Day of Silence - April 17th - Keep Your students Home

[Walt_Oliver]

Thread temporarily closed for editing.

 

[Walt_Oliver]

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[Exalt]

When I was in high school, they had the “day of silence.” None of my teachers remained silent or even acknowledged the issue at all. However, other students did and remained silent.

It’s really not that big of a deal. I don’t understand why depriving your school-aged children from an education on that day is necessary. From the article, it seems that you’re afraid your teen-aged children will gain sympathy for gay people. Is that true? How long will you shelter your teens before they realize that gay people exist, and are sometimes the victims of discrimination or violence? They’re teenagers, after all, about to entire the big adult world. It seems a bit overboard to keep them from school just because other students are choosing to be silent for the day.

 

[Zoe_Brain]

http://towleroad.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c730253ef01156f17064c970c-800wi

“Two days after the worst day of her life, when she found her 11-year-old son had committed suicide by hanging himself, Sirdeaner L. Walker said on Wednesday she wants the bullying to stop. She found Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover (above) hanging by an extension cord on the second floor of their 124 Northampton Ave. home Monday night after he had endured another day of taunting at New Leadership Charter School, where he was a sixth-grader, she said…She phoned the school repeatedly since Carl began attending in September but the bullying continued, she said. Other students made him a target, daily calling him gay, making fun of how he dressed and threatening him, she said”

 

[Zoe_Brain]

Eric Mohat, 17, was harassed so mercilessly in high school that when one bully said publicly in class, “Why don’t you go home and shoot yourself, no one will miss you,” he did.

Mohat allege that their son committed suicide after being tormented by bullies at his Mentor, Ohio, High School. They say the school knew about the bullying and failed to protect their son.

Now his parents, William and Janis Mohat of Mentor, Ohio, have filed a lawsuit in federal court, saying that their son endured name-calling, teasing, constant pushing and shoving and hitting in front of school officials who should have protected him.

The lawsuit – filed March 27, alleges that the quiet but likable boy, who was involved in theater and music, was called “gay,” “fag,” “queer” and “homo” and often in front of his teachers. Most of the harassment took place in math class and the teacher – an athletic coach – was accused of failing to protect the boy.

“When you lose a child like this it destroys you in ways you can’t even describe,” Eric Mohat’s father told ABCNews.com.

The parents aren’t seeking any compensation; rather, they are asking that Mentor High School recognize their son’s death as a “bullicide” and put in place what they believe is a badly needed anti-bullying program.

 

[Zoe_Brain]

By allowing our children in school on the Day of Silence, we may - and I emphasise may be seen as giving some kind of approval to homosexuality.

But by keeping them away, we will definitely be seen as approving of bullying in school, as long as it 'straightens the gay kids out". Even if they’re not actually gay, and even if some of them die as the result.

Here is what one commentator wrote;

You caused this. You killed this boy.

He didn’t identify as gay. He may have been. But he may not have been. What difference does it make? He was attacked by those who thought he might have been gay. And enjoyed taunting him.

You killed him, and you enjoyed it.

You and all those heartless, criminal promoters of “family values” who fought so furiously against legal protections for this child and all those young people who endure the daily taunts and physical attacks.

You killed another child. You are guilty. All of you who ever railed against anti-bullying legislation, who ever dismissed as PC or big government or whatever the need to protect people on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

You who hid behind some mythical superstition and ancient writings that say that killing or disparaging gay people is OK; you who sat idly by as your religious leaders, your elders, your relatives, or your friends made jokes, encouraged the attacks, denigrated people and shouted for more.

Your ignorance killed him. Your religion killed him. Your hatred killed him.

You killed him.

I urge everyone to examine their consciences. To what extent are these accusations true? How many who kept their children away did so because they secretly approve of such social sanction, if it will "save some souls’? How many see Homosexuality as so inherently evil that no amount of cruelty, and no number of dead children, is too high a price to pay to prevent it? And if so, to what extent is that justified by scripture, and to what extent it is merely a consequence of lack of charity and even hatred “in God’s name”?

NARTH Scientific Advisory Committee member Joseph Berger said on a blog in reaction to a San Francisco Chronicle article on gender identity issues, “I suggest, indeed, letting children who wish go to school in clothes of the opposite sex - but not counselling other children to not tease them or hurt their feelings.

“On the contrary, don’t interfere, and let the other children ridicule the child who has lost that clear boundary between play-acting at home and the reality needs of the outside world.

“Maybe, in this way, the child will re-establish that necessary boundary.”

