This guy was a 20-year old UP student…a GRADUATING STUDENT. But now, since he’s been a victim of the senseless and barbaric practice of hazing in initiation rites in a fraternity, he’s not going to graduate anymore. Nor would he worry about graduating because the potential to be a productive individual in the society has been forcibly taken from him by his supposed “brothers”.
For the news about his death, read here.
As I’ve said in my comments in other posts, I am very much against this practice of hazing in fraternities and sororities. It’s enough that I’ve seen it’s terrible potential for destruction when I was still in high school CAT. Yes, I’ve gone through it alive. But I will always remind myself that if given the chance to put a stop to such practice, then I will do something about it.
All the more troubling is that a doctor was involved in this initiation rite. While it is not surprising since I’ve already heard tons of rumors about private hospital rooms even being held in reservation just for post-initiation rites casualties, it is still an embarrassment to the medical profession that a doctor would participate in something like this. Doctors are supposed to heal or at least make dying as comfortable as possible, not hasten it.
Where is the sense in hurting a person both physically and psychologically just to let him join your group or organization? What is the rationality of treating your brothers with such violence? This practice of hazing is barbaric at its very core, disguised as “tradition”. But will we let tradition rule us when we know IT IS UNETHICAL AND CRIMINAL?
I hope the people responsible for his death will be caught, tried, and punished for what they have done. As Ms. Noemi said, it will not bring back those who have died but it will protect those who are to become its victims.
Let’s all hope that justice be served for Cris Mendez and for all those who died such a senseless death.
Spread the word…(other posts about it):
- Ang Lalaking mukhang bao ang buhok (Cris’ friend blog)
- Another Hazing Death in U.P. by the Warrior Lawyer
- The true barbarians of UP (UPDATED)
- Through Put a Stop to Fraternity-Related Violence NOW! by JMTuazon
- On Cris Mendez by Bikoy
- And you dare call us “Barbarians”?!!
- The Truth is Risky Business
- Hazy over Hazing
- Cris Mendez, DEAD — Justice for the Boy, When?
- Para kay Cris Anthony Mendez
- Justice for Cris Mendez by Noemi Dado
- Why I Wore Black Today
- Criz Mendez, Dead — Justice For The Boy, When? by Jester-in-Exile
- The Stupidity of Fraternity by Unsent Postcards
- Hazing, A Culture Issue by Sassy Lawyer
- Hazy over Hazing by uberjam
- [para kay cris anthony mendez]
Now is the time for us all to give a flying rat’s ass by Ganns***post removed by the author- Barbarians by Luis Teodoro
- A Boy is Dead by Benj
- Brotherhood of Violence by zelljunio
- Dying Young…in the Hands of Your “Brothers” by Selvo
September 1st, 2007 at 16:48
[...] Through Put a Stop to Fraternity-Related Violence NOW! by JMTuazon On Cris Mendez by Bikoy Put a Stop to the Barbaric Pratice of Hazing by Tess Termulo Cris Mendez, DEAD — Justice for the Boy, When? And you dare call us [...]
September 1st, 2007 at 18:29
And they call the ones who doesn’t have a membership in frats or sororities barbaric..
September 1st, 2007 at 22:54
I can’t believe they call their new recruits as “brods” short of brothers when they just beat them up. I do not get these violent initiation rites. I don’t think it is macho . Look at what they are doing now..hiding…COWARDS…ooh cowardice is soooooo macho .
September 2nd, 2007 at 0:46
I never liked hazing or initiations as tests for loyalty and worthiness for membership in any group. I am a proud barbarian even when I was in UP. There were other mature organizations that never required hurting applicants before they were called members.
OFF-TOPIC: I will host Medical Grand Rounds this Tues, Sept.4, and I would like to invite you to join. Just send your best medical/health post. No themes. Kindly send it at doc[dot]emer[at]gmail[dot]com with grand rounds in the subject.
September 2nd, 2007 at 1:59
This is one of the reasons why I’m actually having second thoughts of joining an organization. I have a feeling that I would encounter something entirely not appropriate–maybe not as violent as this anyway, but still. Do you know that thing they call…ah, I really can’t remember what it’s called but it’s something like you have to do something for the org for them to accept you? The primary reason why they do this is that they want to test your determination and to, of course, gain your loyalty. Somewhat like, ‘I tried so hard to get into this, I’m gonna stick with this.’ thing.
And hazing is one of that thing I was talking about. But this is entirely unacceptable, of course. I could hardly think about loyalty when I feel pain, really.
