Let me be the first to say that I am a proponent of the
grandest sort of allowing each man to make his own way in this world. That
being said, I will also be the first to point out that nobody may begin their
own way in America without first following in the footsteps of those who have
gone before. I speak of course of the concept of “rights of passage” in this,
the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Too often
have I been disappointed by the incessant whining of the general populace
around me as to the hardships of being a collegian, an athlete, fraternity
brother, sorority sister, or human being in general. I find it, to be quite
frank, disgusting that everybody thinks they should have their fortunes handed
to them on a silver platter. As a student of the lowest order (Rat) at what is
arguably the most rigorous military school in the nation, I feel that I am
slightly more qualified to speak on the topic of earning one’s place than most.
I am of the
mind that American society today has projected a picture to the populace of
everything being given when asked and nothing taking the least bit of blood,
sweat, or tears. I feel that this is a result of the pacification of American
society as a whole and the growing idea that we needn’t work for what we want
or out place in society or, indeed, the world. If one were to ask me where I
stand on the concept of hazing, I would likely respond that I am a proponent of
it. I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘how can you say something like that?’ It’s
simple, really, it’s my thinking, that if someone can’t undergo the hardships
of becoming a member of a fraternity, a club, or a corps of cadets, then how
can they be expected to adequately stand up to the trials of executive life,
combat, or, actual society?
In conclusion,
I would classify myself as one among the old breed of social thinkers. I am one
who thinks that one must first earn their place and prove their worth before
counting themselves among the ranks of those who have. I acknowledge that there
are less than pleasant things that occur during these “rights of passage” and
that not everyone who undertakes them will seed it through to the other side;
but I promise you, that those who do undergo these hardships, this baptism by
fire, will prove to be more dependable, reliable, and competent individuals.
-Sam
No comments:
Post a Comment