How Far Is Too Far?
Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 17/08/10
Photo by DEAL.org
In October of 2008, a teenage boys’ soccer team from the Yukon traveled to P.E.I. to participate in a national tournament. On the last night they were there, after a friendly weekend of soccer and fun, two of the teammates were tied up with athletic tape at their wrists and ankles and then wrapped in saran wrap. Their teammates then proceeded to write obscenities on their faces with markers and other things. One of them was even beaten with a wet towel. Their teammates then began to take pictures of them – adding to the boys’ embarrassment. One of the victims even felt like he was losing blood circulation in certain areas of his body. The boys who carried this out were suspended from the soccer league, and will always be recognized in their community as being involved in the incident (CBC). Why is this such a big deal, you might ask? Well, this was no random attack; in fact, it was an initiation rite into the soccer team and was a form of hazing.
What is it??
Some of us may be thinking to ourselves, what is considered hazing and what is friendly team-building? What activity crosses the line and is considered hazing, which can carry serious consequences?
Hazing is any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule (StopHazing.org). It is an abuse of power by certain members of a group, and can lead to stiff penalties for those involved in hazing others. Hazing takes place in many different groups, but it commonly occurs in schools, sports teams and clubs, colleges/universities and fraternities/sororities. It is often deemed a rite of passage and is sometimes an “initiation” for rookies or newcomers to the group. It can leave people feeling very angry, confused and regretful, or weary of joining other teams, clubs or organizations. Sometimes victims of hazing may feel vengeful afterwards, and try to strike back at those who hurt them. However, this can land them in the same amount of trouble as those who hurt them in the first place.
Click here to see some examples of hazing.
Signs It May Be Hazing
Most of the time, a friendly team dinner, school fundraiser or a get-together can be harmless fun. But here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine if it is in fact hazing:
- Is alcohol involved?
- Does the activity involve emotional or physical abuse?
- Is there a risk of injury?
- Are you unsure whether to describe the activity to your parents or an official?
- Would you object to the activity being photographed or filmed?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, it could be a form of hazing. Your best indicator is if the situation doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Positive group activities… like fun trips to an amusement or water park can be great ideas. Going bowling or to the beach is cool too! You can also check out this website or click here for other ideas about positive team-building activities and games!
It is important to tell someone if you have been a victim of hazing, or if you know someone who has. Someone’s safety and well-being is far more important than a “funny” picture posted on the internet. Tell a parent, police officer, teacher, school principal or an adult you can trust.
For more information on hazing, and ways you can stop it from happening, visit our Knowzone.
Links
Some Canadian youth hazing incidences;
DEAL.org: Hazing
CBC News
CBC News: “Hazing: Passing on the rites”
Canadian Red Cross
StopHazing.org