University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1913-12-11
VIEWPOINTS


name to the Anti-Buffet League since
they had made the word saloon of such
unsavory reputation that it was nc
longer used.
Do you notice similar reaction up-
on the word hazing? Students are
never hazed anymore. Oh, no. The
papers have caused that word to &C
out of good usage. When a freshman
is made to eat grass or drink ink or
some other equally 'preposterous out
rage Quoting from a letter of the
freshies' fond parents), it is only a lit
tie "chi-chi-ing" by some fun-loving
sophomores. The speeches and arti-
cles which are beginning to appear
against chi-chi-ing warrant us in be-
lieving that we can soon look for an
other name to be brought forward.
You know, of course, that it is not
the action which is disliked in any
thing. 1t is the name by which it is
known. No one resents being called
thief more fiercely than the person
who cheats in exams, buns his way to
an out-of-town football game, or
'swipes" an apple out of the Univers-
ity orchard.
But call it what you will, there is
a great misunderstanding throughout
the state in non-college towns as to
just what happens to freshmen in a
university during the first quarter of
the year. Most people think that the
more unsophisticated ii. e. green) a
first year man is, the better victim
he makes for the class just above him.
Whereas it is a well-known fact that
there is little fun in padding a freshie
who is too scared to make any resist
ance. Such a man is rarely molested
alter the first week, after he has pro-
posed to several University women
and carried suitcases of upperclass-
men from the train.
1t is the large fellow who comes
with big records from some high
school, thinking that the whole uni
versity will rush to meet him with
open arms, who makes the available
material for chi-chi-ing. Everyone
likes to see his hat drop down over
his ears as his head shrinks.
During the first week, of course, all
freshmen are asked to get skull caps,
colored to represent their depart
ments, academs, red; ags, white; en-
sineers, green; journalists, yellow, and
so on. They are punched in squads,
forced to march over the campus and
town with their coats turned wrong
side out, and trouser legs pulled up
above their knees. Occasionally they
climb pole or tree to demonstrate
their gymnastic ability.
Those who are inclined to initiate
the Missouri mule in disposition are
permitted to run the gauntlet. This
torm of diversion is a direct relic of
Indian barbarism. So say the reform
ers, and all those who have gone
through it always agree.
Now and then, some big-headed fell .
ow speaks his mind to the effect that
here are no two sophs in school who
'an handle him. Night raids are re-
served for his species. The pond is
Usually the last indignity to which he
S subjected, after he has been thor
'ughly convinced of the error of his
ways, also statements.
And it is just here that the critics
If hazing or chi-chi-ing overlook
'oint. 1t is the best puncturer of self
Inflated egotism yet devised. How
yer, we believe that we are safe in an
louncing that all such conduct will be
next year, in other words,
ut out. We have talked confidenti-
lily with many freshmen. They all
lnburden themselves in this fashion:
We'll, don't believe that it is right.
came down here-the first time |
vas leaving home. l was scared to
leath already at seeing so many
strange things and new faces. Instead
If being welcomed with smiles and
signs of friendship, 1 was greeted with
paddles and shouts of derision.
ell you just don't believe that I will
10 bit of that next year. 1 am going
o be one to put stop to such things"
Sounds sincere, doesn't it? 1t is.
Nevertheless, when school opens next
September, you see them all down at
he Wabash with paddles as big as