Editor's response to Silence Do Good
Rites of passage build stronger organizations
Neil Sickendick
Issue date: 11/11/09 Section: Voices
In every major civilization there have been what we refer to as "rites of passage."
While in modern day America these activities have far departed the hunter/warrior rituals of past, these "rites of passage" are still very much alive and are part of most every organization worth belonging too.
What is an organization that simply allows anyone and everyone to join without any proof of worth? And how can an organization truly judge its candidate's dedication and desire for membership without some form of ritual testing to induct them?
Let's take a look at the military. Anyone who has undergone any form of basic training for the military understands that a large part of their training would be considered hazing to the worst degree if it took place in a fraternity or athletic organization.
Yet military men and women are among the most disciplined, dedicated, and upstanding individuals in our country.
Now, I am certainly not advocating college organizations treating their new members like they were in military training, but merely trying to show how hazing-like activities have their benefits.
As a further disclaimer I must add that any form of physical or overly abusive mental coercion should not be acceptable.
But what is wrong with having new members, or candidates, learn information pertaining to the organization they are joining?
And where is the error in referring to them as they are (new members/candidates)?
Both of these actions, unfortunately, are considered hazing if done in away where an individual feels any form of stress as a result.
I agree, in part, that some hazing-like actions are both unnecessary and inappropriate. However, I have a hard time believing that organizations should immediately accept and grant membership to anyone who signs up.
What disgusts me is the fact that society tells people they don't necessarily have to work hard for things in life, that they don't have to earn their keep. We see this problem not only in our college organizations, but in our government as well.
I have talked about this "mothering" trend in society, the idea that everyone should be coddled and taken care of regardless of how they act or present themselves.
Unfortunately, this mindset is destroying the individuals and organizations it is intended to help; and it is directly related to these strict policies regarding what is considered "hazing."
Again, don't beat up a new member who doesn't do what he or she is told, and don't assign ludicrous tasks, but how can we feel value and exclusivity in our organizations if we do not require some rite of passage?
Society has veered far from the correct path in regards to establishing discipline and work ethic in its members, and it is time we got it right.
While some forms of hazing are purely negative, organizations that implement some rite of passage prosper from a healthier, more dedicated body of members.
While in modern day America these activities have far departed the hunter/warrior rituals of past, these "rites of passage" are still very much alive and are part of most every organization worth belonging too.
What is an organization that simply allows anyone and everyone to join without any proof of worth? And how can an organization truly judge its candidate's dedication and desire for membership without some form of ritual testing to induct them?
Let's take a look at the military. Anyone who has undergone any form of basic training for the military understands that a large part of their training would be considered hazing to the worst degree if it took place in a fraternity or athletic organization.
Yet military men and women are among the most disciplined, dedicated, and upstanding individuals in our country.
Now, I am certainly not advocating college organizations treating their new members like they were in military training, but merely trying to show how hazing-like activities have their benefits.
As a further disclaimer I must add that any form of physical or overly abusive mental coercion should not be acceptable.
But what is wrong with having new members, or candidates, learn information pertaining to the organization they are joining?
And where is the error in referring to them as they are (new members/candidates)?
Both of these actions, unfortunately, are considered hazing if done in away where an individual feels any form of stress as a result.
I agree, in part, that some hazing-like actions are both unnecessary and inappropriate. However, I have a hard time believing that organizations should immediately accept and grant membership to anyone who signs up.
What disgusts me is the fact that society tells people they don't necessarily have to work hard for things in life, that they don't have to earn their keep. We see this problem not only in our college organizations, but in our government as well.
I have talked about this "mothering" trend in society, the idea that everyone should be coddled and taken care of regardless of how they act or present themselves.
Unfortunately, this mindset is destroying the individuals and organizations it is intended to help; and it is directly related to these strict policies regarding what is considered "hazing."
Again, don't beat up a new member who doesn't do what he or she is told, and don't assign ludicrous tasks, but how can we feel value and exclusivity in our organizations if we do not require some rite of passage?
Society has veered far from the correct path in regards to establishing discipline and work ethic in its members, and it is time we got it right.
While some forms of hazing are purely negative, organizations that implement some rite of passage prosper from a healthier, more dedicated body of members.
Article last update: 11/10/09 at 5:48 PM CST
Be the first to comment on this story