tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post1609167030747847849..comments2014-06-03T10:31:30.614-05:00Comments on unKommon Sense: Unpopular things that need to be said about the hazing incident at FAMUunKommon Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14604165165624549822noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-53441388783150536652011-12-26T10:45:02.291-06:002011-12-26T10:45:02.291-06:00MR_ROCK
2 things:
I agree that those guilty of c...MR_ROCK<br /><br />2 things:<br /><br />I agree that those guilty of contributing to Mr. Champions death should face the appropriate punishment which is involuntary man slaughter. I think the state trying to make it anything more than that would be harsh punishment. The Kappa's convicted under the hazing law in 2005 got more or the same time than the min for involuntary manslaughter and no one died. I know this case will get "an example" type sentence and I dont necessarily think that is fair, but that wasnt the point of the article<br /><br />2) You and a couple of other people have used the example of "IF I give you a gun and you shoot me" as an anology for what happened in this case. I dont think that quite fits. I already said those directly involved in his death are guilty of involuntary manslaughter, but in your anology unless the gun was illegally procured there is nothing illegal about asking someone to shoot you. There is something illegal about asking someone to haze you. So had Mr. Champion not died, and it was the case he voluntarily submitted to hazing; then he would be guilty of committing a crime that lead to his death. In that case I have suggested the more apt analogy is overdosing on illegal drugs. Both parties in that exchange are equally responsible for the bad outcome.unKommon Sensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14604165165624549822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-14410676676418383422011-12-25T22:19:12.501-06:002011-12-25T22:19:12.501-06:00I didn't pass the bar...I never even attempted...I didn't pass the bar...I never even attempted to take it...BUT fyi if individuals partake in illegal activities and someone dies because of it...all individuals are fully responsible and can be charged with murder...your whole argument is irrelevant because of that...and no one is wrong for charging FAMU with negligence...the whole point of a trial to research and determine whether or not FAMU personnel indeed did neglect the fact that students are being hazed. Just because the school offered anti-hazing courses does not mean school officials overlooked these illegal activities, so a THOROUGH investigation needs to be conducted. I guess people want to be upset because FAMU is receiving negative publicity...and that they're on CNN for this but not for positive things...but be real...how often do you see CNN reporting ANYTHING ABOUT ANY university unless it's something negative? Let’s not make this a racial thing and keep the most important facts a priority. a young man has died because he was hazed...an act that EVERYONE is aware is illegal (and if they didn’t know…ignorance is not an excuse...right? :-/)...if I give you a gun and tell you to shoot me...you think that will give you a pass?? YOU KNOW BETTER TOO (at least you should)...therefore you must be held accountable for YOUR actions.@iMF_ROCKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-55475628878826197812011-12-22T09:24:46.811-06:002011-12-22T09:24:46.811-06:00So after reading all the comments, i would first l...So after reading all the comments, i would first like to say that if you are a FAMU student or alumni then you are very well aware that EVERY organization on campus participates in some form of hazing. Modeling troupes make you walk around in heels all day (any female knows what a task that is on the hill), dance troupe make you practice all hours of the night, sororities.... well they "suggest" you attend all their parties "assist" them with passing out fliers during let outs,"encourage" certian girls to run for different/specific SGA offices, "suggest" that intrested girls pick up and drop of members to various places throughout the day i mean the list goes on. So please lets call a spade a spade. Like some of the other commenters stated hazing is mental and physical. From someone telling you that your only allowed to wear black at specific events to telling guys they have to bring certian amounts of girls to parties hazing is hazing. On the note of Mr. Champion, its a double edged sword. No matter how old you are you still battling with the feeling of acceptance. Whether it is in class, with friends, at work or even at home, we all would like to feel accepted in some fashion. That being said, yes he was 26 years old and yes he was a leader of his organization but the probelm with the band as a whole is that there are too many groups within the group and because of this one is never really "apart of the group" until they are in the inner circle. This is nonsense! Just play your instrument and entertain your fans thats where it begins and thats where it should end. So what if we have the same area code or went to the same high school... bottom line is that the band memebers are there for one common cause