Hazing In Greek Fraternities

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“Despite extensive anti-hazing publicity, especially when a related death occurs, the practice of hazing is still very prevalent.” (Gilroy) Greek fraternities began as organizations that value academic success; however, in past years most have strayed from original ideals and fallen into the dangerous practice of hazing. The epidemic that is hazing has been looked over by many people, as these practices have become part of the identity of Greek fraternities. Greek fraternities have been in this country since its very beginning. “The first fraternity, Phi Kappa Beta, was founded in 1776 at William and Mary. That society which still awards academic performance, strove to promote fellowship, intellect, and moral conduct.” They were named …show more content…

The popular 1980s film “Animal House” epitomes the new image for a fraternity member in the form of the character “Bluto.” He is depicted chugging whisky while wearing a plain sweatshirt with the word “COLLEGE” emblazoned in large block letters across the chest. The impact of this is still evident today as many fraternity members still have his poster hung in their rooms. Bluto became new image of manliness. (Smith) With yet another change in the standard of manliness, so too the practices of hazing changed. The line between what is socially acceptable, and what is hazing, is very thin. This line may be crossed slowly or accidentally. Though, “A majority of students, 69%, said they consider hazing as a part of campus culture.” Some students may accept that hazing will occur, so they go along with the act. (Gilroy) “A common perception among students is that the hazing ritual provides unity. In the case of Binghamton University, the student president of the Panhellenic Council called it ‘benign bonding exercises.’ Yet dozens of students received injuries when rituals include forcing them to walk blindfolded, barefooted, and drunk in hazardous situations. Some at Binghamton were branded in their legs and backs.” (Gilroy) Somewhere in these “bonding exercises” the line was cross from true bonding, to dangerous situations for their potential new members. “More than half of college students involved in the clubs, teams, and organizations experience some form of hazing, according to researchers at the University of Maine, who released an extensive hazing study in 2008. In some instances, authority figures such as coaches and advisors were aware of the activities, which sometimes occurred

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