The topic this week is one that will be debated on both sides of the issue revolving around the distinction between protection and promotion of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgendered and Queer individuals. Where one draws the line in this debate is very personal and reflects our own personalities which are expected to be pretty deeply rooted by this time in our lives. That is why I am trying to limit our discussion to the side-car focus on bullying and how we address it. The current national frenzy to pass Dont say Gay legislation means this discussion has become politicized, adding an additional hurdle to overcome in order to openly discus and arrive at a solution to this social issue.
Not long ago, a legal case was tried that involved an East Coast college freshmans suicide over his being gay and his roommates videoing and posting said video of a same-sex amorous encounter. The question before the court was, Does the action of the roommates part in this public humiliation rise to any kind of criminal
responsibility for the unfortunate suicide of the victim? The other legal question of a civil suit for emotional pain and suffering may be in the offing but first the focus in on any legal culpability and cyber bullying.
Therefore, I want you to give your opinions on bullying in general, cyber bullying in particular, and how do we address a group of potential victims that may not be anything like us, namely the LGBTQ community. Or are they not unlike us? An Ohio law was passed some time ago called the Jessica Logan Act to specifically address cyber bullying (not LGBTQ issues). But its effectiveness is undetermined, IMHO. Please see the Supplemental material for more information.
Again, post your reactions about: our topic this week; your opinions and personal experiences, if any, regarding homophobia and just how much attention should be paid to addressing it; and your reactions to the Bullycide presentation, and the recently noted observation that suicide rates are down during Covid. Did you see that coming?