people hear the term “hazing” it conjures up images of greek letter orgs. Unfortunately, hazing occurs in many arenas including fraternities and sororities,,athletic teams, student organizations (like marching bands) at both the high school and collegiate levels, and even the military. Most believe that hazing in fraternities and in general is nothing more than silly antics and harmless pranks. This is a direct reflection of what’s been seen on tv and movies such as Animal House. However, what really transcends on college campuses is dramatically different than the humorous images depicted in the big screen. Hazing is abusive, and an inaappropriate leverage of power that can have debilitating and even have life-threatening consequences. Hazing is responsible for deaths in college fraternities and countless more physical injuries including paralysis. Not to mention the devastating emotional effects that can result for so many young men and women who endure verbal abuse.

It seems like a fair question to ask why young men and women engage in such activities just to belong to a group? To really be able to answer, you have to have a deeper understanding of hazing. The key issue is consent to partake in the activity. Many states that have anti-hazing legislation recognize the variable that is the intensity of the peer pressure. It has such a large influence that prevents victims from being able to truly consent to participate in the questionable activities.

Another contributing factor is secrecy. Potential new members don’t know ahead of time the intricate details of what their pledge process will entail. Add to the element of surprise the fact that often times hazing is something that escalates as the pledge class or line is coming closer to completing the process. A sensitive mental state along with fatigue and exhaustion don’t exactly help with having the fortitude to stop the hazing. Another very big factor is the desire to prove that whatever obstacles faced can be overcome. Finding validation in the survival of such a process can be a tremendous pull.

Stay tuned for more on the different types of hazing.

This week, we’ll touch the taboo topic that is hazing.   Unfortunately, it’s probably the thing that gets the most attention amongst Greeks.

We’ll talk more in depth about the myths hazing, the different types of hazing, and just some solid advice on how to deal if you find yourself in the situation.  Let’s start with this video.