They desire to be part of a group so they are not alone. However, this not only happens in colleges, but also on sports teams and various other clubs. Hazing is also occurring due to the fact that fraternity members know exactly how far they can go and how to get away with their acts. Most administrators do nothing to prevent hazing, and the members take advantage of this (StopHazing.org).
Examples of activities that are considered hazing include two major types: subtle hazing and harassment hazing. Subtle hazing is defined as "actions that are against accepted sorority or fraternity standards of conduct, behavior, and good tastes. An activity or attitude directed toward a pledge or an act which ridicules, humiliates, or embarrasses." Examples of subtle hazing include:.
1) Never doing anything with the pledge(s).
2) Calling pledge "pledgie" or any other demeaning name.
3) Silence periods for pledges.
4) Any form of demerits.
5) Initiates writing progress reports on pledges.
6) Requiring pledges to call members Mr., Miss, etc.
7) Scavenger hunts for meaningless objects.
8) Phone duty or house duties, if only assigned to pledges.
9) Requiring pledges to carry Pledge Handbook or paddles everywhere to get signatures.
10) Scaring pledges with what may happen at initiation.
11) Deprivation of privileges.
Harassment hazing is defined as "anything that causes mental anguish or physical discomfort to the pledge. Any activity directed toward a pledge or activity which confuses, frustrates, or causes undue stress." Examples of harassment hazing are as follows:.
1) Verbal abuse.
2) Any form of questioning under pressure or in an uncomfortable position.
3) Requiring pledges to wear ridiculous costumes or perform ridiculous activities.
4) Requiring only pledges to enter by back door or go up back staircase.
5) Stunt or skit nights/events with demeaning and/or crude skits and/or poems.
6) Requiring pledges to perform personal service to actives such as carrying books, running errands, performing maid duties, etc.