When asked whether or not hazing has become custom on black colleges and if it’s necessary, author of “The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities” Lawrence Ross replied back “no” on Twitter Wednesday.
@tommymeade_ No.
— alpha1906@gmail.com (@alpha1906) June 12, 2013
His nonchalant answer didn’t move me.
Unlike Ross, I’m no expert on the history of Black Greek Lettered Organizations. I beg to differ however with his final assertion.
Is hazing now custom on the yard — a practice so long established that it has the force of law?
I think so. (In fact, I would say the black college experience is virtually a process.)
Everyone hazes. From Greeks and cheerleaders to Resident Advisors and campus clubs. Every. One. Hazes.
With several lawsuits filed against HBCUs and Black Greeks year-round it’s hard not to believe that hazing isn’t now tradition on black colleges.
But is it necessary, to some extent?
“Personally, I think hazing is a barbaric practice. The death toll over the years speaks for itself,” one Facebook user commented. “I often hear people say it is used to build brotherhood. The ironic thing about that is I have a brother, and we did not have to beat the mess out of each other to become close. Think about it.”
Others disagree.
“Is Dr. Martin Luther King weak minded? How about Rosa Parks or even Michael Jordan?” said another Facebook user. “How can one be so critical towards something they have never experienced? Although I disagree with hazing I am a member of a black Greek organization who happened to pledge.”
What are you thinking? Let us know in the comments.
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