Question

Do you believe all forms of hazing are wrong, why or why not? Do you believe individuals who haze others should be held responsible if consent was given by those being hazed?

Answer 1

Before going to discuss whether Hazing is wrong or right, it is more apt to be familiar with the concept hazing itself. The term Hazing is used to describe any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.

There may be several forms of Hazing such as :

Subtle Hazing: This type of hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. For example-Deception, Deprivation of privileges granted to other members, Name calling, socially isolating new members etc.

Harassment Hazing: Behaviours that have the potential to cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group. It can be viewed as confusing, frustrating, and/or causing undue stress for new members/aspirants. For Example-Verbal abuse, threats or implied threats, asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire etc

Violent Hazing: This type of hazing has the potential to cause physical and/or emotional or psychological harm or trauma. Example-Forced or coerced alcohol, burning, public nudity, bondage, branding, forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions etc.

Yes, it is pertinent that all forms of hazing described above are wrong. This is so because, hazing is against the law. In legal terms, hazing is the abuse a student must endure to gain admittance to an organization. Hazing is prohibited by law and is prohibited by colleges, institutions as it is a type of mental physical or psychological abuse.

Yes, individual who haze others after taking their due consent shall be responsible or shall be held accountable for the possible effects.