Thought #2: Of Course They're Hazing...

Human behavior is pretty consistent and pretty predictable.  However, we have to be both willing and prepared to see it.  This sounds like an over-simplification, and it is, but not as much as it might first appear.  Whether it is the United States blowing overthrowing regimes or a fraternity/sorority advisor kicking a chapter off their campus, the reaction is always going to be negative.  Regardless of your political views, Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity had it right in its call for calm and productive dialog. One polarizing issue that people are rarely open to changing their views on, whether for or against, is hazing.  I want to first go on record saying that I do not in any way, shape, or form support, condone, or tolerate hazing when I hear about it; but I am starting to understand why our efforts to stop it seem so futile.

We hear student affairs and fraternity/sorority headquarters' staff, professors, coaches, parents, band directors and the media all publicly demand that hazing practices must come to an end.  In one-on-one situations, student conduct deans and directors tell students they must create a meaningful experience to replace the old one.  What is missing from all of these courses of action is that almost no one is doing the most important thing: teaching them how to do it differently. 

The young men and women most often engaging in these practices do not want to be made an example of, or feel like they are the only ones being punished when a culture of hazing exists.  They truly are open to changing practices if they feel the replacement is still going to be meaningful.  Since they are not excited about re-writing their pledging/hazing programs, of course they aren't going to come up with meaningful alternatives.  They aren't going to take away hazing and do nothing, but its difficult when there isn't a list of acceptable activities.  Help them come up with some "cool" ways to accomplish their goals and they might just implement the changes without threats of expulsion.

However, it is nearly impossible to build long-term change without changing culture.  This is where a variety of people need to come together to formulate a solution.  We can continue replacing ineffective chapters with new, non-hazing versions, but if there exists a culture of hazing on campus it is only a matter of time before they revert back to their old ways.  It's not about changing short-term behavior, but rather a mentality that will create long-term success.