As political pundits peered into the president’s 100-day performance window, the clouds of disbelief, hovering over the recent suicides of two 11-year old male youths, have yet to dissipate. Though one resided in Springfield, Ma and the other in DeKalb, Ga., the commonalities are startling: both six-grade victims were taunted unmercifully about being gay at their respective schools. Carl Walker-Hoover hung himself at home with an electric cord on April 6th and two weeks later, Jaheem Herrera fashioned a belt similarly to end his earthly despair.
It matters not whether one at a tender age has a firm grip on his or her sexuality, but the callousness demonstrated by their classmates, reportedly, is especially disturbing. Sure, sticks and stones break bones but the provocation lends proof that malicious words not only hurt, they kill.
What’s more, I’m afraid the slanderous rants likely originated in homes, sensitive only to societal norms. Parents must be more consumed with thoughts in the heads of their children rather than the materialism their money can buy for their backs. Granted, teachers, overworked and underpaid, have their hands full with crowded classrooms and limited resources. Despite those things they may individually reject, it is incumbent on parents and teachers in partnership to impart stronger messages of tolerance and respect.
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