Serendipitously, but sadly, our topic for this week was already going to be the still real plight of GLBT youth in schools and by extension really, all students of difference. Of course this past week saw a brand new incident of bullying and hazing in our public schools - in Needham, MA. But Needham does not really deserve the harsh spotlight. The cycle of bullying and hazing the rears its ugly head regularly in schools is our own fault. Any society that pays lip-service to civility in its public discourse and gets enjoyment from highlighting difference deserves these episodes - especially ones that end in parents and students wanting to simply brush the events under the rug so we can learn from them at a more convenient time. The only convenient time people is the present.
Routinely, our culture puts an emphasis on standardized tests and not on character development. As a teacher of eight year, I can tell you from first hand experience, that message gets through loud and clear to students. As I always say, x+y=Z in math and culture. If you put in x amount of time on y issue, you will get z as a result. Not enough time spent on examining behavior and difference leads to fear of the other and turning a blind eye to its ramifications. How else can we explain, in the latest episode, the coach knowing about the practice of leading girls around by a leash and the fact that parents cared more about winning then focusing on having woman paid more respect in their town.
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