and that is to play music! Mr. Champion im sure was very well aware of what it took to be apart of one of these "inner circles" within the band HOWEVER nobody (including Mr. Champion) knows the severity of ANYTHING prior to them being initiated. If you make it into a dance group you have no idea that in 3 months you would be practing until 2am with brusies on your knees and bleeding feet do you? Same goes for Mr Champion im sure he knew what group he wanted to be in however im sure he did not know that it would take his life trying to become a member. My question is, as a man at what point do you say to yourself OK I AM IN SERIOUS PAIN AND I CANNOT TAKE ANYMORE! MY BODY DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT AND I THINK YALL SHOULD STOP NOW! As a 26 year old myself there comes a point when i say "ok look yall kids had fun but its done!" I cannot begin to fathom the amount of peer pressue one may have that they ignore or want to justify someone inflicting such brutal pain. Mr. Champion is not at fault in any way for his untimely passing because how did he know that he would be beaten to such extremes? Mr. Champion, however, as the article stated was a "leader of the band", i myself was apart of many campus organizations and once i have on nalia i was no long an induvidual i was "person from that organization". No matter if you are off campus or on campus when you become a member of an organization especially the Marching 100 you take on the responsibilities of the organization as a whole! Mr. Champion im sure knew this however, i still wonder if that much peer pressure could overcome rational thought process. Whatever the case may be like i said before this whole situation is a double edged sword. Should FAMU as a whole be penalized... No, but should FAMU crack down on EVERY organization YES. from Gospel Choior to dance troupe to modeling troupe to greek life even/ especially to SGA, FAMU needs to crack down on everything because unfortuantly just like the Kappa incident in 2005 FAMU has given the State of Florida every avenue to make an example and mockery out of FAMU. This must end we cannot allow another freshamn class to walk on the hill knowing that at some point during their matriculation they may fall victim to hazing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-2428412129673830242011-12-22T06:56:36.644-06:002011-12-22T06:56:36.644-06:00@Tosha
I cannot speak to your age more what life ...@Tosha<br /><br />I cannot speak to your age more what life experiences have brought your way, but I've been on both sides the hazed and have had the opportunity to haze. If peer pressue is still a factor then you have bigger problems on your hands. We all have a mind and we make decision... As adults, there is no justification for allowing others to make a decision for any of us. I go back to thr reason you chose to join the organization...as a user of drugs or as member of a gang or as a law abiding citizen, we are all accountable for the decisions we make. Ladies and gents that feel the need to pledge the band in order to be accepted have other issues...@Rob and Jen, you stated that you chose not to pledge your section and were ridiculed as a result. News Flash, that too was a form of hazing. You chose to get out the kitchen rather than to fight...I heard neither of you say you blew the whistle...instead you walked away with your head in hand...People if you're not part of the solution, you are feeding the problem.@FAMU2000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-76515207654077894792011-12-21T22:30:39.432-06:002011-12-21T22:30:39.432-06:00I feel you UnKommon...but you need to know which i...I feel you UnKommon...but you need to know which is EASIER. It's EASIER and more probable to stop the people from beating on someone than to get all of these people to refuse to be beat on. These people who decide not to cross are the minority (so few that we cant even make a percentage). It's more ethical and reasonable to stop hazing! Drug dealers and users are BOTH in the wrong...but the drug dealers are the MAIN source of the problem! I agree with both sides being the problem...but just know it would be easier and more probable to STOP the hazers...the people HAZING are usually always the ones in control. If THEY decide to STOP, the threat will be GONE. Will we be left with a bunch of people "desiring to be hazed"? No...they SURELY wont care nor will they ask for itAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-70134214583947859072011-12-21T20:08:26.596-06:002011-12-21T20:08:26.596-06:00Also, I understand people "dont want to blame...Also, I understand people "dont want to blame the victim" I think it is a noble sentiment, but why dont I hear the same sentiment expressed when other people break laws in the name of peer pressure? <br /><br />Gang shootings are mostly motivated by peer pressure, I havent seen public out pouring for the youth who have died by the hands of the police who have taken the lives of children who are deemed criminals who have subcombed to the peer pressure of their environments<br /><br />More than two past members of the band said on this thread that though it wasnt a popular desicion they didnt submit to hazing despite the pressure. They were leaders. And it is not besmirching the deseased to point out the FACT that he could have been one toounKommon Sensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14604165165624549822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-4846312372801936062011-12-21T20:04:02.957-06:002011-12-21T20:04:02.957-06:00Tasha,
