Tyler Clementi killed himself. But we could say, if we were honest, that two other people, college kids, pushed him off the bridge. File this one under diversity education/cyber-bullying/empathy training/and what a waste.
The first time a patient told me about a college roommate who videotaped someone in a residence hall doing something he/she wouldn't have wanted publicized, I was shocked. And it isn't easy to shock a therapist.
The second time, I raised an eyebrow. Similar circumstances, apartment.
The third time it was a high school teacher who had been exposed on the Internet, an angry student caught him swearing at the class. Not the same level of embarrassment, obviously.
But we're all vulnerable. Most of us have dreams of being caught undressed, wake up and say, It was just a dream, a fear dream. Dreams are about fears or wishes. They express our vulnerability.
But there are classes of individuals who are considered to be even more vulnerable than others. Add shame, embarrassment, exposure, humiliation and bullying to a life destined to get used to fighting prejudice, and any sexual minority person might feel life isn't worth living.
Yahoo story:
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – The parents of a Rutgers University student who killed himself after his roommate allegedly used a webcam to spy on him during a tryst with another man have filed notice that they're considering suing the school.Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old violinist, only in school a few weeks, jumped off the George Washington bridge.
Joseph and Jane Clementi, parents of Tyler Clementi, filed notice Friday preserving their right to sue. They have to wait six months after the notice to file a lawsuit over their son's death, which became a symbol in a national outcry over the bullying of young gays.
The suspects left school, are charged with invasion of privacy. There may be charges of bias intimidation.
Is the school really responsible? Probably not. And looking for a settlement won't bring back their son.
We could say that parents have to warn their children, have to prepare them, discuss these things, but the schools should, too. I'm not sure where to start, at what age exactly, but I think diversity education should begin before kids are old enough to use cameras.
Add it to the list. What a waste.
Linda Freedman, PhD
