Assault on “gingers” promoted online
In 2005, an episode of “South Park” focused on prejudice against redheads, referred to as “gingers”. A Facebook page designated November 20, 2009 as “Kick a Ginger Day”.
At A. E. Wright High School in California, a 12 year old boy was accosted by a dozen classmates. He was kicked and punched all over his body but didn’t require hospitalization. Three other students at the school reportedly received minor injuries and a few others were also bullied. Nine boys were identified as the alleged culprits. The boys will be participating in character building classes.
Photo by Anthony Kelly (Flickr)
Following an investigation, two 12-year-old boys were arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery. A 13-year-old boy was also arrested and charged with misdemeanor cyberbullying. They were released to their parents pending further proceedings.
The school responded quickly by addressing discrimination and leading discussions on bigotry and tolerance with all students. If in fact these assaults were instigated by a post on a social networking site, what has happened to independent thinking and free will? Are we so easily led into violence by an annoymous prompt from the virtual world? Should the aggressors be disciplined at school or referred to the police? Was this a prank carried too far that should merit a consequence?