I am saying it takes BOTH the hazers and H...Tasha,<br /><br />I am saying it takes BOTH the hazers and Hazees to stop to stop the problem. <br /><br />And I am only saying that people have to take responsibility for the negative consquences of their own actions. Simple. <br /><br />I have never suggested the people that killed him arent guilty nor that they shouldnt be punished. But had Robert Champion survived what should have been his consequence for breaking the law? <br /><br />And as far as the university. I get that people say the university should have done more to prevent hazing. I am all for that but people havent offered up any solutions that arent already in place.unKommon Sensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14604165165624549822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-23544276694567690942011-12-21T19:45:18.559-06:002011-12-21T19:45:18.559-06:00Tosha Said
I honestly cannot believe some of the ...Tosha Said<br /><br />I honestly cannot believe some of the latest comments. "We need to stop pointing fingers" "People need to band together and agree not to be hazed" Are you people serious. Hazing can stop when the hazers stop. No need for folks who just wanna play in the band, join a frat, etc to band together. If we want the problem to end. Then the hazers need to stop hazing!!!! Period!!!! Some of you sound absolutely absurd. How dare you come out your mouth to say no one put a gun to the mans head. The man is dead for crying out loud. You are so write common sense isnt common. So to the hazers on the blo including the writer because I am pretty damn sure he knows some are you ever gonna stop? Or do you all need to go to prision?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-57101718297238529022011-12-21T18:14:25.502-06:002011-12-21T18:14:25.502-06:00I've had an opportunity to read a number of th...I've had an opportunity to read a number of these responses to the writer. The writer makes some very valid points. I also know that there are a number of greek AND non-greek letter organizations that haze. At the end of the day, you must make a decision as to what you will allow yourself to be subjected to. He was not held at gunpoint and forced to do anything. He was 26 years young and had lived and made choices in life. He was a band member before becoming a drum major, so he knew the ropes...I am amazed that one might consider blaming the university, the president or the director of bands. Someone mentioned that it starts at home and I agree...<br /><br />As an undergrad student and post graduation, I have counseled a number of people that considered pledging or joining organizations...My message was always the same, if a sense of belonging or a need to find yourself is the reason...then you are joining for the wrong reason. Know your limits and know when to say to say enough is enough. Understanding that you are willfully agreeing to all yourself to be subjected to the process. <br /><br />The situation is tragic, yes...and the family and university will grieve for years to come...but pointing fingers...will not accomplish anything.<br /><br />Mr. Champion's death was ruled a homicide, those involved will ultimately have to answer for their actions...and that is where the story should end.<br /><br />Many have discussed various rituals that the band engages in...rituals are just that, but being a member of the only six letter greek organization, I'm not aware of any ritual that would result in death. There is obviously more to this than what is being released.<br /><br />@UnKommon...I'm with you, chief...power comes in numbers and when WE as individuals band together and choose to invoke change...then and only then will change come.<br /><br />As Robert's freshman brother stated, Robert and Bria chose to allow themselves to be hazed. As do many others. And anyone that knows the 100, knows the reputation. If you are so naive and don't know, shame on you.<br /><br />By the way, I'm a proud FAMU graduate.@FAMU2000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-63815077214436391952011-12-21T17:07:29.926-06:002011-12-21T17:07:29.926-06:00SMH at the FAMUans who seemingly worship the "...SMH at the FAMUans who seemingly worship the "school" and don't realize that when Robert Champion and other victim's families get paid as a result of their lawsuits against the university that the funds paid out will come directly out of FAMUs operational fund. That includes monies used for structural, institutional, etc. improvements, needs etc. ANYONE associated with an organization that hazes or whoops ass or physically puts paddles or hands on willing participants might want to cease doing so if they "love" FAMU, because if it continues, then FAM may one day just run out of the necessary monies it needs to effectively run the institution. So maybe the message needs to change to stop hazing period, meaning stop hazing and stop being hazed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-65917872183938859362011-12-21T16:01:43.353-06:002011-12-21T16:01:43.353-06:00@unKommon, I see the point your making but the thi...