in light of the latest murder through hazing, ac nicholls of solar network news passed by for an interview about the psychology of hazing in fraternities (sororities and gangs included).
hazing is an initiation or rite of passage that uses control and power over others by inflicting ridicule, humiliation, a sense of anguish, or harm.
hazing is believed to screen out initiates who are not serious, courageous, or worthy enough to be part of the fraternity. because the initiates weathered the ordeal, they become more bonded to each other. they also become more loyal to the fraternity since membership was nearly paid with their life.
for the hazer, it is usually out of loyalty in perpetuating the fraternity's traditions that he hazes. besides loyalty, the hazer enjoys a sense of domination by making the neophytes pass through hell. some hazers experienced severe discipline and corporal punishment in their childhood and are thus able to inflict the same on the neophytes.
the hazed neophyte, on a good note, is rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and self-discipline for successfully surviving the ordeal. hazing however, has its apparent risks: the risk of emotional stress and mental anguish, stress-related illnesses, psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety/ panic diorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, physical pain and injury, and sadly, even death. the neophyte must possess a sense of desperation or death-defying thrill to belong to a group, at the expense of risking his own life.
so what can we do? we have to educate ourselves and others (frats, sororities, and gangs included) about the dangers of hazing. we need to review our anti-hazing laws. we need to organize campaigns against hazing. and we need to reach out to and dissuade neophytes whose lives might be endangered by hazing rituals.
