“So when kids have a natural normal reaction (AKA bullying) to abhor such perverse and unwholesome behavour then yeah. I’m all for it.”
What about the poorest kid at a rich kid’s school? His clothes are “perverse” (read: different) — so it’s okay in your book for kids to mock his Wal-mart jeans?
What about the girl with the leg brace whose sentence is exile by herself on a lunch bench, trying to choke down a peanut butter sandwich?
What about the boy who’s uncoordinated and picked last for kickball, which translates to picked last for everything? Is that a just punishment? After he’s bullied into understanding that his klutziness is “not acceptable,” just what do you propose he do with that information? Besides cultivate an intense hatred of school and other kids and the grown-ups who failed him that someday may culminate in another Columbine shooting?
Children are incapable of discerning “perverse” and “unwholesome.” That’s the job of adults. Children’s discernment stops at indiscriminate punishing of the different and the weak. They aren’t civilization-defending warriors — they are naturally cruel, selfish, and unfit to rule themselves or others. Ever read “Lord of the Flies?” That’s what you’re advocating.
As one of the “different” kids I agree with you 100%.
A surprising number of “adults,” including, unfortunately, quite a few teachers, coaches, etc. seem to obtain obvious vicarious pleasure from encouraging bullying of the “different” kids by the in-group.
Always suspect those who defend this type of behavior were bullies themselves, or possibly wannabees.
I can tell you that my kids grew up knowing I had less than zero tolerance for any behavior of this type by them.
My thoughts exactly - his statement has “Lord of the Flies” written all over it.
Jesus said that the meek and persecuted are Blessed.