Final Project Enc 3331

7/28/2019 Final Project Enc 3331

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Kristen Spencer

ENC 3331

Hazing


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In everyday society one does not usually come about the term hazing. Personally, I

didnt come in contact with this term until I entered college and started learning about the

popular Greek life at UCF. As defined by the University of Virginias Police Department hazing

is a broad term that encompasses an action or activity which does not contribute to the positive

development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties,

demean, degrade or disgrace any person regardless of location, intent or consent of

participants(University of Virginia Police Department). Also, it is any action or situation

which intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student for admissions into or affiliation with

any student organization (University of Virginia Police Department). Any harmful activity

that a student is partaking in order to be accepted by

his/her peers are considered the act of hazing (University

of Virginia Police Department).

Hazing has been around since the 16th

century; it

originated with experienced sailors tormenting the newer

members of the crew (University of Virginia Police

Department). After the Civil War, this act emerged in Fraternities around America (University of

Virginia Police Department). The brothers in the various fraternities had built up emotions from

the civil war (University of Virginia Police Department). They were seeking vengeance for what

happened in the war by taking it out on the newer members in their fraternity (University of

Virginia Police Department). Other military hazing practices have carried over in todays

Greek life; it is a way to make the members fit enough to be in the group (University of

Virginia Police Department).


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There are some common misconceptions that comes with the issue of hazing (University

of Virginia Police Department). First, hazing is an act of power and control (University of

Virginia Police Department). Some people believe that it is all in good fun however, it abusive

to the person being hazed and can cause them emotional and physical damage (University of

Virginia Police Department). Second, there is the idea that hazing is a way to gain instant

respect(University of Virginia Police Department). However, the victims of hazing are gaining

respect for their abuser they are just afraid (University of Virginia Police Department).

There are three main types of hazing; subtle, harassment, and violent (University of

Virginia Police Department). Subtle hazing can be categorized by the silent treatment, verbal

torments, and hiding personal belongings from the victim (University of Virginia Police

Department). Harassment can also be categorized by verbal torment but is more violent in the

language that is being used (University of Virginia Police Department). Harassment is also

depriving sleep from others and making people wear ridiculous clothes/ costumes (University of

Virginia Police Department). Violent hazing can be classified by assault and forced consumption

of alcohol (University of Virginia Police Department).

Recently, the Greek life at UCF ran into this issue. I believe that President Hitt made the

right decision by suspending all activities of Greek life to conduct a proper investigation before

this matter got out of hand. He then reinstated the different chapters one by one when he saw

they were fit to uphold the responsibly of being a student organization on campus. There are still

a few organizations that are on suspension; they will have to go to a hearing and present their

case in order to be reinstated. I feel that this was a successful way of addressing the problem

however; I feel that more can be done in the prevention of hazing.


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As the years go on, and Greek life becomes more popular and involved I predict that the

act of hazing will continue and gradually become worse if nothing is done about it. The need to

fit in has caused students to go outside of their comfort zone and do something that they may be

pressured into doing. I feel like the vision that people have of the world today is skewed. We

look at things that are bad for us like drinking and doing drugs and we think that it is the cool

thing to do. When influential freshman are introduced to a group of individuals who are

partaking in these actions they feel like they also have to do this in order to belong. I want to

make people realize that they dont; people need to realize that they are their own individual

person.

To help them realize this, I would like to set up a peer mentoring group that can help

distraught students find their way. Students who have been impacted by hazing and who are

willing to tell their story would have a bigger impact on students than them watching a video.

The student mentors are students who are advocates against hazing because they: have been

effected by the act themselves, have witnessed others being

hazed, and/or currently or formally part of the Greek

community. They will have two main tasks: hold counseling

sessions to talk to those who feel that they have been victims,

have a large presentation at the beginning of each semester to

demonstrate the effects of hazing.

ample of a Student Panel

Counseling Sessions Dramatic Presentation


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To get this project going, my first step would be to write a letter to Clay Coleman, the

Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at UCF. One I make this proposal we can bring it to

President Hitt to get the go-a-head on the project. Presenting this project to SGA would be the

next step. They would be the ones who would help fund the project and promote it to get

interested students involved.

I whole heartily believe that making emotional connections with your audience is the

most powerful form of rhetoric. By using pathos the leaders of the Greek community will be able

to persuade their peers against hazing making Greek life safer and more appealing. These

students who partake in this student mentoring program can either tell their story or act out a skit

explain the effects and the aftereffects of hazing. The students who are active in Greek life or

who would like to become involved in Greek life would have to attend this presentation on

hazing in order to be affiliated with the Greek community.

At the presentation, members will be given brochures that will reiterate everything that

was taught in the presentation. There will also be an added section on what qualifies hazing and

what consequences would come from violating the no hazing rule. The students wishing to be

initiated into Greek life also have to take and pass a test on the material read in the book. I think

that by adding a section on the test about hazing on the test that included material from the book

and from the presentation students will pay better attention to these resources. Students will also

be more apt to recognize the signs of hazing and know when there is a problem.


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Citation

University of Virginia Police Department, . "History of Hazing." University of Virginia .

University of Virginia . Web. 18 Jun 2013. .

Documents

Final Project Enc 3331