And how many like this commentator will look at the Church, and see that those most sanctimonious in professing their Faith are like the tree that bears evil fruit. “By their fruits shall ye know them”. How many will turn away from God as the result? How many will get such a terribly distorted view of the Church, a view that the evidence supports?

I am no Christian, but even I can see just how completely wrong this commentator is in blaming religion, and Holy Mother Church. I cannot bring myself to condemn their views though, as there is an uncomfortable amount of truth in the accusations.

Please look into your hearts, examine your consciences, and pray. Whether for guidance, or for forgiveness. For myself, I could do with a lot of both. More so than most, I fear.

 

[maryjk]

I home school, so I don’t have an interest in the fight.

But, I think many of the parents here are worried about THEIR children being bullied. By sending THEIR children to school on April 17th, they will be bullied because they are willing to speak. Because they are not being silent. Because they believe that everyone should be protected from bullies, not just gays.

Instead of having a day of silence, how about we try to stop bullying in school? For everyone. For geeks, for dorks, for fat kids, for brains, for poor kids, for everyone. As someone that was bullied in school, I can tell you, you don’t have to be gay to be bullied.

 

[Zoe_Brain]

I can tell you, you don’t have to be gay to be bullied.

… but it helps.

I can think of no other category where religious and political authorities have not just not condemned it, but actually and openly encouraged it.

And the word “bullying” is inadequate to describe the abominable treatment those who are gay or transgendered receive at school.

I still have the marks on my skull from the crowbar I was attacked with at age 8. The scars from the cigarettes that were stubbed out on my neck have all gone though, and I was relatively fortunate compared to some. One 15 year old boy in California was shot twice in the back of the head not that long ago. Because he was transgendered, Many are raped. Many suicide. 25% of transgendered children report being assaulted - that doesn’t just mean a push in the corridor, I’m talking about broken bones or sexual assault. 50% self-harm before age 20, many serious attempts at suicide.

This must cease.

 

[Dori1]

… but it helps.

I can think of no other category where religious and political authorities have not just not condemned it, but actually and openly encouraged it.

And the word “bullying” is inadequate to describe the abominable treatment those who are gay or transgendered receive at school.

I still have the marks on my skull from the crowbar I was attacked with at age 8. The scars from the cigarettes that were stubbed out on my neck have all gone though, and I was relatively fortunate compared to some. One 15 year old boy in California was shot twice in the back of the head not that long ago. Because he was transgendered, Many are raped. Many suicide. 25% of transgendered children report being assaulted - that doesn’t just mean a push in the corridor, I’m talking about broken bones or sexual assault. 50% self-harm before age 20, many serious attempts at suicide.

This must cease.

I agree that the bullying behaviour is abominable. However, it is far from unique to those children who may be perceived as LGBT. Remember that 25% of females will be sexually assaulted. Our public schools have changed from places where chewing gum and talking out of turn can get you in to trouble. They are truly dangerous places where our children can be assaulted, obtain illegal drugs and alcohol and learn the kinds of lessons no parent of good conscience wants our children to learn. LGBT is only one of many groups that are treated wrongly in our public forums. Yes, Christians are, indeed, treated as badly or worse in some forums (many of the nations medical schools to name one area). The goal should not be to normalize what is rightfully taught by the church to be disordered behavior. Same sex attraction is disordered. I am bisexual, but am happily married, raised three boys and have 6 grandchildren. The behavior, not the person, is evil. Obesity is also disordered, does that make it alright to torture “fat kids” in school? Ask any person who may have been an overweight child what they went through. Our goal should, instead, be to end bullying altogether. We must make it a point to teach our children that kindness, charity and responsibility for each other leads to a more just society. Emphasizing the one group over the others only serves to highlight the agenda of that group, which is to normalize the behavior, not only to end the abuse.

 

[Annn]

I agree that the bullying behaviour is abominable. However, it is far from unique to those children who may be perceived as LGBT. .

Absolutely right, and I propose that schools make strides to protect all students, especially those in groups often targeted, whether they are racial groups, clubs, religious affiliations, disability, OR percieved LGBTQ status.

The solution to a noted strain of harassment is not to shrug and say, “well, it happens to fat kids, too.” The solution is to target BOTH bullying in general AND bullying that is because of a certain lifestyle, disability, or percieved status.

 

[goofyjim]

If I had kids I’d send them to school on this day. I grew up with the immature taunts of those who didn’t understand homosexuality. I continue to face those immature attitudes today. But now i just laugh them off.

 

[Zoe_Brain]

If I had kids I’d send them to school on this day. I grew up with the immature taunts of those who didn’t understand homosexuality. I continue to face those immature attitudes today. But now i just laugh them off.

