Negative qualities
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A t-shirt that brings awareness to hazing in the Greek system
However, in contrast to the multiple perceived benefits of hazing, a great number of detractors exist and quickly expound upon the numerous negative consequences of the practice. To the opponents, hazing is detrimental to the human psyche, damaging the mental and physical beings of pledges and destroying their personas as a whole. They point to both the multiple deaths that have occurred since 1873 and the studies that suggest hazing does not, in fact, benefit pledges in the ways proponents claim. A recent study performed by Springfield College in conjunction with Arizona State University claims that “arguments that justify hazing because it increases team cohesion are not supported by the data and analysis reported in the study”, a claim that directly opposes one of the primary arguments in support of hazing (Raalte, Judy L. Van 502). As the study shows, while hazing may appear to increase the bonding and unity of a group, the data actually suggests that hazing does not increase the cohesion of a group whatsoever. Additionally, the victims of hazing can experience a variety of other negative issues. In addition to creating a list of benefits, the alumni and students of Texas A&M also listed the costs of hazing. Hazing can cause “resentment towards current members…injuries…humiliation…depression or other mental health problems” and a variety of other detrimental side effects (Office of the Dean of Student Life). As the members of Texas A&M illustrate, hazing can create a host of problems that can seriously hurt new members of fraternities, a fact that opponents of hazing quickly concur. While hazing can create some positive outcomes, many negative outcomes are present and, many times, are highly publicized, resulting in administrators being forced to react harshly to hazing incidents. As illustrated by the issue having both positive and negative qualities, hazing is a complex topic that cannot be easily solved, creating a murky overcast surrounding the placement of hazing in today’s American universities.