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California Family Minute

January 26, 2011

Outlawing Bully Talk

by Rebecca Burgoyne, 
CFC Research Analyst

Children can be – and often are – cruel to each other. From hurtful whispers to schoolyard name-calling and worse, we can remember the painful feelings caused by words, or the fear of physical intimidation. From “four-eyes,” “metal mouth,” and “fatso” to derogatory names for a person’s ethnicity or opposite-gender mannerisms, name-calling and taunts inflict real pain that can last a lifetime.

As caring adults, we wouldn’t wish these offenses on anyone, though oddly there may be some developmental benefits to these childhood experiences, especially when parents are aware of occurrences and assist their child through them. After all, the insults and intimidation continue into adulthood, though usually with more sophistication. 

However, “bullying” has become the elementary-level word for hate speech, as activists strive to normalize same-sex attraction and behavior to the youngest ages in public education, and force the silence of all other viewpoints. Bullying and harassment in schools has been politicized as the cause célèbre of homosexual activists. 

For a generation, language such as “safe schools,” bullying, and harassment have become the keys to acceptance in the public schools, for who could oppose a message about protecting children from bullying, even when that message has become code for bullying based on gender confusion or sexual identity? 

No Name Calling Week

Sponsored and popularized by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), No Name Calling Week (NNCW) is being celebrated in thousands of schools nationwide during the week of January 24-28. Partners Barnes and Noble and Simon and Schuster lend an air of legitimacy to the event, but the resources and lesson plans available on the event’s Web site have a decidedly pro-homosexual slant, unmasking the true nature of the week.

In fact, the week is based on – and features – the young adult book The Misfits, written by openly homosexual author James Howe. The book tells the account of a fictional group of junior-high “misfits, including one openly homosexual seventh grader who sees nothing wrong with being attracted to the boy who sits next to him in class. This “Gang of Five” organize a political party to run for school office on the platform of wiping out name-calling. They realize, according to an interview with Howe, that the problem isn’t with them, but with the attitudes and ignorance of their other classmates. While the “misfits” lose the election, they win the respect of the school principal, and his support for their “No Name Calling Day.” 

Wiping out bullying – especially because of one’s gender identity or perceived orientation – has become a political hot potato nationwide and in California. Nearly every state has adopted anti-bullying laws, and a dozen – including California – have extensive policies that enumerate characteristics often targeted for bullying, including race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. With the highest number of openly homosexual representatives (7), California’s current legislative session has already introduced two key anti-bullying laws – AB 9 and SB 48 – with more proposals expected.

Parents, be alert to what is happening in the schools. Keep the lines of communication open – with your child, his or her teacher, and other parents. While NNCW is geared to grades 5-8, a time when bullying seems most rampant, lessons and adaptations are available for grades K-12. No one is immune any more – to the politicized language and one-size-fits-all approach. Name-calling and harassment are not to be overlooked, but neither is teaching children that homosexuality is perfectly normal and in a child’s best interest to pursue.

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