September 2nd, 2007 at 2:00
There, I remembered. It’s called initiation.
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:07
[...] Put A Stop To The Barbaric Practice of Hazing “Where is the sense in hurting a person both physically and psychologically just to let him join your group or organization? What is the rationality of treating your brothers with such violence? This practice of hazing is barbaric at its very core, disguised as “tradition”. But will we let tradition rule us when we know IT IS UNETHICAL AND CRIMINAL?” [...]
September 2nd, 2007 at 11:49
I’m with you on this.
I just couldn’t understand what’s the sense of these initiations?
September 2nd, 2007 at 13:37
Don’t want to brag about how our society has evolved, but if such thing happened, there will be an Inquiry of the Highest Order and a police investigation and all those responsible for the death of the victim will end up in Criminal Court, simple as that, a crime is a crime is crime….
September 2nd, 2007 at 15:13
[...] Put A Stop To The Barbaric Practice of Hazing by Prudence [...]
September 2nd, 2007 at 20:57
I understand where you’re coming from when you say that you’re troubled that a doctor is involved in this situation. From what I read in the news, he talked to the police about how the body “arrived” at his house yet he did not disclose the names of those who brought Cris to him. Although I understand how difficult it must be for him right now, he definitely gives the medical profession a bad name. What a sad and appalling reality.
September 2nd, 2007 at 21:49
And here one thought to ponder… why would someone undergo the barbaric rite of initiation to prove his or loyalty to some kind of “fraternity” when so many of its politician who swore loyalty to the law and the constitution can not even keep that loyalty? ironic, isn’t it?
September 3rd, 2007 at 16:27
Ego. It’s like passing to the new-comers everything they had received in their initiation rights (or more). Mga walang utak, they call this brotherhood a brotherhood when all they want is too see their so called “brothers” suffer more than the had. I have no words for these kinds of people.. Specially a medical specie…
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:00
to Arlo:
At least, being a “barbarian” in their definition let’s me keep my individual mind. I can work and be loyal to an organization, but only if that organization values my individual integrity, abilities, and rights.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:03
to Ms. Noemi:
And not only that…even if the initiates managed to get through the rites alive, their health were still put at risk. And they say that they care for their members?
I might just post something about what happens to the body when it’s subjected to continuous paddling or something about hazing injuries.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:06
to Dr. Emer:
“There were other mature organizations that never required hurting applicants before they were called members.”
— And I think these are the organizations that should be emulated. Congratulations for being a proud barbarian! Well, the pressure to belong to a fraternity/sorority in my school is not as much as it is in U.P. but I’m also a proud barbarian myself.
Thanks for inviting me to join the Grand Rounds! I already sent you an email.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:12
to Yna:
Before joining this organization that you’re having second thoughts about joining, think of their activities, especially those involving the new recruits and ask yourself these questions:
1) Is alcohol involved?
2) Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new
members and do exactly what they’re being asked to do?
3) Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
4) Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
5) Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor or University official?
6) Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?
I got these questions from Stophazing.org.
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, most probably the initiation rites that organization is using involves hazing. And I would suggest that you stay away from those kind of groups. It is good to be able to contribute to the collective betterment of an organization, but only if it respects you as an individual in return.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:14
to Lalon:
Anyone in his right mind will not consent to undergoing this kind of suffering. However, power and a sense of belongingness can be powerful incentives.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:15
to Vic:
Well, you have already bragged about it.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:19
to vic:
“And here one thought to ponder… why would someone undergo the barbaric rite of initiation to prove his or loyalty to some kind of “fraternity” when so many of its politician who swore loyalty to the law and the constitution can not even keep that loyalty? ironic, isn’t it?”
— Yes, it is. But I guess why loyalties of politicians waver because swearing loyalty to the constitution will not give them any kind of “compensation” in return, unlike making allegiances with certain, let’s say, characters. Where there is more power, there goes the loyalty of politicians. Haha.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:21
to Frances:
I do hope the doctor speaks up soon. As if fear of being accused of obstruction of justice isn’t enough motivation for him to come out. But more importantly, he has a duty to the family of the victim to enlighten them as to what happened to their loved one when it is he who’s been last seen with Cris.
September 3rd, 2007 at 20:24
to kotsengkuba:
Yes, it’s a terrible practice. Also, it also becomes a playing field for those who like to do powertripping. People who would be more than willing to hurt other people just to show that they are “masters” are, in fact, just so insecure about themselves.
September 3rd, 2007 at 22:39
Paulit ulit na lang itong balita na namamatay sa hazing.
