Why does Greek life do paddles?

The Paddle's Place in the Greek Community

To show their appreciation, little brothers and sisters present their mentor with a paddle as a sign of gratitude, loyalty and respect. Also, many fraternities give paddles to newly pledged members as a welcoming sign of inclusion into the chapter.

Why are paddles a thing in Greek life?

The fraternity and sorority paddle is most commonly used today as a decorative keepsake representing brotherhood or sisterhood and is given as a gift according to a local chapter's traditions. The history of the paddle, however, is rooted in violence and remains both a tool and symbol of hazing in Greek organizations.

Are paddles cheating?

Re: “Anti-recoil controllers are NOT cheating.”

The strike parks are just paddles on the bottom of the controller that turn a standard controller into an elite controller. Elite controllers are not cheating, they simply allow the person to bind functions to the paddles.

Why do frats make paddles?

The Paddle's Place in the Greek Community

To show their appreciation, little brothers and sisters present their mentor with a paddle as a sign of gratitude, loyalty and respect. Also, many fraternities give paddles to newly pledged members as a welcoming sign of inclusion into the chapter.

Do frats still paddle pledges?

To most sorority alumnae today, paddles represent sisterhood, pride, and tradition. Unfortunately, paddling continues to be used as a hazing tool in fraternities, and although less frequently, sororities too.

Why colleges tolerate fraternities

How long is a fraternity paddle?

Greek paddles can range in size from small key chains to 2 1/2 feet tall. In general, your paddle should be four times as long as it is wide. If your design is 4 inches wide, the paddle should be 16 inches long. The length includes the handle.

How thick is a Greek paddle?

These are the ideal dimensions: 22-3/4" inches Long, 5" inches Wide, 5/8" inches thick (22-3/4" × 5" × 5/8"). HIGH QUALITY AMERICAN PINE!

What is fraternity hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate. There are three components that define hazing: It occurs in a group context. Humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior.

Why do sororities paint paddles?

These paddles aren't meant to be used for hazing. They are meant as a genuine present for a new sister and are just another way of showing your pride for your sorority.

Do frats still haze?

Hazing, as practiced in most places, is wrong. It is unethical, it is dangerous, and it is a crime in 44 states and Washington, DC. Yet 73 percent of Greeks are hazed, according to the most recent large-scale hazing study, which, granted, was published in 2008.

What's the point of hazing?

The ultimate purpose of hazing, and any form of initiation, is to bring new members into a group and develop unity in the group.

Do you paint the back of a sorority paddle?

Paint it. The first step in making your paddle is to paint it. You may be staining it, painting it, or decorating the paddle in some way, but this step should be done first. Painting is most common.

What do you put in a fraternity paddle?

Decorating ideas

Fraternity paddles are traditionally very plain. Whereas sororities will use bright colors, pictures and glitter to decorate theirs, fraternities only use the most basic supplies on their paddles. It is important to have the fraternity's Greek letters, your name and the recipient's name.

How do you seal a Greek paddle?

To apply the paper, trace the loose shape of your paddle on the back of the paper. Then, apply an even coat of modge-podge to the wood and carefully apply the paper. Smooth out any bumps or ripples while the glue is still wet. When the paper is pressed down firmly, seal it with another coat of sealant on top.

How common is hazing in Greek life?

Hazing Statistics

More than 50% of college students involved in college clubs and organizations experience hazing. 74% of students involved in varsity athletics have gone through hazing, as have 73% of students involved in social fraternities and sororities and 64% of students involved in club sports.

What do frats do to pledges?

A pledge can expect to make early morning house calls to the fraternity house. This could be to clean up after the actives threw a party, to have meetings or to even be quizzed. The duties of a pledge include anything from cleaning the fraternity house to driving actives to and from classes.

What happens if a frat gets caught hazing?

Those who are accused of engaging in hazing behaviors may face legal actions up to and including jailtime. In addition, victims of hazing may pursue monetary damage in civil court from individuals and groups involved. The U-M Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, prohibits hazing.

How long is a sorority paddle?

Fraternity Sorority Paddles 14 inch, Pack of 1 Unfinished Greek Wooden Paddle, Smooth Birch for Decorating and Painting, by Woodpeckers.

What do swim paddles do?

Paddles increase water resistance and keep a swimmer's hands in place as they pull, helping to build muscle and increase speed. Hand paddles can be used in drill work to improve technique, and are an easy way to add variety to a workout.