@unKommon, I see the point your making but the thing your missing is what both Robert and Jen have stated.<br /><br />"you might as well get out of the band if you don't. You will be publicly humiliated and ridiculed. These M100 members KNOW the truth and they know that EVERYONE is expected to cross these subgroups."<br /><br />Now having marched myself I know what both are referring to. You literally might as well quit the band if you don't pledge your section because they will do everything outside of physically touching you to make you quit. Prime example: I marched in 99'for a band in the SWAC. I came in on the trumpet line with 12 crab bro's, outside of me and maybe one more the rest either quit or just decided to go through with the foolishness. Seriously, the culture during that season and after was BS. Even those you came in with will turn on you because that is the culture they breed. I see what your saying by if you stand up for yourself the culture will change but seriously, those that have marched know that It would take a major situation for it to change just like in the case of Mr. Champion. I still remember my crab year. We had so many parents calling up to the school (hell, even had one or two get put in the hospital), but do you think anything changed?! You still had the majority who went through with it believing that somehow they were good if they would just finish the process, which is pure BS. It will take the collective whole incoming freshmen class to stand against it, because if they don't please believe the upperclassmen and old heads will break them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-80455041989033696292011-12-21T12:19:20.540-06:002011-12-21T12:19:20.540-06:00To Jen and Robert the point that neither of you ch...To Jen and Robert the point that neither of you chose to cross the band sections despite the ridicule is percisely the point I am making about hazing. If you truly want to end it we need more people like you guys sticking through the ridicule and just being in the band. <br /><br />If everybody said no like you two did than the hazers would be in the minoritiy. You two made the tough hard decisioins that going against peer pressure means.<br /><br />I agree the hazing needs to stop, but the point I am making, and the two of you have illustrated, is that people can stop it by refusing to participate despite peer pressure. You guys made the hard decision not to and so could he. <br /><br />Also to the comments about the school's liability. I am not saying they shouldnt get sued. I think they have to prove they do a reasonable job at trying to maintain the safety of the school, but I think the point should be made that they do have policies in place that people choose to break. If that can be shown then I think culpability should be deminished. We all know that drugs are being sold in all major cities, but should we win law suits against the city everytime a person overdoeses on drugs?unKommon Sensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14604165165624549822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-68686577976860883972011-12-21T12:07:02.107-06:002011-12-21T12:07:02.107-06:00I agree with Jen. I also refused to cross the Trom...I agree with Jen. I also refused to cross the Trombone section in 98...you might as well get out of the band if you don't. You will be publicly humiliated and ridiculed. These M100 members KNOW the truth and they know that EVERYONE is expected to cross these subgroups. Champion was a ROOKIE Drum Major if his set told him to get on that bus HE WAS GOING TO DO IT...we all know about crossing Bus C. Plenty of people have done it and probably never expected anyone to DIE from it but it happened and now we all want to act like it's not serious and that he couldve EASILY turned around and walked away AS A ROOKIE DRUM MAJOR! YOU ALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND KNOW THAT IT IS NOT THAT EASY IN FAMU'S BAND TO DO THAT! It saddens me that some of you just dont see the problem that something like "Crossing the bus" even exists...WHAT DOES THAT EVEN ADD TO THE MISSION OF THE BAND??? More M100 members need to speak up, the change starts with you all...SERIOUSLY. Until the BAND sees the problem, nothing will changeRobertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-87395929301930465832011-12-21T10:10:51.450-06:002011-12-21T10:10:51.450-06:00I think most M100 alumni and current members are e...I think most M100 alumni and current members are expecting some sanctions on the band. But the point of this blog is not about thi. To say that the university enabled Robert to be killed because it did not suspend the band is truly absurd. Now if you had said legally culpable, you may have an argument. I guess it is hard for some to understand that there are folks willing to break the law to undergo a process or ritual.kirknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-56538764288574891812011-12-21T09:21:43.656-06:002011-12-21T09:21:43.656-06:00People say that suspending the band would be unfai...People say that suspending