Surveys Conducted by Dr. Susan Lipkins
Survey: Anonymous Online
- 72% of respondents agree that it is important to tolerate psychological stress.
- 67% of respondents agree that a significant part of initiation is humiliation.
- 62% of respondents agree it is impossible to avoid initiation.
- 54% of respondents agree that extreme consumption is important in initiation rites.
More than two thirds of the group admits that humiliation is a significant element in initiations, which is why many hazing experts believe that most initiations are in fact, hazings. The elements of an initiation that covertly (or overtly) require participation in the extreme consumption of something, as well as the expectation that humiliation is necessary to be a member, are the ingredients of hazing!
- 49% of respondents agree that the most important thing is to keep the code of silence.
- 36% of respondents agree that they would not tell anyone if a hazing occurs.
Throughout these surveys it is clear that many people adhere to the belief that it is important to maintain the code of silence and not to report hazing. Individuals believe that being a dedicated member means maintaining the secrets of the group, regardless of what the group may be doing. There seems to be little regard for the possible consequences of their actions. Perhaps this is the message that we have been sending; our individual responsibility is suspended as long as we protect the group.
- 90% of respondents agree that newcomers may be afraid to disagree.
- 58% of respondents agree it is difficult to predict when things might get out of control.
- 50% of respondents agree that some disturbing things have happened during initiation.
Almost everyone agreed that newcomers are afraid to disagree with a group, which is one reason that they seem to "go with the flow" even if it means that he/she will be a victim of a hazing. Never do the perpetrators read a disclaimer, warning victims that the experiences they are about to have may be dangerous to their physical or mental health. This is important because some college sutdents and administrators have claimed that the victims "agreed" to participate in the initiation and therefore the activities are not forced. This view is quite unrealistic, and clearly undermines the spirit of anti-hazing policies and laws.