Research Blog-1

Wilchins, Riki. "Teenage terrorism." Advocate 874 (2002): 72. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO.  

              Web. 9 Oct. 2011.

In Riki Wilchins article, “Teenage Terrorism”, she writes about wanting to get the point across to teachers, parents, and administration about how serious stereotyping in schools can be. Wilchins states, “Too often we shrug off stereotypes and name-calling as just another part of growing up.” Stereotypes can be harmful and can end up in tragic situations. Riki then gives three stories about teenagers who have dealt with stereotypes and bullying. Her first story is about 13-year-old Aaron Vays, who moved from Russia to New York to pursue is figure skating dreams. At school, he was punched, kicked and tripped for doing something he loved and was very good at. After reporting the harassment to the school, Aaron was transferred to a new school and the bullies were never punished. At his new school, Aaron was again bullied and got beaten up so badly he was hospitalized. Riki’s next story was about Charles “Andy” Williams who was sentenced 50 years in prison for a school shooting that left two students dead. He was “frequently taunted as ‘wimp’ and ‘bitch’” by classmates but yet “didn’t know what sparked his outburst.” Last, Wilchins tells a story about 18-year-old transgender Ukea Davis and 19-year-old Stephanie Thomas. Both dropped out of school due to harassment and worked secure full-time jobs. On August 12, Ukea and Stephanie were sitting in a car when another car pulled up beside them and opened fire. Both suffered from more than 10 bullets to the head, neck and chest. Wilchins says that “86% of teens report that there is bullying and taunting at school,” yet some people can just dismiss it like it’s nothing.

I knew that there was bullying in schools and was hoping to figure out if stereotyping had a role in such bullying. After reading Riki Wilchins article “Teenage Terrorism”, I have learned that yes, stereotyping does play a role in bullying. Ukea and Stephanie would still be alive today if they weren’t stereotyped and teased for being transgendered. Aaron Vays wouldn’t have been hospitalized as a child, and the two classmates of Charles Williams would still be alive too if he hadn’t lashed out like did. I’ve heard of stories like these vaguely, but now reading about them makes me shocked. To also read that 86% of teens report bullying or taunting makes me wonder why it still gets dismissed as “just another part of growing up.”  

I chose this source because the titled really captured my attention because the tragic stories of bullying and stereotyping in schools really is “teenage terrorism.” After reading these stories, I would still like to look into the roles of stereotyping and bullying to see if it’s more than what I’ve heard and read. I also want to know what awareness is going around for such acts of bullying and stereotyping and see if it is taken seriously or not. Middle school and high school is a tough time for teens, and to throw bullies and stereotypes into the mix makes it worse.