A few weeks ago, the story of a young man dying during a band initiation at a Florida University made international headlines (missed out? read here).
It’s a shame that this young man basically died trying to be popular/ fit in. At 26, he had a lot going for him…I guess. I know a lot of people try to blame the School, the president, the director, the band, the members, etc. etc. etc….. but when it boils down to it, the magic phrase is PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. You can’t blame your actions on other people.
This is proof that peer pressure doesn’t just affect teenagers. We face it everywhere. From commercials basically telling us, “wear this and be noticed by the opsite sex” to threats (“if you dont attend this concert or consume this product you will not be seen favorably by your peers”).
It’s really scary stuff.
Hazing is a very serious, dangerous and humiliating process for the victims. As an undergrad, I would hear pledges for various organizations talking about the crazy things they had to pull to earn their letters. Ladies and gents, stick to your guns! Remember to do what is right. If you ever have to do something demeaning to fit in, it’s probably not worth it.
Then again, I do know of a few people willing to do whatever it takes to be in a certain, club, group, sorority, fraternity, etc….
To each their own.