the band would be unfair because that would be punishing many for the wrong actions of a few. Yet, such suspensions happen all of the time, and are considered acceptable and effective ways of disciplining organizations. For instance, Ohio State has been banned from bowl games for a year because of its coach's actions and the actions of a few of its football team members. While it's unfortunate that some innocent players will not get to be in bowl games, the punishment probably will deter OSU players and coaches and other college football teams and coaches from committing similar infractions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-16430968694930357412011-12-21T09:18:08.886-06:002011-12-21T09:18:08.886-06:00Champion was hazed on a bus leased by the school d...Champion was hazed on a bus leased by the school during a school-sponsored event. The fact that occurred indicates a lack of proper oversight by FAMU. He also was hazed after 26 students were suspended from the band due to other hazing incidents including one that resulted in a student's thigh fracture. Despite that violent hazing, FAMU didn't suspend the band. FAMU's not suspending the band also enabled Champion to be killed by his peers during a school-sponsored trip. Certainly, if he voluntarily participated in the hazing, Champion bears some blame for his own death. But FAMU's laxness also allowed Champion to be beaten to death.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-13652674589295729552011-12-21T09:09:36.480-06:002011-12-21T09:09:36.480-06:00I think Jen has probably given the most insight I&...I think Jen has probably given the most insight I've read since this whole thing began. Really, I think the only people who can stop hazing in the band IS the band, because the band is the only one that knows its own inner workings. The rest of us are just speculating, really. I really hope more band members speak out.Jennifernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-53781506665346428462011-12-21T07:21:56.122-06:002011-12-21T07:21:56.122-06:00To those that think this blog is insensitive, I wo...To those that think this blog is insensitive, I would like to think we are complex beings capable of having multiple feelings and thoughts. One can still have empathy for the Champion family while still having opinions. Excellent points by the last poster. However some will read it and still choose to ignore the points on free will. It is always easier to look elsewhere. No one is saying that the assailants should not be punished. But to make martyrs of individuals that chose to break the law without including calls for personal accountability is a disservice. I am a former M100. I was a beast on my horn and that's what got me respect. Robert Champion was too and did not need to get on that bus.Wallacenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-27829517997831250692011-12-21T05:25:36.449-06:002011-12-21T05:25:36.449-06:00Finally, once again, I want reiterate that hazing ...Finally, once again, I want reiterate that hazing has never been the rule of law in the famu band, but only stupid cowards that let it happen and don't report it. I don't paricularly agree with Dr White on some of his methods of running the band, musically that is. But that is my opinion. Dr White has always kept an open door policy about hazing, and works tirelessly to help keep that cancer out of the band for good.<br /><br />We, as humans, also have free will and choice. And with choice comes responsibility. You cannot consumate your own destiny, then divorce it because you can't deal with the consequences. I believe we call that being a negligent parent in America. Perhaps that's also why the level of parenting in America has hit an all time low. Parents are not teaching wisdom like the old generation of my grandparents used to.<br /><br />Not all parents, for most do the very best they can. When your child hits 18, they are then consenting adults with all the legal power that implies......which then makes them by free will a party to their own demise if they choose that path. That sucks, but it should. That's a sad aspect of life.<br /><br />Best thing to end hazing forever, parents, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stress the importance of being an individual and thinking for yourself. We all must answer on our own accord for our actions. If one lies down with their parnet and has unprotected sex, and the subsequently contracts HIV, unless they were raped, the newly infected has just as much party to the crime as the infector.<br /><br />But, that's another issue in America and the developed world today, too many ppl (too many black folks esp) get down with the destructive herd mentality, and the youth see this and amplify it. Once again, teach your kids to think like wise aduls, display wisdom, and they will follow suit. My parents did, and I think I've turned one highly successful rattler in life. Teach your kids their individual value to the world and life. Encourage your kids to excel in their craft so that they won't feel the need to short change themselves for petty politics and brutal initiations like the one which killed Rob.