Does anybody know the incident recently happened in Sidwell?

[Anonymous]

I’m curious to see how the school deals with this. We teach our kids to never even jokingly reference guns or weapons because there’s zero tolerance for violence and anything that could be mistaken for an intention to commit violence, but it seems we haven’t successfully taught our kids that some symbols of hatred are so inextricably linked to violence and evil that they are also subject to the same zero tolerance in terms of social norms and also, perhaps, in terms of the privilege of membership in elite institutions like Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

Whichever spoiled brats did this need to be thrown out of the school. Sidwell's mission is different than some of the other privates. They need to be role models and "rise above" the fray.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whichever spoiled brats did this need to be thrown out of the school. Sidwell's mission is different than some of the other privates. They need to be role models and "rise above" the fray.

How is it different in practice vs. theory?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m curious to see how the school deals with this. We teach our kids to never even jokingly reference guns or weapons because there’s zero tolerance for violence and anything that could be mistaken for an intention to commit violence, but it seems we haven’t successfully taught our kids that some symbols of hatred are so inextricably linked to violence and evil that they are also subject to the same zero tolerance in terms of social norms and also, perhaps, in terms of the privilege of membership in elite institutions like Sidwell.

The story I heard is that the dean of students has already announced that the kids will be expelled.

[Anonymous]

I don't get what's wrong with using "savage"... does SFS not know of "21 Savage"? Have they never listened to any Rihanna lyrics? If the kid is SE Asian, what is wrong with calling himself Indian?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't get what's wrong with using "savage"... does SFS not know of "21 Savage"? Have they never listened to any Rihanna lyrics? If the kid is SE Asian, what is wrong with calling himself Indian?

Yes, "savage" is a commonly used term now which I think means "bad ass" or "cool."

[Anonymous]

Savage Indian is pretty clever--taking an historically offensive label for Native Americans and applying it to a South Asian. The swastika, however, is in a different category. Like a burning cross. Unacceptable because the symbol invokes terror.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Savage + Indian is definitely in poor taste. I hope this kid learns this.

If the kid who used this is indeed from India, I actually think it's kind of clever given the modern usage of the word "savage." Are these high schoolers? They are smart enough (especially at Sidwell) to get the references here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Savage Indian is pretty clever--taking an historically offensive label for Native Americans and applying it to a South Asian. The swastika, however, is in a different category. Like a burning cross. Unacceptable because the symbol invokes terror.

PP great minds thinks alike!

[Anonymous]

At the moment, Bryan Gorman's original statement, where he says that several of the usernames were "racist towards Asians and Native Americans," looks ill-conceived and a rush to judgment, assuming that the username described above is one that he's referencing, and that the student was SE Asian.

It shows a superficial appreciation of racism and a lack of contextualism, like equating Bull Connor or George Wallace with some kids from Compton deciding to name their group "N.W.A."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At the moment, Bryan Gorman's original statement, where he says that several of the usernames were "racist towards Asians and Native Americans," looks ill-conceived and a rush to judgment, assuming that the username described above is one that he's referencing, and that the student was SE Asian.

It shows a superficial appreciation of racism and a lack of contextualism, like equating Bull Connor or George Wallace with some kids from Compton deciding to name their group "N.W.A."

Or it is simply generational misunderstading. I think the kids who had the "offensive" usernames had already come forward and at this point it is the swastika kid(s) that need to be dealt with. They should be expelled, IMO. There is never a time that a swastika is funny. Well, maybe "The Producers" and Hogan's Heroes."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Savage Indian is pretty clever--taking an historically offensive label for Native Americans and applying it to a South Asian. The swastika, however, is in a different category. Like a burning cross. Unacceptable because the symbol invokes terror.

PP great minds thinks alike!

PP from prior page, I said this was a play on words, but you guys articulated it more thoroughly.

Agree the swastika thing is not clever or edgy. Kids need to know where the line is, and know not to cross it.

[Anonymous]

Savage + Indian is insensitive and in poor taste. Is the kid a racist, or deserve to be expelled? Not based on that username. Does it display poor judgement - yes.

[Anonymous]

It's now all over local news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Savage + Indian is insensitive and in poor taste. Is the kid a racist, or deserve to be expelled? Not based on that username. Does it display poor judgement - yes.

Zero tolerance for hate. This child and whoever else did this should be expelled sorry. Lots of wonderful, progressive and kind children ready in the wings to take their place. They don’t belong their when they act like that.