No, it is not normal for an organization to haze new hires ...
It's a common phenomenon, and "normal" is a problematic criterion in any case. If by consensus people deem it useful as part of a spectrum of acceptable behaviors, then an appeal to "normal" loses all meaning.
I agree with you that people who find it upsetting or demeaning should leave, but by doing so they may pass up an opportunity to change the world. Not all human breakthroughs are accompanied by everyone behaving according to the strictest standards of decorum. Just ask an astronaut -- I'm sure she'll agree.
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It's a common phenomenon, and "normal" is a problematic criterion in any case. If by consensus people deem it useful as part of a spectrum of acceptable behaviors, then an appeal to "normal" loses all meaning.
I agree with you that people who find it upsetting or demeaning should leave, but by doing so they may pass up an opportunity to change the world. Not all human breakthroughs are accompanied by everyone behaving according to the strictest standards of decorum. Just ask an astronaut -- I'm sure she'll agree.