Harassment is something some people rarely face. Whether in a school or workplace setting, some lucky individuals are simply never victims of extreme judgment to the point of bullying.
This could be a contributing reason as to why harassment is downplayed in a variety of environments. It is a nice thought to think people grow out of the typical “pick on the underdog” scenario, but does this middle school trend ever really die?
My journalism ethics class was recently given the privilege of having guest speakers discuss harassment toward the LBGT community. Matt Heil of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network was one of them.
GLSEN’s message is clearly stated on their website. “GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression,” the site read.
Heil discussed the reasons and sickening consequences of students subject to bullying at a young age. His words were anything but easy to take in, adding that the suicide rate of harassed LBGT students is high.
The Internet has not seemed to help harassment, particularly with young people. Facebook and social network sites are absolute havens for kids who are too fearful of inflicting harm on someone face-to-face. Brent Rangen from Search Engine Watch discussed Facebook’s attempt at becoming more user-safe.
“Facebook states the majority of the time hurtful posts and images are unintentional, and the new tools will make it much easier to send a removal request and a personal message.”
Although this would be good news, I have personally witnessed much very-intentional Facebook abuse.
Not only does social networking cause more frequent harassment, but also the magnitude is that much greater. Repercussions are often nonexistent, and actions go unnoticed by teachers and parents.
People tend to talk about grade school and high school as those tough, coming-of-age years when every day is a social and psychological struggle. Does this ever really change as college transpires?
Generally speaking, there seems to be a wider range of acceptance in college settings.
People care less about quirks, eccentricities and even sexual orientation. A number of reasons are responsible for this much more pleasant and livable attitude.
College encourages an open-minded lifestyle with a variety of global students and interests.
If a minute detail such as sexual orientation freaks someone out, it almost sets him or her apart more than the people they judge for their differences. In other words, it’s accepting to accept.
Of course, not everyone sees eye to eye in terms of what’s “acceptable.” I still have friends who appear scared of anything or anyone who strays from what they’re accustomed to and comfortable with.
However, most college students have a refreshingly open outlook, even to things they can’t necessarily relate to. It is important to recognize the great deal we can learn from those who are different.
Perhaps that’s one the most important aspects of college itself.
Reach the columnist at inovak@asu.edu Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
