Hazing Myths

Myth #1: Hazing is a problem primarily for fraternities and sororities.
FACT: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools, and other types of clubs and/or organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.

Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
FACT: Hazing is an act of power and control over others - it is victimization. Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive and often life-threatening.

Myth #3: As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K.
FACT: Even if there's no malicious "intent" safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group team members?

Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
FACT: First of all, respect must be GIVEN in order to be received. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy, and alienation.

Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing.
FACT: In states that have laws against hazing (such as North Carolina), consent of the victim can't be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.

Myth #6: It's difficult to determine whether of not a certain activity is hazing - it's such a gray area sometimes.
FACT: It's not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions. Make the following inquiries of each activity to determine whether or not it is hazing.

Is alcohol involved?
Will current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they're asked to do?
Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
Is there a risk of injury or a question of safety?
Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor, or college official?
Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?

If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes," the activity is probably hazing.

Adapted from Death By Hazing, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 1988