ing may not have had any real life experience being “hazed.” Are these activist trying to prevent someone else the same harmful experience they went through or are they “shooting from the hip” and simply basing their opinions and assumptions about hazing on the many media stereotypes such as the famed Animal House and horror story headlines on the extreme levels? The above “myths vs. facts” upon first glance is a cut and dry stance with all the issues clearly defined. After I took a second glance the facts were underlined with various opinions from the authors and presented in the context to his desires. Obviously the anti-hazing sentiment most valid and strong point for hazing being immoral or unethical is that hazing is illegal and that some cases people have been killed. This is certainly a strong element that is very hard to argue against. Yet, arguments for hazing run as strong and deep as those who oppose it. ARGUMENTS FOR HAZINGBefore we get into the flip side argument of hazing, from the interviews I conducted, written opinions and horror stories from the past, nearly all those questioned are in disagreement with what transpired in times when there were no laws against hazing. Physical beatings with paddles and experiments, which claim to be trust building, but in fact have their similarities to a mild form of torture and activities that endanger lives are NOT supported by pro-hazers. As stated before the definition of hazing and its corresponding subjectivity are what complicate the pro-hazers standpoint. Today’s form of Greek hazing is radically different from that of the distant past according to various sources that have had real experience being both hazed and being the hazer. A common theme found in the following passages and those whom I have spoken with is that the initiation phase helps build teamwork, teaches one how to be humble, respect authority and look at the ex...
