When I was a junior in
high school, I experienced a situation that was oppressive and prejudice. Our
school year book had been published and released, and within it was a quote
that was very upsetting. A boy, who had just graduated, had placed a quote from Hitler
within the yearbook, next to his senior portrait. I along with friends went to
the Principal. He said unfortunately they could not do anything specifically,
to change what had been done, as it had already been published. The boy had
graduated, so again he could not be punished. After that incident, the school
had to have the year book editorialized by more than one adult.
The incident surprised
me and yes, I felt somewhat oppressed, saddened and angry. I had trouble
excepting that someone within my own community would think and write such
anti-Semitic remarks. I too was disappointed that the school was not able to
take a stronger stance. They had allowed someone to violate others in such a
way, yet there really was little that could have been done. It was such a true
violation of equity as it attempted to ignore people’s feelings in regard to
man who had demonstrated such atrocities.
Millie,
ReplyDeletethat is a horrable thing to have posted in a yearbook that has your school memories in it. Although if I were an administrator I would have never permitted that to be published, how do we continue to say we are a free country if we dictate what others think and say. Where do we draw the line. I know this question is controversial, but I thought that I would throw it out there. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Lisa
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI too thought about that question. For was he not just full filling his right to freedom of speech? Though this is a constitutional right what were my rights and the rights of my peer group and were they not violated as well? It is a tough question. I though believe that that young boy would not of been able to get away with publishing those comments into the year book if that situation would of had to occur in this day and age. For many reasons but the most important being that it was such a blatant view of racism.
Thank-you for your thoughts. And again do you have any additional points of view in regard to his right to communicate his freedom of speech?
Milllie
Millie,
ReplyDeleteThis is a horrible story but I appreciate you sharing it. Unfortunately this incident was not caught before it was published but hopefully it made the school more aware of what could happen in the future.
Good job,
Cortnee :)
Millie, Wow! Though it is appalling, I too must question his right to his own beliefs. He made the quote and it is a reflection of himself, though I do not agree that it was a great decision on his part and cannot even imagine all those he hurt or offended by his statement he has a right to feel that way. I cannot judge only choose not to associate myself with that individual. It is unfortunate that he was able to be quoted in the yearbook...this is where I think the true argument is. The quote should have never been allowed to be published in a forum associated with the school. I think the editor for the school failed miserably here...though I really do not believe in sensor-ship this is a venue for children who are still developing and forming identities..not quite adults and to me makes this students actions inappropriate. I could be wrong here..but I'm okay with that, Ive been wrong before. :))
ReplyDeleteMillie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to read the experience that should be a wonderful one became in such terrible written one. I think yours is an example of how the diversity of interests can be something negative… or should I call them microaggressions???
Certainly your rights were not taken into consideration by the principal and even lesser by that boy. While reading your post I was wondering how challenging or difficult -I do not really know how to call it- had to be boy’s life. I hope he had changed his mind, perspectives, and interests for his own happiness and the happiness of those who are related to him.