[RugbyBuck]

Hazing, in the sense that it is negative and demoralizes or breaks down the young or prospective members of a group, is stupid and counter-productive. It leads to greater abuse with each successive generation and ultimately breaks down the group. It also, of course, opens the group and its members to pointless and potentially enormous liability for, at best, needless and, at worst, tragic consequences. There is no way for a group of 20 year olds to police themselves and keep things from geting out of hand once it starts. It will eventually get out of hand. Entropy.

All that said, "hazing" in the sense of a productive and bonding pledge or apprenticeship that is in keeping with the goals and ideals of the group is entirely appropriate. This doesn't mean "pussification". Rather, it would include exceptionally hard work, but for a purpose and that has meaning. The military did away with strictly negative hazing in its training for just this reason. It doesn't work. Ritual ought to build one's members up and make them part of the group, someone with a vested interest in its success, not someone bent on revenge against newbies because of what happened to him earlier.

Off of the soapbox. Back to drinking, illicit sex, and violence. Carry on.

Ruck over!