Newton Student penalized for democracy notes in China

Boston Globe ^

[outpostinmass2]

For writing messages such as "It's right to rebel" during a semester abroad in China, Newton school officials barred Henry DeGroot from his prom. DeGroot sees it differently. He says his rights were abridged by the Newton school system which taught him the importance of civil disobedience and speaking his mind, but punished him when he practiced what he learned.

[outpostinmass2]

Now look what they have done.

[OneRatToGo]

Now look what we've gone and done. Embarrassed the Maoists by speaking the truth. This young man needs to be reeducated. /s

[defconw]

Seems to me having read the article, the school does not want to lose their little commie friends.

[AppyPappy]

“taught him the importance of civil disobedience and speaking his mind, “

But they wanted it done against Republicans. Geez, kids today. You just can’t teach them anymore.
Freedom comes through mindless obedience to the leaders of the Party. They know what is best.

[silverleaf]

if he had written “it’s right to rebel and be gay” he would be a Newton hero

[justlurking]

I'm not defending the school's actions, but I'll just ask:

If a Chinese student had come to the US under this exchange program, and written pro-Communist messages in American student notebooks, how would you have felt?

And, what would you have wanted the school to do to the student (both the American and Chinese schools)?

Bonus question: how would you expect the Chinese and American schools to react?

This is just a thought experiment. No one has to respond, but I have a feeling I'm starting an interesting discussion. :-)

[silverleaf]

oh, I would definitely want that Chinese kid to go back to China and be banned from his prom- the horror

It would definitely beat the alternative of becoming an involuntary organ donor

[freefdny]

“If a Chinese student had come to the US under this exchange program, and written pro-Communist messages in American student notebooks, how would you have felt?”

I would of course have assumed that it was just another joint unanimous declaration from the university staff and administration.

[outpostinmass2]

How would you differentiate from the Chinese students pro-communism and the U.S. pro-communist message?

[VeniVidiVici]

If a Chinese student had come to the US under this exchange program, and written pro-Communist messages in American student notebooks, how would you have felt?

I would hope it would spark a discussion of communism. Here it is obvious the Newton school would rather maintain ties with communist school system that doesn't value human rights than support their student.

I'm still not clear which "rule" he violated.

[justlurking]

I would hope it would spark a discussion of communism.

That's really that point I was trying to make. Thank you.

If a Chinese student were to do that in a US school, the correct response would be to give him an opportunity to express his views, then expose him to a reasonable rebuttal (as opposed to: "you dumb commie!").

Of course, I don't have any confidence that many US schools would do that. They would consider that "intimidation" or "lack of cultural diversity", or some such nonsense.

And of course, I have to ask: would the Chinese ever allow a student to be put into that position? Is this an "exchange" program of any kind, or is this "study abroad" program one-way only?

However, we -- as a culture, community, or nation -- shouldn't be offended by such impudence. I think most of us would realize that the poor kid has been brainwashed all of his life, and that he doesn't deserve any kind of punishment.

However, if someone in the US were to make a big deal about it, what do you suppose the Chinese school's reaction would be? Would he be punished for "anti-social behavior", or would he have been welcomed home as a "Hero of the Revolution"?

I think the US school is missing the much bigger picture, while bending over backwards to be "culturally sensitive" or "politically correct".

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

If a Chinese student had come to the US under this exchange program, and written pro-Communist messages in American student notebooks, how would you have felt?

Your premise is flawed. Communism as an economic policy is easily dismissed in a debate. Even the Russians and Chinese know that it doesn't work economically.

So what's the attraction to Communism by the left. It's the same as the left's attraction to Islam. They like the fascism that goes with the experience. Funny isn't it. The left despises religion, yet they support Islam. True communism believes in anarchy where there is no single strong ruler, yet a fascist is always in charge.

It's fascism to be truly feared. The fascist followers do not like political diversity. They want it their way only.

Fascism will fall apart as soon as it constituents get angry with each other. Examples: Blacks fighting with Mexicans. Blacks fighting gays. Environmentalists getting sick of Mexicans growing weed in park lands.