I once made the mistake of saying to my tormentors something my mother taught me:
“sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”.

Bad move. They used bricks and a crowbar on me after that.The aim was to hurt, and if one mechanism didn’t work, they’d try another.

Things got better after I turned 10.

 

[aspawloski4th]

Even though my dad and I don’t agree on much these days, I did like his solution to bullying and teasing. A swift kick in the fanny or a nice backhand accross the chops. That always put an end to it. Usuall there was no more of that in the near future.

 

[gam197]

Saw this “Dare to Stand” Video about the Day of Silence --geared toward parents showing the effect of this day on families…

(I know there are many gay catholics on these forums and I hope it is not offensive. I will say I haven’t watched it as I have slow internet.)

youtube.com/watch?v=E9d38EoQ9pg

 

[erinelf88]

…that video is a bunch of ****.

For one, this day is not “aimed at people of faith who believe God’s Word that homosexuality is sin.” It’s aimed at people who take those beliefs too far, at resort to physical violence, even murder because of someone’s orientation and gender identification.

The video portrays a teacher putting a piece of tape over a student’s mouth, forcing them to participate. This sickens me. NO ONE is forced to participate in this. I’d never even heard of it in my (public) high school. I only ran into a few people who participate at Ohio State University. There is no coercion.

Also, I’m sick and tired of people talking about the “gay agenda.” There is no such thing. It’s not a radical, anti-Christian idea to get everyone to understand the struggles LGBT people go through. The video makes an assertion that first, gays “claim to be a victim.” Truth is, many are. Many are victims of hate and violence, just because they are gay. And while the states protect those who are bullied because of race, or gender, or even religion- most states have no laws protecting those who are killed because of their attractions. EVEN IF we believe acting on those attractions is sin, that doesn’t give us the right to look away when people are killed for that.

I wonder how many who oppose this day, who oppose legislation protecting people of varying sexualities would also look away if someone were killed for being a Muslim, or a Buddhist. If we will protect those who are different in religious views, even though those views may be sin- why can’t we protect those who are LBGT, even if they are in sin? Why does it have to stop there?

This day isn’t about anti-Christian hate, it’s not about throwing Bibles into trash cans, it’s not about forcing children to accept something they think is wrong. It’s about recognizing that violence in and of itself is wrong, and targeting one type of that violence. That video is wrong in just about every aspect, and it’s yet another example of how some churches, and members of other churches, are twisting words and actions in order to satisfy their own bigotry. It’s time to recognize the struggle we LGBT’s go through, and this time, when we ask for HELP in staying SAFE- when we ask not to be beaten and killed- it’s time for those who believe in a loving, kind God to stand up and SUPPORT us.

A chaste bisexual,
erinelf

 

[Zoe_Brain]

I encourage everyone to view this video.

It illustrates the depths of hatred, malice, spite and above all deception that those who wish gays to be persecuted have sunk to.

View it - then decide for yourself whether or not it is inspired by the Father of Lies.

View it - and then decide if you want your child to grow up to make films like this one.

 

[Wowbagger]

It illustrates the depths of hatred, malice, spite and above all deception that those who wish gays to be persecuted have sunk to.

Let’s not paint with such a broad brush, shall we? There are hate-filled, spiteful, and deceptive people on both sides of every issue. There are also many millions of people of good conscience on both sides of this one. 'Kay?

 

[centurionguard]

I an neither for or against homosexuals except in areas of moral sexual ethics and behaviors surrounding promiscuity.

I can’t help wonder though if the U.S. Congress does eventually make the Day of Silence a national observance in the not too far distant future. (“Less than five years”)

How many would see this Day of Silence as a major stepping stone to legalizing Gay and Lesbian Marriages on a U.S. national level ?

It may be a few years down the road yet; but, I foresee your U.S. Congress passing the Bill on Gay Marriages not unlike my own country Canada.

Many Americans in their moral resolve say it will “never” happen.

I personally wouldn’t vouchsafe my life on it.

In Canada there are constitutional federal laws prohibiting public slanderous remarks in schools, work-places or in any public building against sexual bias.

I do not approve of Gay Marriages and looking at hindsight (“NO”) collective Catholic Power can stop Gay Marriages from happening even in the U.S.

 

[buffalo]

Dare to Stand

 

[goofyjim]

No need to push for marriage but whatever it takes to draw attention to the insane fact that kids are bullie for either being gay or being perceived as such. Bullying for anyone reason should be grounds for punishment. Children should be told that bullying is not acceptable. And also while there is any violence against anyone including homosexuals, then the day of silence must be observed.