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Crossing the Line

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For centuries, new sailors from European and North American countries have embraced often brutal hazing in an elaborate ceremony at sea called 'crossing the line' (British-American) and 'Neptunusfeest' (Dutch). Typically enacted upon crossing the equator, the beatings, dunks, sexual play, mock baptisms, mythological dramas, crude shavings and haircuts, and drinking and swallowing displays have attracted a number of protests and even bans as well as staunch defenses and fond reminiscences. The custom has especially drawn criticism since the late twentieth century with the integration of women into the military and the questioning of its hierarchical codes of manliness. In this study, the persistent ceremony's changing meaning into the twenty-first century is examined with considerations of development, structure, symbolism, performance, and function. A timely study revising previous assumptions about the custom's origins, diffusion, and functions.

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Series Title

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Call Number

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Publisher

: ., 2006

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

9789053569146

Classification

NONE

Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

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Subject(s)

Social Science, Social Science
History,

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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Other Information

Cataloger

Arin

Source

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