September 3rd, 2007 at 22:55
to paul:
Because nothing is being done about it. Mahirap kumalaban ng mga taong may kapangyarihan at maraming koneksyon.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:08
I am just enraged how people are silenced by this senseless killings. The Malu Fernandez brouhaha has elicited more response, to think that nobody died from reading her stupid article. If frats/sororities, fratmen and women are serious about ending this tradition of violence, my challenge is this: that your frat or sorority release a condemnation of these hazings and a commitment to a hazing-free initiation rites.
I have just read the official statemet of the UP Law Student body on the death of Mendez and this is what I have to say: cut the crap!! I have enough of your cry for temperance. This is the only statement I need to hear from you and your orgs: WE CONDEMN HAZING AND WE WILL NEVER CONDUCT HAZING FOR INITIATION RITES EVER AGAIN. Simple and clear, you don’t have to be a lawyer to say that!!!
September 4th, 2007 at 9:17
to anti-frat mom:
I agree with you. I don’t understand how a lot of people can be so enraged about a socialite writing derogatory remarks about OFWs as to take time writing hateful stuff about or drawing nasty photos of her when here’s a more pressing situation that we need to find a solution in the soonest time possible.
But I’d say it will be a lot difficult since these fraternities and sororities do have very powerful old members (alumna of these organizations are politicians, businessmen, etcetera). Like what I told another commenter, it’s hard to go against these kind of people who wield so much power and influence in the society. But I do hope we find a way. Well, we must.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:13
so sad, senseless death.
no one should play God! and to think that these men who do the hazing are supposed to the cream of their crop.
justice, yes justice for Anthony Mendez.
September 4th, 2007 at 13:18
One would think people would stop this considering the number of times perpetrators have been caught, and the amount of media coverage that’s unleashed whenever this happens. But apparently, thinking is not the number 1 priority for these people.
September 4th, 2007 at 13:35
The only initiation I got was here in the office. They didn’t use a paddle to whip my butt, instead they asked me to buy them pizza on my first salary. If only frat/sorority initiations were like that, it would make all the members fulfilled.
I don’t get why frats are using extreme measures for their initiations. They should practice something less harsh than that, not that could kill. A pizza will do, it may hurt in the pocket but not the body. Unless of course, throwing a newly cooked pizza on the neophyte’s face.
September 5th, 2007 at 21:22
to SexyMom:
Some people are just more than willing to disguise their thirst for violence as work for the pride and glory of its organization. And it’s despicable and cowardly.
September 5th, 2007 at 21:26
to Pau:
What’s even more annoying is that those people who should be speaking up are those who chose to be silent. They refuse to divulge what they know just because they think it’s disloyalty to the organization and its ideals. Is this rational? No. These people refuse to be human beings.
While that we understand that by speaking they may endanger their lives and their loved ones, still, they have to speak up because they’ve been part of the tragedy of Cris Mendez.
As I’ve said before (though not here), apathy is the most terrible murderer of all.
September 5th, 2007 at 21:31
to Agent Grey:
“The only initiation I got was here in the office. They didn’t use a paddle to whip my butt, instead they asked me to buy them pizza on my first salary.”
— If I were there, I would have asked for ice cream too. Haha.
“Unless of course, throwing a newly cooked pizza on the neophyte’s face.”
— even that is easier to handle compared to what Cris Mendez went through
September 6th, 2007 at 17:36
COLLEGIAN, I heard na may photos kayo of Cris na puro pasa. Pls i-post niyo naman ito para makonsensiya ang mga gago na iyon.
Pwede nyong ma-trace lahat ng nag-txt at namilit kay Cris na sumali. Basta may court order kayo, Globe or Smart can trace all those who texted him and eventually pwede nyo ring malaman kung saan sila nagtatago thru GPRS.
NAGAWA NILA ITO KAY HONASAN.
PLS. GAWIN NIYO NA BAGO PA SILA LUMABAS NG BANSA!!
WALA KASI KONG NABALITAAN NA MAY HOLD DEPARTURE ORDER SA MGA SUSPECTS.
September 7th, 2007 at 12:28
[...] Put a Stop To The Barbaric Practice of Hazing by Prudence [...]
September 9th, 2007 at 9:33
[...] Cris Mendez, DEAD — Justice for the Boy, When? [...]
September 10th, 2007 at 18:14
Yes, let’s spread the word… Hazing is illegal and it should be stopped!
Ako man nag-post din para kay Cris Mendez. I hope you find time to read it and share it with you friends. I posted it here: http://lestercavestany.com/?p=11
February 15th, 2008 at 18:21
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