Paige Wilson
Ast. Business Manager
Tradition is defined as the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice. However, I see it as a way to keep people ignorant of discovering new things and a reason to live in the past.
Personally tradition can either go into two categories. There are traditions like holidays, religious practices or familial rituals. On the other hand are the traditions that I view as a waste of time.
I recently visited Texas A&M to see my brother. This being the weekend for Aggie seniors to receive their coveted class rings, the campus was full of family members. One thing I noticed was the pride the students had for their school – almost too much, in fact.
After learning about all of their traditions, I was amazed that people could remember them all; there was something for everything. There were yells, mascots, honors, events and clothing. The traditions go as far as to dictate words that should be said in a conversation.
The list continues with one of the most-seen Aggie traditions, yelling. There are different yells for different events. To make sure these Aggies are in top shape for game day, they have a series of “Midnight yell” practices.
The list of Aggie traditions is never ending. Collegiate traditions are supposed to be seen as an enjoyable way to increase school spirit and have a good time all at once; However I see this extensive amount to be more overwhelming than enjoyable.
After visiting I couldn’t understand this desperate need to live in the past.
They say they are just carrying on the tradition, but why?
Many Ivy League schools have treasured traditions that can be dated back as being older then much of Texas A&M traditions. Dartmouth for example has traditions that are hundreds of years old that involve all sectors of the school life including anything from holidays to streaking. There are many elite societies’ that have strong traditions embedded in their history.
With these elite societies, sororities, and fraternities comes the traditional rushing process. All of these organizations want to make sure the best of the best get in but, the decision process can be taken too far. There has been many problems over the years with hazing students. These traditions have gone so far as to injure or even kill college students. It was reported on Inside Hazing that nearly 250,000 students experience some form of hazing during their time in college. Some traditions need to end when they not only dictate your college experience but could potentially cause mental or physical illness.
Instead of worrying so much about what was done in the past, people should focus on the future and creating new experiences. If everything is ruled by tradition, how can new unique experiences ever be made?
College -and life in general- should be about growing as a person and learning who you really are. However, when you’re stuck living exactly like everyone one has for the past 200 years, traditions can sometimes stand in the way of creating your own path. To me, tradition can definitely be taken too far, to the point where it is not special – it is just routine.
