Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 12, 1995 TAG: 9503140008
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHERINE BERNARD
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The writer does raise many valid points. The reporter of the Feb. 4 news article ``Teen-age girls fight harassment in the classroom'' did not clearly distinguish between the very different issues of gender bias and sexual harassment. But neither is acceptable, and something should be done about both.
Some of the findings of the studies [by the American Association of University Women] should be looked into more carefully. If more boys than girls have been assigned to special education classes, could it be that teachers simply notice the boys' problems more? When a girl is shy and reserved, teachers usually think that she is ``quiet'' and ``behaving herself.'' With boys, there is obviously ``something wrong.''
As for girls making better grades, some do; others don't. However, a few of the girls who do are being graded chiefly on their behavior in class. Boys are often given more constructive criticism and open critiques of their work, while some teachers fear hurting girls. Granted, this doesn't happen very often, but often enough for it to need to stop.
I am one of those girls interviewed for the Feb. 4 article. Darn right I'm ``happy to be listened to.'' Sexual harassment is an issue which frequently has been swept under the rug. It needs to be brought out in the open. You scorn the figure of 81 percent for students who have been harassed. Well, for every one girl who unfairly accuses someone, there are a dozen who put up with demeaning treatment because they don't know how to stop it.
You said that a teacher who truly respected our intellect would have said: ``Look, you're making better grades than the boys. You are a bright, privileged citizen of a country where your opportunities are almost boundless. Develop yourself to the utmost and stop screwing yourself up in this victim mentality. If you don't like a boy pinching your butt, take personal responsibility and tell him to stop. If he won't, then call the principal. If you want to be called on in class, be as aggressive as the boys.''
Mr. McKissack, I did tell him to stop, and when he didn't, I did report him. In class, I am one of the more ``aggressive'' individuals.
So, does wanting the passive females (and some males) of the world to realize that they don't have to take this treatment make me a ``victim''? I hardly think so.
Maybe actively looking for ``isms'' and ``phobias'' is a rotten way to go through life. But somebody needs to do it, or the ``isms'' and ``phobias'' will rage unchecked.
Catherine Bernard is a student at Blacksburg Middle School.
by CNB