I.

INTRODUCTION

For many years now, many students are getting killed due to fraternity hazings. Almost are students from the University of the Philippines. Still, students risk serious injury or even death for the supposed privilege of fraternity membership. Today we know that hazing extends far beyond college fraternities and is experienced by boys/men and girls/women in school groups, university organizations, athletic teams, the military, and other social and professional organizations. Hazing is a complex social problem that is shaped by power dynamics operating in a group and/or organization and within a particular cultural context. Hazing is seen in many different types of social groups, including in gangs, sports teams, schools, military units, workplaces and fraternities. In the United States and Canada, hazing is often associated with Greek-letter organizations (college fraternities and sororities). It is similar to the Indian phenomenon of ragging. Hazing is often prohibited by law and may be either physical (possibly violent) or mental (possibly degrading) practices. It may also include nudity or sexually oriented activities. Going to college involves many changes and new opportunities and young students tend to have difficulties recognizing the good from the bad. One opportunity awaiting new students is that of joining a fraternity. Most students wish to become part of a fraternity because it means they will be accepted on campus, have an instant group of friends, and this is very desirable for young students who arrive at school alone and with no social group. As great as joining a fraternity might sound, there are some serious risks associated with it known as hazing. When fraternities begin accepting new pledges at the beginning of the school year there is a period of time known as haze week. However, hazing may not last simply a week and may actually last the entire year when pledges are accepted into the fraternity as underlings. Generally, hazing can be rather mild, but in many cases it is downright irresponsible and dangerous. The following will help you understand what hazing is all about Fraternity hazing can kill students or lead to other physical or mental handicaps. Many people think of fraternity hazing as being harmless. The problem is that sometimes it is not. Hazing is becoming more and more violent as the individuals involved try different things during the hazing of an individual to join a fraternity or organization. Hazing has been related to over fifty deaths and many injuries.

II.

DEFINITION

What Is Hazing? Hazing can be defined as the initiation of a disciplinary activity involving horseplay, practical jokes, and humiliating activities. Hazing started in 1850 as a tradition in American universities and has continued since that date. Most universities have rules about what can be included in the hazing process. Many people argue that without hazing the fraternity pledges would not have the same meaning or be special. These people argue that without hazing the pledge process would deteriorate. Members of Fraternities believe that the pledge process is directed at building brotherhood. Hazing refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. In years past, hazing practices were typically considered harmless pranks or comical antics associated with young men in college fraternities.

Hazing activities are generally considered to be: physically abusive, hazardous, and/or sexually violating. The specific behaviors or activities within these categories vary widely among participants, groups and settings. While alcohol use is common in many types of hazing, other examples of typical hazing practices include: personal servitude; sleep deprivation and restrictions on personal hygiene; yelling, swearing and insulting new members/rookies; being forced to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire in public; consumption of vile substances or smearing of such on one's skin; brandings; physical beatings; binge drinking and drinking games; sexual simulation and sexual assault. Hazing is an activity that a high-status member orders other members to engage in or suggests that they engage in that in some way humbles a newcomer who lacks the power to resist, because he or she want to gain admission to a group. Hazing can be noncriminal, but it is nearly always against the rules of an institution, team, or Greek group. It can be criminal, which means that a state statute has been violated. This usually occurs when a pledging-related activity results in gross physical injury or death Hazing means infliction of unnecessary or excessive work in order to harass, an attempt to embarrass or disconcert by ridicule or persistent criticism, or the subjecting (of a freshamn or fraternity pledge) to treatment intended to put in ridiculous or disconcerting position[1]. Just its meaning already gives a negative connotation on the procedure of initiation of a fraternity. However, members who give this ritual to a neophyte defends that its through hazing can they prove one's endurance and thus achieves loyalty to the group.

