Philippines was deeply influenced by freemasonry fraternity and odd fellows fraternity, both are ancient fraternal organization that originated in England on or before the year 1700’s. Social fraternities usually known by their Greek letters are commonly found on college campuses, or on one campus only. Fraternity members have this humility to help each other out and protect each other from an outsider but sometimes the result of it will be a rumble or a riot. Fraternities have been question due to the number of crimes that they commit due to the initiations.
Hazing has always been seen as a secretive campus activity when it comes to fraternities and pledging. High school hazing has been a problem for many years. Hazing is the torture, beating, or humiliation of someone. Hazing at the high school level sometimes involves dangerous levels of alcohol consumption, paddling incidents, or savage beatings. Hazing is an illegal activity and is defined as any action taken or situations created, whether on or off fraternity premises, which recklessly or intentionally produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
These things could without a doubt, cause permanent injury or death. Usually the high school seniors initiate or haze younger high school members. Students eager to achieve acceptance in the course of hazing, may be plausible less likely to alter the association or organize the seniors recognize and love. “Hazing reassures senior members that the new people value membership in the group. ” Hazing still happens because of the need to continue the tradition and to keep it active. Hazing is a term used to describe various ritual and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group.
In fraternities and sororities, individuals go through a phase where they are only 1pledges for the organization and not fully fledged members. For fraternities, this is a time where the pledges must prove themselves to the brothers, and let them know why they would be a good addition to the brotherhood. But there are some positive aspects in a fraternity. A fraternity provides a structure, and an environment in which close friendships can flourish, bringing each of the fraternity members closer to themselves. It is by no means the only organization in which a student might mature and develop lifelong friends.
Just one of the many in which minds are shaped and imaginations flourish within its settings. As a student makes these commitments to a fraternity, the fraternity provides a structure within where these commitments can be acted out, in such things as rituals of pledging and initiation. A ritual is only one way of expressing a fraternity’s ideals and aspirations. A fraternities name, tradition, and history carry much symbolic importance to all who are a part of it. This is all important to the personating because it will only help to better them by growing into the fraternity.
With all these commitments and traditions, or rituals, one could see that fraternity life has a lot behind it and the members take it very seriously. Though at times the fraternity becomes very social and yes alcohol may be consumed, however, the focus of the fraternity is in the brotherhood. Fraternities offer numerous benefits and building blocks for developing an independent and successful life with many close friends. One of its good aspects is how the members help each other especially in their financial needs. Such as participating in charity events, events to benefit the homeless, raise money for the poor and commit them to learn.
After all is said and done, friendship and brotherhood in the context of meaningful, close group relationships are what a fraternity is all about. A member of a fraternity usually says that a “frat” is a brotherhood of a people in colleges, intermediate and a campus that is usually characterized by Greek letters. To be a member of a fraternity he/she must undergo a series of task approved by a particular group. This task is a test to an individual’s determination to be a member of a “frat”. This test is more on physical and mental practices.
Fraternity is somewhat comparable to gangs; however gangs are usually lack of purpose and acceptance to the community due to the violence that they contributed. A fraternity is not merely a brotherhood but it gives you real friends, to learn responsibilities, gain a good dose of self-esteem and to make any connections. Chapter 2 The high-school fraternity has become a serious problem. These organizations have sprung into existence and become well established under the eyes of school authorities, who have suddenly realizes that they were called upon to deal with forces not easy to control, and less easy to remove from sphere of school life.
It seem safe to assume that the fraternity problem is a very real one for all connected with the schools, a problem that cannot be solved by ignoring its existence. The problem of group sexual assault on secondary campuses mainly occurs in an environment where group behavior and acceptance is important to the men involved fraternities. Looking at the environment surrounding this type of group one can see what causes the prevalence of this type of assault in fraternities.
The dynamics involved in the fraternity’s system causes a “group-think” mentality that promotes and sometimes causes group sexual assault. This group influence, along with the fraternity’s selection of men and their adherence to traditional sex role stereotypes reinforces myths of acceptable behavior in men and women and how these play a role concerning consequences. Specific dynamics come into play when discussing how groups of people who might not otherwise act individually take part in sexual assaults with other members of their group.
The theory of diffusion of responsibility suggests that in situations where the presence of others acting in a similar fashion diminishes the feeling of responsibility any individual feels for the harmful consequences of his or her own behavior. A fraternity brother begins to think of the activity as something his “brothers” are doing and joins in under the influence of a shared activity. Other things may play into the idea that the assailant is not acting alone and is not solely responsible for his actions.
