By Hadassa Ferreira, Arts & Culture Editor
If there is something that every person craves, it is the feeling of belonging. This desire is why society is divided into groups, particularly in college, where student organizations provide opportunities for community engagement and offer the ability to create networking that can last a lifetime.
For some young adults, being part of a group is so important for some that they might even put their lives in danger just to prove their value. The desire for acceptance can sometimes overshadow the consequences, leading individuals to make dangerous decisions to fit in.
Many groups, mainly Greek life organizations, impose a period of hazing on their incoming members. Often, hazing can be very severe, presenting serious risks to the lives of those who participate. These practices can range from physical abuse to emotional manipulation, all in the name of “tradition.”
Hazing is meant to validate a person’s right to belong to a group. These initiation periods can last days and often involve activities that humiliate, degrade, or cause emotional or physical harm.
Not all hazing is made with the consent of participating victims; however, in the case of Greek life organizations, where this type of activity is more frequent, it is widely understood that prospective members will likely endure some form of hazing.
Since hazing has long been embedded in American college culture, some older fraternity members view it as a test of fairness and loyalty. Others see it as a way to justify the hardships they once endured.
In recent years, knowledge about the severity of hazing has increased, and many fraternity groups have been exposed due to the extreme violence they impose on their members. Pop culture has also helped highlight the negative consequences of hazing and the importance of breaking the cycle.
Movies such as “Burning Sands” and “Goat: A Memoir,” along with TV shows like “All American: Homecoming,” explore the emotional and physical toll of hazing on students.These portrayals allow audiences to see the devastating impact hazing can have on individuals and the broader college community.
Anabelita Lopez, a junior student majoring in accounting, said, “I believe hazing is unethical. It is not okay for someone to persuade another person to enroll in an action that puts their lives in danger or force them to do things that, in another circumstance, they would consider wrong.”
Some argue that enduring hazing fosters pride, strength, and a sense of achievement. After all, surviving the experience and gaining a tight-knit community can feel like a victory.
It is an undeniable fact that Greek life and student organizations are life-long commitments that can be very resourceful for their members in the long run. Many honor societies, sororities, and fraternities hold significant financial influence and social standing, allowing them to provide scholarships, internships, and other opportunities. These benefits can be a major motivator for students to endure the challenges of joining these groups.
They also create a strong sense of belonging, which is why many students see hazing as a small price to pay for acceptance. The need to feel connected and valued can be so powerful that some are willing to overlook the dangers posed by hazing.
However, the risk of severe injury during hazing should not be ignored. The reality is that extreme hazing can cause long-term trauma and lasting physical harm.
While building a sense of community is important, a person’s value should not be tested through dangerous initiation rites. There are healthier, more meaningful ways to prove loyalty and commitment without putting lives at risk.
