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 GLSEN Examines Eminem's Music 'Faggot'--Dyke' Lyrics Reinforcing Negative Thought Patterns Hate Speech Severely Impacts on the Lives of GLBT Students |
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Editorial by Kevin Jennings
Executive Director, GLSEN
"GLSEN has entered this growing national discussion because we believe that words have the power to make a life or death difference in the lives of young people. Words of encouragement from parents and teachers, or of acceptance from class mates, have the potential to give students the motivation they need to stay engaged at school or to do their best academically. "Conversely, name-calling and verbal harassment have the potential to make students feel alone and isolated, and, in some cases, increases the likelihood that students will hurt themselves or lash out against others. "Studies are clear that anti-gay name-calling and harassment are a regular part of school life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. GLSEN's 1999 national school climate survey found that sixty-nine percent of LGBT students report being a victim of verbal, physical or sexual harassment or abuse at school. Thirty-six percent report having heard anti-gay comments from school staff.
"Rather than issuing a call for censorship, GLSEN is calling on teachers and administrators to use the controversy surrounding Eminem as an opportunity to encourage students to analyze and discuss the impact of hate speech, and to think about the responsibilities they share, as members of a school community, to promote safety and respect for all." |