Deindividuation is a theory of group behavior that refers to a state of loss of self-awareness, including awareness of one’s beliefs, attitudes, and self-standards. A college and high school fraternity exists on the premise that a man is by nature a social being and needs the companionship with his fellow man. A fraternity provides a structure, and an environment in which close friendships can flourish, bringing each of the fraternity members closer to themselves. It is by no means the only organization in which a student might mature and develop lifelong friends.
Just one of the many in which minds are shaped and imaginations flourish within its settings. The fraternity, not unlike any other human institution, encourages it members to make a commitment to something outside themselves, such as participating in charity events, events to benefit the homeless, raise money for the poor and commit themselves to learn about one another. As a student makes these commitments to a fraternity, the fraternity provides a structure within where these commitments can be acted out, in such things as rituals of pledging and initiation.
There are a few steps in pledging: first, the pledging or affirmation. This is a time to affirm the child within the pledge. Start the bonding process by having fun together. Not only playing sports, but playing games like kick-the-can and capture the flag (games that release some of the playfulness of everyone). It allows for the silliness and reduces the competitive “win at all cost” philosophy. If teams are picked, “big” and “little” brother are always on the same team. This process is designed to honor the child within each active and pledge and the value of that inner joy and freedom from care.
Around a fire, active’s share stories of their own initiations. Second the orientation. Through discussion of hazing is given including a definition, with open questions and answers. While learning about the fraternity is very important, and could involve alumni in the teaching process, it is also important for the “little brother” to confront his fear of growing up. A challenge is devised by the “little brother” based on his own fears. It could be similar to a ropes course if the fear is of height, water, physical limitations, or it could be something like the fear of speaking before a group. Big brothers” share their own fears and help their “little brothers” confront their chosen fears. At no time is there any encouragement to go beyond your limits to “be one of the guys”, and in fact, the “mentors” are charged with the caretaking responsibility to see that this does not happen. It is during their period that the fraternity history is learned in a simple, enjoyable way. Also during this time, the “little brother” selects a chapter committee to be on. He sits in on all meetings as an active participant and is included in the planning of activities and projects. Third, is the learning process.
The “little brother” gets to use his individual strengths or talents. Acknowledging the individual’s strengths, may require physical strength, but also may include music, art, drama, storytelling and poetry. The range is limitless. Each “little brother” selects his own task. Everyone can be involved with no stars. Fourth, is the cooperation or pledge project. Determine and carry out a task as a group. It could include a problem in the fraternity (physical or organizationally like poor rush), community involvement, campus improvements, even working with another Greek house that is going through a rough year.
Something to build esteem within the class, the Greek system, the campus and the community. Consider several smaller projects and activities rather than one, enabling a wider range of leadership development. This is an important time to develop problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. The assistance of the “mentor’s” is very important in this stage, giving positive guidance and options rather than orders and allowing the freedom to explore new ways to accomplish the tasks. Fifth is the journey. This is a journey as a fraternity, into the wilderness – a Vision Quest.
It’s a time for the “little brother” to learn to face the world on his own. A time to possibly seek a vision of a new name (nickname the “little brother” chooses that is totally positive and powerful and is what the “big brother”, other “little brothers” and “mentors” will call him. It is particularly valuable to get help from his “big brother”. Alone in the wilderness, the “little brother” will contemplate life as an adult male, journal things that concern him growing up in the fraternity/in college/in his career selection, confront fears, and overcome the fear of being alone.
While the “little brothers” are alone, they are close enough and know where the camp fire and the rest of the fraternity brothers are. The next morning, each “little brother” reveals his fears and if he has overcome them (with no judgments or ridicule if they haven’t yet been accomplished. It is at this time in the journey that the “big brother” teaches his “little brother” his lineage. This starts with information about him (the “big brother”): birthday, initiation date, home town, major/minor, sports activities and other interesting information.
He adds to this list information about his “big brother”, and his and his, back as far as the information is available. If brothers have graduated, the graduation date is added and the information is updated as to where the graduated brother now lives and what he is doing. Photo copies of pictures (from initiation to the present) of these brothers are a powerful addition. Sixth is the initiation. The Ceremony of welcome as a brother and as an adult: the initiate shares his new name, his visions about his life and where he wants support to take life in his chosen direction. Big brother” gives a gift – an important hand-me-down from his “big brother”. Ideally, the “big brother’s” “big brother” returns for this ceremony. Involving the alumni is always important. A celebration ensues. The seventh and the last step, is the responsibility as an active. Each “little brother” is given a valuable position within the fraternity, he could assist his “big brother”, or a “mentor” or could take over a committee or position by himself. It is also a time when feedback is given the fraternity on the pledging/initiation system – very honest and open with a guarantee of no retribution.
