Hazing

[Sleepy_Dragon]

Hey I have one more big Composition 101 paper to write...since I'm in a frat and the topic applies to me I was thinking of writing it on why hazing should be legal so long as the person consents to it. Just wanted to know what everyone here thinks about the topic.

Now I have no problem with anti-hazing laws that apply to people still under the age of majority as the person (both the hazer and the person being hazed) isn't mature enough yet to know what exactly they are consenting to. However an adult should be able to make the choice for themselves. Personally I feel that anti-hazing laws are taking the right for a person to make a choice for themselves away from them due to the irresponsible actions of a few. I also don't like that the laws were purely reactionary and usually pushed by special interests groups.
In terms of a frat or a sorority the most often cited reason for the laws is that a pledge can get hurt or killed. So with that sort of thinking why don't we just ban sports? Every time a football player goes out on the field they risk getting injured or killed. Every time a boxer or a fighter steps into a ring they risk serious injury or death. Every time someone goes hunting or fishing they're risking life and limb. I could go on for hours. Hell every time I walk across the campus to a class I could trip and break my neck!
Hazing is something that if done properly can bring people together. Why should the actions of the minority ruin it for the majority?

 

[Rhazdel]

Because, at some point, the pledge loses the ability to reason and rationalize. The most typical forms of hazing are either drinking alcohol in large quantities, or, more recently, drinking water in large quantities.

When a person becomes that intoxicated (and actually, drinking large amounts of water does actually intoxicate the person), the person no longer knows his limits. They don't realize their limits, and most of the time, alcohol toxicity (or even water toxicity - which does exist) is a gradual process. Even after the pledge stops drinking, the body still has alcohol in the stomach. This alcohol continues to be digested and absorbed, and toxicity can kick in several minutes, or even hours later.

Losing the ability to say "No" is what separates hazing from sports in terms of danger. Most sports will not allow any player to begin while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, because it inhibits their ability to know their limits, and increases the likelyhood they will be harmed.

 

[Anonymous]

I believe it depends on the type of Hazing. Whilst some forms are simply disgusting (I still have a hard time believing someone would be desperate to eat feces directly from someone's arse just to be part of a group), hazing in the form of clothing (such as wearing a Toga) are actually amusing and shouldn't be shunned. I believe it's just a matter of drawing the line somewhere (as in, no sticking brooms up someone's arse).

 

[candle]

I also have to say that anyone desperate enough to gain enterance to a group by demeaning themselves is really stupid and doesn't realize that all they do is lose any possible repect they might gain from said group unless something extrordinary happens. But, unfortunately, people are often preasurred to jion said groups by friends, family, and even by people they've never even met before.

I ask how being over the age of majority makes them more mature than minors. I know quite a few people who act more mature than my sister's friends, yet you seem to think that they "don't know whats good for them." The fact is that age has nothing to do with maturity. It's all in how you were brought up, and in what condintions, as well as your mental capacity.

 

[Rhazdel]

I ask how being over the age of majority makes them more mature than minors. I know quite a few people who act more mature than my sister's friends, yet you seem to think that they "don't know whats good for them." The fact is that age has nothing to do with maturity. It's all in how you were brought up, and in what condintions, as well as your mental capacity.

Medical fact:

The frontal lobe of the brain, which is largely responsible for judgement, does not fully develop in most people until late teens/early 20's.

Although, like you said, I do know a lot of people in their 20's that act like they are still 6 years old

 

[kaze950]

I ask how being over the age of majority makes them more mature than minors. I know quite a few people who act more mature than my sister's friends, yet you seem to think that they "don't know whats good for them." The fact is that age has nothing to do with maturity. It's all in how you were brought up, and in what condintions, as well as your mental capacity.

This may be partially true, as it depends on the person. But in our society, we go by age. It's that way for drinking, smoking, e.t.c.

 

[candle]

Yes, but in other countries where the drinking age is lower, you don't see as many people going out and binge drinking as soon as they are legal.

 

[Txzeenath]

People are stupid, regardless of age. As far as the law goes, they should stay out of matters that aren't their business. Although apparently, the lawmakers seem to think that they should push their own moral views on people in the form of laws.

This isn't a matter of safety, as it was said before, it's perfectly legal to punch someone in boxing, or give someone brain trauma in football. It's a matter of morals, and the fact that people can't stand someone doing something they don't agree with, so they control it.