High School Hazing: When Rites Become Wrongs

by Hank Nuwer

Looks at teenage and college initiation practices covering the history of hazing, the psychology of "groupthink," the combination of hazing and alcohol, gang initiations, and legal ramifications of hazing.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Davethorson]

Interesting but too superficial overview of High School hazing rituals. The chapters are separated into topics such as Gang Initiation, Frat/Club Initiations, and so on. The author has obviously spent years of research in this area and has the facts and data to prove it, but what's missing is a deep analysis or attempt at understanding the phenomenon. Although the stories are all tragic, after a while it almost becomes a recitation of the facts rather than an attempt to shed insight into the needs to belong, the lack of self esteem and the other factors which tend to build up and create this very dangerous and risky rite of passage or belonging.

Overall, it is a quick read and will keep your interest, but I found myself skimming sections because I was really looking for a thoughtful analysis which just isn't there.

[Daniel Flores]

ok book not so good.