<br /><br />And most of all, teach your kids how to have a backbone and stand up for the right thing, even if they are the only one doing it. There are TOO many soft, weak young adults entering the workforce that are too sheltered, too spoiled and crack under pressure. But, then again, there are also a lot of spinless Americans running around the nation this day and age. Kids learn it from somewhere, and if not at home, then from their misguided peers. Or rap. Just go google Lil B and others of that ilk and you will see the madness these kids are gravitating to.<br /><br />Take a stand at home. That where it starts.<br /><br />I pray the best for Robs family, and I'm not in anyway placing the blame all on them. Ms Pam did her best. Rob had a choice. And that's life.<br /><br />Let this be a chance for a new start for both my 100 family, my famu family, my nation, and my people. Good night.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-14153850950376260842011-12-21T05:04:05.464-06:002011-12-21T05:04:05.464-06:00Furthermore, in regard to this case, and the case ...Furthermore, in regard to this case, and the case of the young lady Bria, who nicely took the time to fabricate a story about her leg being broken, if ANY, and I mean ANY person, man or woman actually stands there and lets someone beat on them until they get hurt deserves to get beat.<br /><br />You see, a big problem I see here in America is that these younger parents today that baby their childern too much and then send their "babies" out into the world too foolish and too ignorant about life to function properly. <br /><br />A lot of you aren't in the band and do not understand the culture or personality of ppl in the band well enough to comment in an intellligent matter. You see, in both Robert and Bria's case, neither party was forced to engage in any activity like what has been ran all over the media.<br /><br />Both not only were given a natural choice to say no and report the hazing, but both applied for the chance. That's how hazing works in general. It wouldn't be hazing otherwise....just simple battery and murder. Just like with a BGLO or frat/soror, the potential hazee or neophyte must activate and show interest in being initiated. That's how initiations into ALL secret societies works. You dig your grave and are well informed about what may occur beforehand. <br /><br />If the hazee didn't actively engage his own process, the initiators wouldn't even waste time setting the up the whole event. Plus, having the initiate seek and chase his own ass whooping further cements the neccessary mental bond that will yield satisfactory results from the process.<br /><br />So yes, its sad that this had to happen, but Rob and Bria could have prevented all of this, even if peer pressure was a factor. Now, the hazers def need to be reprimanded for their actions, and the law will do just that. That's why we have a legal system. It is a strong possibility that Rob and Bria consigned to their own injuries, and while America might not want to digest that, oh well. Truth hurts and heals equally. Americans also watch and read media on a sixth grade level, but I digress, again too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-4895223014141761492011-12-21T04:46:26.322-06:002011-12-21T04:46:26.322-06:00First of all, I am appalled at all of the foul lan...First of all, I am appalled at all of the foul language being displayed by ppl on here who so called have the best intentions of Rob and his family. This IS a public forum and you would think some of you so called self righteous black ppl would use better sense when expressing yourselves. But I digress.<br /><br />I knew Rob well. That was my freshman brother. I marched four years with him and knew his family. Rob was like family to me and many others in the 100. He was an A class clarinet player, and hailed from one of the best high school bands in America.<br /><br />We all miss Rob, and as a member and a former tuba player I can attest that there is not ONE single requirement that mandates anyone pledge the band. Id be a stone liar if I were to say that some questionable things have happened around the famu band. But, as the OP stated, hazing and to be hazed is a choice. Even though there exists shadow organizations around the band, the choice is yours if you want to join them, and honestly your membership in an illegal silly frat does not dictate your respect level one bit. If you ask me, some of the sorriest ppl in the band join these ghost band groups as a way to, in their mind, circumvent the Marching 100's strict music standards (which always ends in failure. Talent speaks volumes over your "affiliations"....always).<br /><br />So yes, I'm sad and damn mad at this situation, and its aftermath.....as well as the fact I will not see my freshman brother leading the band in Atlanta or Orlando in 2012. But the fact is, buddy CHOSE to engage in his own death. Yes, chose. That is fact, and one as a 100 member I can verify for myself. Now, I wasn't there and don't speak much with my alumni. And I haven't returned to the hill since 2007 and don't know anyone marching now besides Robert. But, I know he had a choice, and that would have been a great chance to show what his parents taught him about life.