III. Why Do People Do Hazing in Fraternities or Other Organizations?

The simple answer to this is peer pressure. People want to be accepted by their peers and are willing to things they would never normally do. Many of the prospective members are not aware of what will take place until they are involved in the process. The secrecy involved allows the hazing to get worse over time as more and more ideas are thought about without real consideration as to how dangerous it may be. Often these young people do not want to seem like a wimp or sissy. They want to be part of the fraternity or organization and are willing to take chances. Hazing often strips the individual of his self-esteem as it pushes the individual to go beyond his physical and mental limits to accomplish what he/she is being asked to do. Peer pressure and the need to belong to a group are elements that affect anyone going through the hazing process. How does this help anyone to feel closer to another or build brotherhood? Initiation A person usually joins a fraternity to be recognized and be a part of something. The idea of having some-"buddy" gives a feeling of confidence and security. In the Philippines, most of those who join fraternities are middle class students seeking protection. Others are students who come from the provinces and seek out fraternities that group them among ethnic or regional lines. Some in universities, join as to be part of an "elite" group of a particular department, division, and/or course of study. Before one can join a certain fraternity, he must undergo a series of tasks approved by that certain group. These tasks test one's integrity and endurance to prove his determination to be a member. Usually these initiations are physical and mental practices. In the Philippines, initiation is frequently violent and mentally degrading. Some also says it includes erotic element. Because of these, they call initiation hazing. Some come in forms of:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Paddling - sometimes over a lap, a knee, but mostly at the back of the thigh or on the bare buttock; Slapping - slapping of the face; Tedious Cleaning - cleaning of toilet bowl, etc.; Weird Clothing - an incoming member will be asked to wear a very funny or weird costume that would impose a negative effect on the wearer; Food - a combination of food mixed and in absurd container; Servitude - waiting on others (as at frat parties) or various other forms of housework, often with pointless tests of obedience.

IV. TYPES OF HAZING The following are some examples of hazing divided into three categories: subtle, harassment, and violent. It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are contextspecific. While this is not an all-inclusive list, it provides some common examples of hazing traditions.

Subtle Hazing Subtle hazing is behavior that emphasizes a power imbalance between new members/rookies and other members of the group or team. Termed subtle hazing because these types of hazing are often taken for granted or accepted as harmless or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members/rookies on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. New members/rookies often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the group or team. (Some types of subtle hazing may also be considered harassment hazing). Some Examples

Deception Assigning demerits Silence periods with implied threats for violation Deprivation of privileges granted to other members Requiring new members/rookies to perform duties not assigned to other members Socially isolating new members/rookies Line-ups and drills/tests on meaningless information Name calling Requiring new members/rookies to refer to other members with titles (e.g. Mr., Miss) while they are identified with demeaning terms Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession

Harassment Hazing Harassment hazing is behavior that causes emotional anguish or physical discomfort to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies. (Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing). Some Examples

Verbal abuse Threats or implied threats Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts

Expecting new members/rookies to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning, etc. Sleep deprivation Sexual simulations Expecting new members/rookies to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness Be expected to harass others

Violent Hazing Violent hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm. Some Examples

Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault Branding Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions Burning Water intoxication Expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals Public nudity Expecting illegal activity Bondage Abductions/kidnaps Exposure to cold weather or extreme heat without appropriate protection

V. What is the purpose of hazing pledges? The hazing of pledges is all about power. Those pledges who submit themselves to hazing will usually do so voluntarily because they have a strong desire to become a member of a fraternity and acquire the power to haze others. Such people do not respect fraternities and fraternity members who do no hazing at all. Thus, those people who haze pledges are more powerful and influential than those who do not. Unfortunately, most people who haze pledges are former victims of hazing themselves. By becoming a perpetrator, one can escape the role of victim while being rewarded with intoxicating popularity. And such popularity can hide a multitude of character flaws. While most fraternities have strict rules against hazing, it still exists in many pledge programs and posses risk to the pledges, actives, and the local and national chapter. One of the main reasons it still exists is that the local chapter hasn't been offered adequate alternatives as a replacement for the hazing practices. And, it is often felt that without those alternatives or without hazing, the whole pledge program would deteriorate into a system that would eventually lower the quality of the initiates.

The pledge program is not the place to "weed-out" potential members. That should be done in the rush program and only pledge those that the chapter is confident would make a good brother! The pledge program should be used to build that brotherhood. Any change to the current pledge program will often be resisted by both upper classmen and alumni for "traditions" sake. Realize that no hazing activity was ever part of the original charter. In most cases, a pledge program wasn't part of the original charter, either. In developing these "new" traditions, it is important to take it one step at a time. As these new "traditions" show positive results, expand the program.

