Initiations?

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Blake

Deleted User
Feb 18, 2013
4,191
17,479
Have you ever been part of an initiation? Back in the old days people in the armed forces were forced in various humiliating acts. My jobs have been boring, so I haven't had any accept going out drinking with the new employees. My father when he got his seaman's ticket to sail in Australia back in 1959, his first job was on a boat with mainly Australian born, English born and Scottish sailors. He told me they were all drinking below decks before sailing the next day. He said a Liverpool, English, bloke by the name of Waters said everyone should go on deck for a smoke. My father said he knew he was going to get something. My father was about 5-11 and 15 stone. Sailor Waters was about 6-3 and 16 and half. He said something happened and Waters pushed him and then 'Liverpool kissed' him. He said they started fighting and my father said Waters was very strong. My father said Waters knock two of his teeth out. Then someone whistled, and then they slapped him on the back and said 'you're alright'. Waters and Co used to come around our house and drink before they all went out drinking.
 

Walter Oobleck

keeps coming back...or going, and going, and going
Mar 6, 2013
11,749
34,805
Yes. Thing is, I didn't realize I was being initiated, also service-related. Heh! I think that's all I want to say about it. Other than I was obviously so clueless that my shipmates began to feel something...sorrow? shame? both? Maybe it was my unbridled enthusiasm getting into the rig they said I needed to wear to work on the O1-level weather-deck, on the wing, just outside the captain's quarters. But hey, when they set you up with a knuckle-buster or a needle-gun and tell you the captain is behind that hatch and you discover you can make the tool play Shave & a Haircut...over...and over...and over again. Hmmmm,, new guy has talent. Let's see what he can do with a chipping hammer.
 

Tery

Say hello to my fishy buddy
Moderator
Apr 12, 2006
15,304
44,712
Bremerton, Washington, United States
I certainly have. Never been in the military but I have been initiated into two different Wiccan groups -- at different ages (21 and 30). Despite what you read or hear, there is nothing evil, creepy or debasing about them. I've also initiated people; being on the other side of the process is emotional and moving. If you've ever baptized anyone, you'll know what I mean.
 

DiO'Bolic

Not completely obtuse
Nov 14, 2013
22,864
129,998
Poconos, PA
My college fraternity initiation is all a blur...

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skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
92,168
USA
Other than certain rites in the Catholic church (which are positive), I have not been through any initiations. But then, I am not the type of person to join things that would include initiations that are debasing, sneaky, harmful, embarrassing, etc. I'm just not a "joiner."
This would be my exact answer :) I was in honor society in HS and held a couple of offices in our church's women's group that involved initiations, bt they weren't the scary kind. I've heard horrible stories from my husband about fraternity initiations, but I was never even tempted by sororities in college--too much estrogen and competition in one place for me--lol.