A written evaluation will also be offered as an option for a concerned initiate. In fact, by eliminating hazing, we build stronger camaraderie within the pledge class, build a sense and anticipation of belonging to the fraternity, and build a way that, when initiated, the individual pledge becomes integrated as a brother rather than remaining part of a tight-knit pledge class that stays separate from the rest of the active chapter after initiation. Fraternity understands, it is recognition, it is a joining with men in common enterprises, it is acceptance of others, it is a willingness to share and to participate, it is discipline.
It is selflessness. It is these things and many more it is above all an attitude. In the days when high schools and colleges were small institutions with a small number of students, the fraternity had its beginning. It was needed then because it satisfied man’s natural desire as a gregarious being to form close associations with his fellow man. Today, fraternities are giving every indication of continuing to fill a void that would otherwise exist on the campus. No organization in existence today meets the needs of the student as does a fraternity.
There is no realistic competition from a campus organization for the Fellowship, the Brotherhood, and the Fraternity. In the ceremony of initiation into membership in the Fraternity are embodied the principles for which the Fraternity stands. It is on this foundation that the Fraternity had its beginning, its growth, and draws its strength. The truths contained in the ritual have significance and meaning to our members. It is from this base that Fellowship, Brotherhood and Fraternity are taught, grow and become a part of the members’ existence.
Without our common bonds of belief, the Fraternity would lose its significance in its role to build better men, to give them ideals, and to teach them understanding. Without truths the Fraternity would lose its meaning and purpose. It’s very life would be dimmed. Fellowship, Fraternity and Brotherhood are not subjects that are consciously taught. They come into being through example, though desire and through attitude. Hazing is not only seen in the fraternities but also in different types of groups, including in gangs, clubs, teams, schools, military units, and workplaces.
Hazing is often prohibited by law and may be either physical (possibly violent) or mental (possibly degrading) practices. It may also include nudity or sexually oriented activities. Going to secondary level involves many changes and new opportunities and young students tend to have difficulties recognizing the good from the bad. One opportunity awaiting new students is that of joining a fraternity. Most students wish to become part of a fraternity because it means they will be accepted on campus, have an instant group of friends, and this is very desirable for young students who arrive at school alone and with no social group.
As great as joining a fraternity might sound, there are some serious risks associated with it known as hazing. When fraternities begin accepting new pledges at the beginning of the school year there is a period of time known as haze week. However, hazing may not last simply a week and may actually last the entire year when pledges are accepted into the fraternity as underlings. Generally, hazing can be rather mild, but in many cases it is downright irresponsible and dangerous. The following will help you understand what hazing is all about.
Greek fraternities are all about ritual and acceptance and what current individuals were required to do for acceptance is amplified for future pledges. As a result, the hazing becomes worse each year. Unfortunately, intelligent men and women succumb to inhumane treatment and will later dish it out all in the name of being accepted as part of the fraternity. Drinking bottles of liquor, not sleeping for days, streaking, being chained and drug around campus, fighting, not bathing, and humiliating themselves are all parts of a pledge’s hazing process.
Because of this many students are seriously injured and some even die each year. It is difficult to pinpoint an exact number of hazing deaths because the practice is secretive and might appear to be suicide, or a result of binge drinking, however many individuals each year are hurt or killed as a result of hazing. Chapter 3 When you think of pledging, it’s likely hazing is the next thing that pops into your mind. Hazing is an activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person which intends to cause physical or mental harm and anxieties.
In a survey conducted, thirteen out of twenty secondary students in Third Year in Iligan Medical Center College agreed that initiation is important to a fraternity; sixteen out of twenty agreed that a fraternity is more on brotherhood; eleven out of twenty students thought that their grades will be affected if they will join in a fraternity; nine out of twenty agreed that entering a “frat” will help them to be a strong person; fifteen out of twenty agreed that there is a security in entering a fraternity; and sixteen out of twenty agreed that there is a pressure in entering a “frat”.
It is very difficult to understand why people or teenagers engage in a fraternity. However, through more detailed research we may be able to get a better understanding. There are few things you should consider before you enter a “frat”. First of all, decide of what kind of organization you are going to enter, also consider their goals in managing their fraternity and be sure you can handle the costs but the most important hing is you should be more strong and brave in encountering their pledging or initiations. Hazing is unnecessary, unhealthy, and destructive to any persons or organizations who practice hazing rituals. To stop hazing take action against hazing by reporting it to the proper authorities. Hazing is a problem that often harms individuals in a number of ways. If the action takes place in a high school go directly to the principal of the school.
However, with some thought and a concern for fellow members of a group, the concern for hazing can be eliminated, and organizations can build stronger relationships among members without it. In the end, it should be completely your choice on whether you join a fraternity or not. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, don’t. Depending on who you ask, fraternities can be a fantastic place to find friends that you’ll have for the rest of your life, or an elitist cult of sorts meant to deprive you of any individuality or self. You decide.
