Each and every academic year begins with humiliating and degrading rituals inflicted on the “novatos”. These “greeting ceremonies” are only called greeting: during these “initiation rites” students are supposed to learn the elementary laws of the community to which they belong. Humiliation and violence toward the new students explain why it is more practiced in the establishments where the Alumni Office is powerful and often determines a future career.
Within universities, these practices are less widespread. Although a few corporatist “traditions” remain, the student unions are able to restrict such activities and the growing number of students no longer allows a small group of individuals to claim legitimate power to impose a hazing session: they have neither the material capacity nor adequate tools for doing it: the penalty is the main engine of debasement.
Today, after a collective awareness of the seriousness of the situation, the Act of 1998 prohibits such practices and provides heavy penalties. The mechanisms become more perverse. If the debutants will raise funds for humanitarian organizations or repaint a room, the degrading spirit may remain in more pernicious way… Continue reading “Free Essay on Campus Violence”