Hazing is probably one of the scariest topics to any newcomer trying to join a group. The definition of hazing varies from a person or organization's perspective. The best definition I could find is that hazing is "the subjection to harassment and ridicule." Hazing has been around for centuries and most commonly used in fraternities, sororities, military units and sports teams. The organizations that have ritually used hazing usually don't do it just to belittle anyone that wants to join their group, they want to provide a unique experience and ensure that they will have the best new members. The peculiar part I found about the definition of hazing is that it uses the word "subjection." You obviously want to try and join the association, so you are willing to do whatever it takes, and if it takes more than what you want to put into joining then you may simply quit.
The main problem people have with these rituals and requirements to join a fraternity, sorority, etc. is that it’s built to be an exclusive process. Well, without the element of exclusion, why join? There is no incentive to join other than try to look cool by putting a bunch of bumper stickers on your car to let people know you belong somewhere if you can just sign a piece to become a member. Uniqueness is an attribute millennials crave to attain, and there is nothing unique about joining a group that everyone can join. There is nothing to feel proud of if there was no struggle for accomplishment. Without a hazing process, your membership is the equivalent to a participation trophy. (Congrats.)
Hazing builds camaraderie among those who you’re in the “suck” with. The people that are going through it build a bond between each other. All of them share a common goal and must work together to become initiated. You learn each other’s boundaries and put your differences aside to complete the task your temporary overlords have assigned to you. You also share memories together that you’ll laugh about later because what you were doing was so stupid and excruciatingly hard. The struggles that all of you have endured earn the respect for one another because you know that not just anyone can do what all of you have.
One thing that being hazed taught me was something our generation really needs to get a grasp on; respect. If you mouth off to one of your superiors you get punished and sometimes the punishment extends to those who are in your initiation group. Usually you don’t want to get in trouble yourself, but you especially don’t want to screw over anyone that’s innocent. There were so many times I wanted to curse out my superiors or even punch them in the face, but I was too terrified about what sort of disciplinary actions they’d take out on me or someone else. It taught me how to be patient. I would just remind myself that the two seconds of gratitude I’d get from disrespecting Mr. So-and-So was not worth the trouble I’d get myself or someone else in. Our generation widely lacks respect because we have been raised to be entitled brats and hiss and moan when we don’t get something our way. My experiences taught me that I’m not entitled to jack squat that I have not worked for or earned. The constant ridicule that is a part of most hazing cultures puts your ego in check and reminds you that your excrement stink as much as everyone else’s.
I would be an idiot if I didn’t say that hazing could go wrong. There are instances where hazing goes so wrong that initiates have died tragically. This is a large argument for the reason to outlaw hazing. Boundaries must be set. I’m not in support for assaulting an initiate or putting them in anything that has a high chance of putting them in danger. I don't believe in hazing with substance abuse at all. I don't see what that teaches anyone. The sort of hazing I'm in support of is letting your superiors ridicule you to teach you patience, and if you disrespect them, you should do strenuous physical activity until you learn your lesson on respect.
What I’m arguing is that hazing is a choice. It is completely voluntary. Honestly, I think the organizations should just make those who want to initiate to sign a contract that gives members of the organization the ability to commit specific actions upon them. Likewise, the members of the organization should sign contracts that will terminate their membership if they do anything out of the lines and not hold the organization responsible for an individual’s action. But, you know, that just makes too much sense.
Hazing is perfectly okay within certain boundaries. The desire to get hazed is absolutely voluntary. It should be my God-given natural right to be subject to hazing if I choose to be. Just because a few rotten eggs have gone overboard doesn’t mean they should outlaw something that people can find benefit from. That’d be like making cars illegal because someone crashed theirs and hurt themselves and/or someone else.
If done correctly, hazing has a lot of potential benefits. There needs to be some sort of common ground for these issues. I don’t believe that everyone should be subject to hazing by any means. My support derives from the benefits I’ve experienced, my belief that I have a natural right of choice and what my peers have experienced because they have gone through similar challenges.
