It seems like every organization practices some sort of hazing or 'bootcamp' techniques for new people. It's a way of testing people out to see how they react and it also seems to be human nature to do so.
No, it is not normal for an organization to haze new hires and I am sorry if that is the only behavior you have ever experienced in your career. If you ever find yourself in that kind of environment, you need to transfer to another department or leave the organization. In the case of legal harassment, you may report the individual to HR, even if you are a contractor.
Under proper management, new hires are treated like gold. They are, after all, the future of an organization. New hires would be raised like they were part of a family and an abundance of good will should be provided.