Initiation ceremony
by: SadTheoretically: Some girls at State were initiated a couple of weeks ago. They didn’t know what it was going to be until they were in the middle of it and it was too late to walk out. So they went through with it. Immediately feeling very unsettled about the whole thing. Now afterwards they are very upset and they felt it was mocking to the rite of baptism and being made to simulate death and being reborn. So it’s a legit concern with religious values. Question these girls now have… can they rescend their membership and go back and pledge something else since this ritual ceremony was sacreligious to them? Asking someone in the chapter isn’t an option because of the sensitive nature of the issue. Don’t know where else to turn. Please help.
#1by: Happy
They can drop out but they can never join another NPC sorority after being initiated. But if they participated in being 'reborn' into "XYZ" then congratulations, they are now part of a sisterhood whose values and goals for its members are found in and based on the Bible. All NPC sororities have roots in the Bible and in studies of the classics. And every chapter of "XYZ" national sorority does the exact same ritual that has been in existence for over a hundred years.
I suggest that these girls ask the person in charge of the ritual, which is always a designated officer in every sorority (that's how important it is), to let them read the ritual again for themselves. It's their right to do so now as initiated members. They would not be the first to worry about conflict with religious beliefs. They can take a closer look to see if there really is anything that goes against what they believe so they can see things more clearly. What are XYZ's beliefs/principles/motto/expectations in those words? They may find that it is all actually based on, and a reflection of, their very same beliefs.
A sorority initiation ritual is NOT a worship service. Sororities are NOT religions; they are not meant to mock anyone's beliefs in any way or be a substitute for actual religion. Every sorority has its own rituals for pledging, initiation, formal meetings, and graduations. There is a little bit of drama in these ceremonies for effect, which these girls apparently experienced for themselves, but the real meaning is in the WORDS.
Lots of other organizations have rituals too, like Scouts, Masons, sports teams, and even our government. When we all sing the Star Spangled Banner together before a competition we are engaging in a ritual. Our various rituals of everyday life are something we can always count on; they encourage a certain level of consistency and active participation, and sometimes require personal reflection and growth based on a set of moral principles.
Rituals help establish a sense of belonging to a common membership with certain values that gives meaning within a community. That's what sororities are doing in their rituals.
Commentby: Sad
To “Happy:”
Wow.
Not sure how you know which sorority I’m talking about - but I’m sorry you had to go through your pagan ceremony. I would’ve been disappointed too!
I’ve looked into hazing. And the hazing definition you give may be somewhat universal, but it doesn’t give the entire picture for the state of Mississippi. In MS, hazing can been deemed to have happened regardless of whether the person being hazed agrees to participate. Consent is not a valid defense because of the COERCIVE ENVIRONMENTS that can be present, such as PEER PRRSSURE, POWER DYNAMICS, etc… It involves being compelled to participate regardless consent.
Friends in other groups say their initiation was interesting. Sweet even. Not at all mocking of religion or involving mythical figures. So this is all just wild. Some girls just wanted a sisterhood that would be kind encouraging and sweet. Instead got a lifetime sentence of biblical mockery that cannot be undone. Just rlly sad.
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by: Dear stop pretending
Hi yes, we had to roll off of a blow up mattress to be reborn into “xyz” it was very weird
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#2by: Sad
To "Stop Pretending:"
I chose not to give specifics as not to disclose my chapter. I wish you would not have done that. But for your own reasons, you did. I understand that you are angry for reasons only you know. But your anger against me is misplaced.
You were not in my initiation. So you have no idea what was said or done by my big and others. Greek women are supposed to be inclusive and loving. I wish you'd have stuck to that instead of turning mean girl and pointing fingers at me. You have NO clue what I've been through. NONE.
by: Bully much?
Leave the girl alone already.
If you have nothing else constructive to add then just go away.
You are the one not letting it die.
If you truly think this is all made up then just stop repainting. Geez
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#4by: oh please
Just drop already, except I agree that this whole issue is made up by a GDI from cherry picking gossip and coming on here to create drama. Do something productive with your imagination, no one cares. And most people actually think their initiations are a bit laughable and over the top no matter what the sorority.
by: Bully much?
You’re obvs the one not dropping it already. Ever read Hamlet? “ The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
The more you go back and forth with this girl the more you engage and in doing so reinforce that what she’s saying is true. Don’t be a bully. Just let it go
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by: To ^
Hey ^
You’re the reason ppl think sorority girls are witches. Talking like that about girls not being wanted?! Are you 5? Bye.
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by: Facts
No. They don’t. Quit talking out your butt.
There are 26 NPC organizations and you definitely have not been initiated into all of them. So you cannot make that claim.
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by: Happy
Yes, you are absolutely right that "something should be done". Definitely.
Option 1 - if any of these girls think that their ritual is "hazing" like you state, then they can file a report. NPC defines hazing as "any act that intentionally or recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student."
Choice 2 - they can drop and never have to do another sorority ritual again, but they are never joining another one. Either way it's entirely their choice.
Choice 3 - do both 1 and 2.
Good thing these girls didn't join my sorority. Our ritual is downright pagan, invoking Greek godesses left and right. But we all have brains enough to know we aren't breaking the first or second Commandments when we do it.
Hope this helps with your being super conflicted.
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