VI. Why is Hazing a Problem? Hazing can involve seemingly harmless activities, but such activities often set the stage for more risky and potentially dangerous behaviors. The risk level of hazing can quickly escalate and take participants by surprise. Alcohol, uneven distribution of power among the group/peer pressure and groupthink are some of the factors that can impair judgment and contribute to increasing the danger level of hazing. Hazing can be harmful on a number of levels and is often related to the following detrimental outcomes:

Physical harm and death Emotional harm Student attrition Breading of mistrust among group members Cultivation of a school/campus culture of abuse Bad press for individuals, organization and school/campus or community Lawsuits and liability

VII. THE ANTI-HAZING LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC ACT No. 8049 AN ACT REGULATING HAZING AND OTHER FORMS OF INITIATION RITES IN FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFORE. Be enacted by Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Hazing as used in this Act is an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite for admission into membership in a fraternity, sorority or organization by placing the recruit, neophyte or applicant in some embarrassing or humiliating situations such as forcing him/her to do menial, silly, foolish and similar tasks or activities or otherwise subjecting him/her to physical or psychological suffering or injury. The term organization shall include any club or the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Military Academy, or cadet corps of the Citizens Military Training, or Citizens Army Training. The physical, mental and psychological testing and training procedure and practices to determine and enhance the physical, mental and psychological fitness of prospective regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police as approved by the secretary of National Defense and the National Police Commission duly recommended by the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the

Director General of the Philippine National Police shall not be considered as hazing for the purpose of this act.

VIII. NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE EFFECT OF HAZING The media is full of stories reporting one of the worst possible consequences of hazing: death. While death is a horrendous possible outcome, there are far more examples of less severe but still life altering consequences. One study has shown that 71% of those who are hazed suffer from negative consequences. These consequences may include:

Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability Sleep deprivation Loss of sense of control and empowerment Decline in grades and coursework Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer Post-traumatic stress syndrome Loss of respect for and interest in being part of the organization Erosion of trust within the group members Illness or hospitalization with additional effects on family and friends

POSITIVE EFFECT OF HAZING

Feel a sense of pride in continuing traditions Keeping it a secret makes one feel elite Promotes bonding with other members who are hazing Get to make others go through what you had to go through Feel less angry about having been hazed Fun to humiliate and intimidate others. Brings the group closer together Weeds out people who dont want to take the process seriously. Humbles new members Keeps traditions in tact Helps the group members learn about each other Cultivates shared pride Promotes discipline within group Makes good stories to tell later

IX.

ALTERNATIVES / SOLUTIONS TO HAZING

ALTERNATIVES TO HAZING Sometimes, organizations who haze new members are confused about how to change these practices. There are many creative ways to change from a hazing to a non-hazing organization. The following are some specific examples of ways to eliminate hazing and make membership a challenging but positive experience: When organizations are challenged to eliminate hazing practices, some members are often resistant to this change. In many cases, those who are most vocal against eliminating hazing are those who are bitter and angry about the hazing that they themselves endured (but don't admit this publicly) and expect that others should be abused in order to gain "true" membership in the group.

1. FOSTER UNITY: Have the members of your group/organization work together on a community service project. Visit a ropes course to work on group cohesiveness, communication and leadership skills. In fraternities and sororities with chapter houses, the group might work together on a chapter room improvement project. Another option for fostering unity without hazing is for the members to work together to plan a social or athletic event with another group. 2. DEVELOP PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES: Have pledges discuss chapter weaknesses such as poor rush, apathy, and poor scholarship, and plan solutions that the active chapter might then adopt. 3. DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Encourage participation in school/campus activities outside of the organization. Encourage new members to get involved in organizational committees and/or leadership roles. Develop a peer mentor program within your group for leadership roles. Invite school/community/business leaders into the organization to share their experiences. 4. INSTILL A SENSE OF MEMBERSHIP: Plan special events when the entire chapter gets together to attend a movie, play, or church service. Plan a "membership circle" when actives and pledges participate in a candlelight service in which each person has a chance to express what membership means to them. 5. PROMOTE SCHOLARSHIP: Take advantage of your school/college/ university academic and tutoring services. Designate study hours for members of your organization. Invite college/university or community experts to discuss test-taking skills, study methods, time management etc. 6. BUILD AWARENESS OF CHAPTER HISTORY: Invite an older member to talk about the chapter's early days, its founding, special chapter traditions, and prominent former members. 7. AID CAREER GOALS: Use college resources for seminars on resume writing, job interview skills; various careers. 8. INVOLVE PLEDGES IN THE COMMUNITY: Get involved with campus and community service projects. Plan fund-raisers for local charitable organizations.

HAZING EXAMPLES