Deviance and Initiation
Albert Bandura came up with a theory that suggested that criminal and delinquent behavior is learned the same way as all behavior, through repeated exposure (Bryant). The behavior needs to receive positive reinforcement, and every individual will reach their own decision as to whether they are going to adopt the behavior (Bryant). Sutherland supports this theory that deviance is learned and states that “deviance is not associated with any particular personality (Henslin, 222,223).”
Cooley coined the term "primary groups" to address the importance that family and friends play in developing a sense of belonging and appreciation (Henslin, 169). For many people who do not have family support, gangs are a primary group. One of the reasons someone might not have a family supporting them, is if they already have a family member involved in crime. Statistics show that of people being imprisoned, half have immediate family members already serving time (Henslin, 223). It is true that at some point a child must take responsibility for his/her actions, but it is equally important to realize the lasting impact both parents and siblings have as models.
Plebe Summer, a seven week period that all midshipmen at the Naval Academy endure, is not a pleasant experience. Everyone wears the same clothes, has the same silly haircut, and the glasses provided are downright embarrassing. As much as it would seem that this whole summer is meant to make you look like a nerd, it actually has an additional meaning. It is recreating your identity. This is a "degradation ceremony" (Henslin, 92), a ceremony that gangs also use to promote unity among their ranks. In gangs, the degradation ceremony leaves behind the former self and creates a man; more importantly, it creates a man with honor and pride (Henslin, 161, 162). For them, honor is something you fight for, and die for, no matter what the odds are. Gang initiation is usually very violent and involves the new member being beaten by multiple members. To the average person this seems brutal and barbaric. However, initiation isn’t about getting beaten up; it’s about learning how to be brave in the face of adversity, no matter how bad the odds. Sororities and fraternities also have degradation ceremonies, which can be crueler than those of gangs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is responsible for the death of an 18 year old due to alcohol poisoning. The new pledge had a .44 Blood Alcohol Count after 90 minutes of drinking (Kana). This is only one of many disturbing stories. Sororities tend to focus on psychological embarrassment (Kana). Gang initiation is a test of heart and courage, determining if the individual has what it takes to survive on the streets (Walker). Sororities and Fraternities have cruel initiations in order to feed the member's sense of power and promote unity. One might ask, if these ceremonies are so intense, and occasionally so cruel, why do people go through them? In the video below, some Plebes give their answer.
Photos (top left Plebe Summer) (top right Fraternity)
Cooley coined the term "primary groups" to address the importance that family and friends play in developing a sense of belonging and appreciation (Henslin, 169). For many people who do not have family support, gangs are a primary group. One of the reasons someone might not have a family supporting them, is if they already have a family member involved in crime. Statistics show that of people being imprisoned, half have immediate family members already serving time (Henslin, 223). It is true that at some point a child must take responsibility for his/her actions, but it is equally important to realize the lasting impact both parents and siblings have as models.
Plebe Summer, a seven week period that all midshipmen at the Naval Academy endure, is not a pleasant experience. Everyone wears the same clothes, has the same silly haircut, and the glasses provided are downright embarrassing. As much as it would seem that this whole summer is meant to make you look like a nerd, it actually has an additional meaning. It is recreating your identity. This is a "degradation ceremony" (Henslin, 92), a ceremony that gangs also use to promote unity among their ranks. In gangs, the degradation ceremony leaves behind the former self and creates a man; more importantly, it creates a man with honor and pride (Henslin, 161, 162). For them, honor is something you fight for, and die for, no matter what the odds are. Gang initiation is usually very violent and involves the new member being beaten by multiple members. To the average person this seems brutal and barbaric. However, initiation isn’t about getting beaten up; it’s about learning how to be brave in the face of adversity, no matter how bad the odds. Sororities and fraternities also have degradation ceremonies, which can be crueler than those of gangs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is responsible for the death of an 18 year old due to alcohol poisoning. The new pledge had a .44 Blood Alcohol Count after 90 minutes of drinking (Kana). This is only one of many disturbing stories. Sororities tend to focus on psychological embarrassment (Kana). Gang initiation is a test of heart and courage, determining if the individual has what it takes to survive on the streets (Walker). Sororities and Fraternities have cruel initiations in order to feed the member's sense of power and promote unity. One might ask, if these ceremonies are so intense, and occasionally so cruel, why do people go through them? In the video below, some Plebes give their answer.
Photos (top left Plebe Summer) (top right Fraternity)