Quote:
Originally posted by Skunk:
quote:
Originally posted by Chewbacca:
Making it sound like 170 scared and harassed teenagers who have a safe refuge are going to reverse all the strides gays have made becoming accepted in society and that getting beat up is something worth happening for the valuable lesson it teaches is ridiculous.
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Now, now, it's a very *dirty* tactic to twist anothers words into a completely different meaning.
The valuable lesson to be learned is to stand up for yourself and not cower every time you are threatened.
Quote:
Originally posted by Chewbacca:
And Skunk- where did you get the idea this school is better funded than any other one in the N.Y. school district? Did I miss something in the articles I posted?
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I think that you missed about 3.2 million things... 
[/QUOTE]Um sorry you think I am twisting another's words. I did draw my own interpretation of many comments on this thread and I won't say they are correct or incorrect, only they are my own.
Perhaps standing up for yourself is having the courage to find a safe refuge? It is wise to dodge and retreat if facing a dangerous overwhelming force. So instead retreating by dropping out of school, these kids can retreat to a safe school. The lessor of two evils IMO.
Believe me I am unashamed on the several occasions I fled the beatings of Nazi skinheads and the one occasion I fled a beating from gang bangers. When it was 5+ against 1, I made the smartest move in the world. I ran like hell! Boy those gang banger had me running!!! I learned to be very careful and aware of my surroundings when at a party or walking to the car after a concert because of these experiences.
I learned the value of fleeing to safety when there was no hope in "standing up for myself". Actually by running I did stand up for myself. By not running I put myself in a very deadly position.
Perhaps standing up for yourself is irrelevant. It doesn't work all the time and you are not allowed to do so in the school system here. You only invite punishment from the authorities and maybe retribution from the aggressors.
This is more than just mere bullying, it is
violence, harassment and hatred.
And yes, the school was given money, 3.2 million dollars, to expand. The first money this school has received AFAIK to expand in 20 years of existence. I am sure other schools receive money for expansion or renovation if it is necessary to support a growing student body, so I still don't see how this kind of investment is so special and exclusive. Considering the sheer size of the NY school system I would think that 3.2 million is a drop in the bucket, but I honestly don't know how the over-all budget pans out.