I expect simple behaviours here. Friendship, and love. Any advice should be from the perspective of the person asking, not the person giving! We have had to make new membership moderated to combat the huge number of spammers who register
Location: US/Canada
Registered: September 2009
Messages: 733
Monday, October 18, 2010
Brody's Notes... Pop Singer Justin Beiber Cursed At With Anti-Gay Epithet In British Columbia
By Mark Singer (Washington DC) OCT 18 | According to the Richmond, British Columbia newspaper, Richmond News, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating an altercation that broke out during a lazer tag match involving 16 year old pop singing sensation Justin Beiber and a 12 year old youth.
News reporter Nelson Bennett writes that Bieber, 16, was playing laser tag Friday afternoon at Planet Lazer in Richmond when the alleged assault occurred. RCMP Constable Annie Linteau said she did not know if the victim is from Richmond – only that he has made a statement to police. “I can tell you we have spoken to the victim,” she said.
RCMP are investigating the altercation as an alleged “assault” against the 12-year-old boy by the Canadian teen idol, which occurred as the boy apparently went out of his way to target Bieber repeatedly. Sources say that Bieber became frustrated when the kid cornered him and wouldn't stop shooting and when Bieber told him, "That's enough" ... the kid responded,
"What are you gonna do about it, faggot?"
A police source stated that Bieber then angrily replied, "Excuse me?" The boy then responded, "You're a faggot" and then put his hand out toward Bieber and Bieber pushed it away as he left the active play area.
The RCMP have not confirmed that the 16-year-old in question is Bieber, and Bieber’s spokespeople have not released any statements regarding the incident.
Location: U.S.
Registered: November 2009
Messages: 630
In this case the 12 year old is a lucky kid. In the real world any 12 year old that calls a 16 year old a "faggot" would get punched in the nose or worse and deserve it. I am sure Bieber is quite capable of defending himself, haven't you seen the photos of him without a shirt on?
Justin Bieber probably has handlers nearby, large people who watch his every move because of the fame. Like most young stars he can't have a normal life and we all know being famous is the cause of so many problems later in life for these people.
It seems the younger boy must be envious of Bieber to pay him this kind of attention. Although we can all agree that this kind of name calling is despicable it is learned behavior. If I was the parent of such a boy he would be punished. But prejudice is something often learned at home, perhaps the parents deserve that bloody nose.
I don't care one bit about Bieber's current fame or talent, what he does is not interesting to me. In all I think he handled this quite well if he walked away, but as for the 12 year old...Bieber has a huge fan base of teenage girls who would like nothing better than to kick a little 12 year old ass.
I would recommend the youngster keep his head down and hope no one finds out who he is. The current assault charge is bullshit, someone is seeking money for this stupid moment.
Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read. (Sir Francis Bacon 1561-1626)
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13751
Ignoring the pointless charges for assault, let's not be too had on the 12 y/o lad. It seems he was trying to get the older kid's attention. Anyone remember wanting to do that with another kid?
This is not bullying. This is a little kid in a one on one incident risking getting pulped by a bigger kid. How lucky the bigger kid was a gentleman.
Location: US/Canada
Registered: September 2009
Messages: 733
In response to Chris & Tim:
The focus here is use of that word which constitutes a 'form' of bullying behaviour as it was used as a hurtful/hateful epithet and yes, mostly likely in an adolescent way.
The point that many of us in the media are now making and experts are telling us, is that a significant effort in combating anti-Gay bullying is specific to the lexicon used, context, as in this case the word the 12 year old used.
It's not unlike the focus of the GLSEN ads to eliminate the phrase; "That's so Gay."
While I do not disagree that the parents are responsible for behaviour & conduct of their progeny- I need to also point out that a "cultural" need exists to eliminate certain elements ie: language, that is utilised as an element of bullying.
RCMP has confirmed that the 12 year old was targeting the older boy and apparently in a negative fashion.
The assault charges stem I'm sure from the parents who would love their Andy Warhol moment plus the financial gains.... typical.
Location: US/Canada
Registered: September 2009
Messages: 733
Tim~ Its the "intent" of usage of the word that is problematic and points to the issue here. Perceptions which means that bullying, in context with usage constitute bullying.
GLAAD, GLSEN, HRC, Stonewall UK, as well as other LGBT organisations are trying to shine a very bright spotlight on usage. This cannot be construed as "boys will be boys" crapola as introduction of that word into the altercation was solely intended to question Bieber's sexuality, masculinity, and character thus implying that a LGBT person is less than. Hence, the context is that of a bullying word.
In the United States right now, the effort is to highlight this so that children and adults are made to realise the impact. So, it is more than it was in appearance the minute that word was uttered.
A statement against homophobic bullying by this current teenage star would be most helpful.
[Updated on: Mon, 18 October 2010 18:16]
Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read. (Sir Francis Bacon 1561-1626)
Location: USA
Registered: August 2007
Messages: 297
This sounds a bit fishy to me, if true, it would seem that Bieber was being set-up to react. I wonder if the 12 year olds father pushed the the confrontation, hoping for a more violent reaction.
It'd make a whole bunch of teenage girls stop and think twice, while further fuelling rumours about Bieber's sexuality and lack of manliness.
Bieber's seen as an afront to masculinity, which is why most young guys feel the need to dislike him.
Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time [...] No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Master Oogway
Location: US/Canada
Registered: September 2009
Messages: 733
So, let me understand this correctly Saben, you see this statement that you wrote: "Bieber's seen as an afront to masculinity" as a reasonable premise to justify use of that homophobic epithet?
It is PRECISELY that reason that attention needs to be drawn to contextual usage of the term. Pray tell, what is the definition of masculinity? More over what the hell makes it the correct societal standard?
This is exactly the kind of bullshit reasoning that causes 13 year old kids in Texas to get their step-daddy's pistol and blow their brains out, which sadly is what young Asher Brown did 3 weeks ago.
IT NEEDS TO STOP! The stereotypes of what it means to be 'Male' and worse what it means to be a GAY male is needs to be driven out and perish from society and cultural thought.
Kids need to be taught to celebrate, embrace, and most of all, RESPECT differences in individuals.......
Did you read a value judgement either way in what I said? Cos I'm re-reading it and I don't see anything to indicate where I stand either way.
All I said was young guys don't like Bieber and explained why. I was responding to the idea that Bieber could serve as a role model by standing up against homophobia.
Bieber saying homophobia is bad will do nothing to influence the perception of homophobic male youth. If anything it will just entrench it because their macho culture makes them hate Bieber.
I actually agree with your earlier comments to timmy, Brody. I don't think a kid saying "faggot" is being a bully himself, but what he IS doing is entrenching a culture of bullying. You're right that assumptions about Bieber's sexuality because of his "pretty boy" looks are the kind of entrenched homophobia that we need to stand up against.
Underlying every "faggot" is the assumption that being effeminate or liking cock is a bad thing. Which is bullshit. It's great to like cock. I'm not going to apologise!
Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time [...] No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Master Oogway