Unfortunately, these myths serve to divert attention away from what schools should be doing and permit unacceptable behavior to continue. The first myth is that hazing is not widespread. There appears to be many reasons why this myth exists. Most victims of hazing do not report it. The ability of students to maintain a conspiracy of silence about hazing rituals in startling.
Victims apparently are unwilling to disclose the abuse.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that one of the dynamics with respect to hazing is that students desperately want to belong and that their self-esteem and identity is connected with belonging. The need to belong outweighs the need to disclose the abuse of hazing. Contrary to the myth, however, it is apparent that hazing may be widespread. In discussions I have had with school coaches and former team members across the state, I have been told repeatedly that hazing regularly occurs in our high schools. Indeed, a so-called expert in hazing testified at an expulsion hearing that hazing regularly takes place and, unbelievably, that hazing is a good thing.