<br /><br />But he disregarded that wisdom and it cost him his life. Point blank. To blame an entire university, and its student body is ignorant, stupid, and very rash. <br /><br />Instead, blame the living participants, the witnesses, and all who were involved. Serve the bastards life, that will definitely send a message which will help deter hazing in not only the 100, but all across America.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-71061513961080263152011-12-20T23:40:22.392-06:002011-12-20T23:40:22.392-06:00Who cares if it was INTENTIONAL or not...they kill...Who cares if it was INTENTIONAL or not...they killed him! Robert Champion chose to get on that bus and be hazed AND HE HAS REAPED THE CONSEQUENCE OF DEATH! NOW the ones that did it will reap their consequence of jail time...it's just that simple. Until FAMU and countless other institutions STOP ACCEPTING HAZING it will just happen again.Danielnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-33722313200082533692011-12-20T23:25:22.138-06:002011-12-20T23:25:22.138-06:00As a former member of the 100 does anybody talk ab...As a former member of the 100 does anybody talk about the fact that their were more than just Robert who got hazed the sane way and Lived... Out of respect for Mr. Champion we don't want to go into airing out his own dirty laudry. But I agree, even though it was it unfortunate that he died. He used bad judgment in agreeing to be hazed he was too old and the leader of the band. U guys Can defend this all u want but do u think that these students tried to "kill" him intentionally? I don't think so. Understand there are 2 sides to each story and one cannot b done without the other.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-28240133690521400362011-12-20T23:00:27.346-06:002011-12-20T23:00:27.346-06:00I agree with the post above. I marched with the 10...I agree with the post above. I marched with the 100 and decided not to cross the clarinet section...they shun you, harass you to the point that you don't even want to be in the band anymore. NO ONE wants to feel that way so I left the band...you either get hazed or have a horrible time in the band. INSTEAD OF PRESSURING PEOPLE TO NOT BE "willing participants" HOW ABOUT WE URGE THESE PEOPLE TO JUST STOP HAZING!! Instead of urging someone to not let someone break your thigh in RDO HOW ABOUT WE URGE RDO TO NOT BREAK SOMEONE'S THIGH!!!!! STOP THE JUSTIFICATION!!!Jennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4243511032045907483.post-13124167859464820632011-12-20T22:43:53.916-06:002011-12-20T22:43:53.916-06:00Lets be real. Because this willing participant bul...Lets be real. Because this willing participant bullshit is for the birds. I am pretty sure that none of those members who "pledged" the band ever made it to be a drum major. I am gonna assume being the best at his craft and becoming a drum major was an intermediate dream for Mr. Champion. Let's not make it seem like hard work, and practice would have made Mr. Champion a Drum Major. Just like hard work, morale, a good GPA, and popularity will not make you a Delta, or Omega, etc. Let's not downplay whats going on at FAMU by calling people willing participants is bullshit that is practically going on in just about 80% or more of the orgs on campus. Hell even if you didnt want to be a willing participant you almost couldnt escape it. You want to join a modeling troupe, you are being hzed, you want to join a social frat or sorority, you are being hazed, you want to join a dance troupe you are being hazed. Of course there are different levels for each organization but bottom line, it almost felt like everyone and their friggin mother were getting off on humiliating, beating, or just bossing the shit out of other ppl just because they wanted to be apart of something. Thats what this is about. A guy who had a passion for music, who wanted to be apart of something great, and not just be apart of it, but fully engaged in all it had to offer. Getting beat so bad you use your life is NOT what the band had to offer. He may have willingly joined the band, he may have willingly "pledged" the band, but the bottom line is he did not willingly agree to give up his life for the band. This was heinous and brutal and we can sit here and ignore the fact that peer pressure and influence pretty much shape a human being, we can ignore the fact that the feeling of belongong to something great is an urge we ALL have, we can ignore the fact that if you want to be the best damn Drum Major at FAMU you will HAVE to get your ass beat, but we as FAMU students cannot ignore the fact that the culture of many of our organizations do not lend anyone who wants to be the best, the most popular, or just belong to believe they have a choice of being a willing participant. You either do it or you cant be a apart of it. The people on here agreeingwith this post are victims of hazing themselves unfortunately. But I am done making comments on this post. here is a title for your next post Unpopular things that need to be said about the organizations who promote a culure of hazing. And here is some advice for those of you do: Why dont you stand up to end hazing instead of justifying it by calling a dead man a willing particioant. Blog about that shit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com