Hazing has been around for centuries, and if you follow the NMB Foundation Blog, you will remember that many misconceptions surround the Rite of Passage.
Below are some hazing facts and fiction that will hopefully straighten things out.
1. Hazing Builds Unity
While hazing may create a temporary bond between new pledges and members, it also comes at a cost. Hazing is felt like a tidal wave in the entire community. While some sorority, fraternity, and club members may feel closer after the Rite of Passage, some will suffer in silence. Most often, hazing causes hatred and animosity doing nothing for unity, respect or trust.
2. Pledges Want the Rite of Passage
While there may be some that want the experience and welcome the challenge, it is rare among new members. Abuse is never something that is welcomed by a new pledge.
Because the Rite of Passage is about control, some new members may feel the need to become the most powerful and in control of the situation egging on the hazing ritual. As a result, some of those pledges died during the process with 82 percent of those deaths involving alcohol.
3. Hazing is Traditional So We Must do it to
For example, going Christmas caroling every year for decades or celebrating a special day with friends every six months is considered a tradition. Firstly, abuse isn’t and never should be, “tradition.” Secondly, it’s important to remember that the founding fathers of the sororities and fraternities weren’t hazed.
It’s easy to break a tradition in a year. For this reason, the NMB Foundation has worked with dozens of organizations who are educating members on the dangers of the Rite of Passage.
4. If it’s Not Dangerous, the Rite of Passage is Okay
Mental and emotional abuse is just as bad as physical abuse and can leave scars that will last forever. You can only imagine how a new pledge would feel after being locked in a closet for 24 hours with no food or water. It’s those types of hazing incidents that make you become more aware of the severity of the situation.
5. Hazing only Happens on Campus
Unfortunately, it’s not just the sororities and fraternities who participate in the Rite of Passage. Military units, athletic clubs and even religious groups carry out rituals for new members.
If you would like more information regarding hazing, call and schedule a consultation with the NMB Foundation.
The NMB Foundation is here to educate and inform about the dangers of this archaic act. Call for a consultation today.