Teen Arrested for Home-Made "Hot or Not" List on Facebook

[Charisma]

yet another polarizing point in the social evolution of our cyber-society. fun!

 

[Trasken]

Congrats America! how many years does this make of being terrified of ANY kind of sexual behaviour? and how many of frivoulous and stupid lawsuits? And you wonder why europeans make fun of you always?

Im as lib as the next guy but this isn't being terrified about sexuality but i dont think female students really needed to be rated like your buying meat

I know, but still come on it's part of the high school experience, doing supid stuff like that, next thing you know colleges all across the country will bring up charges against sutdents who get drunk.....

 

[Luthir Fontaine]

Freedom of speech much?

Im thinkin its a sexual harassment thing. I sure as hell would be mad if my kid was on his list.

That's probably their grounds for arresting him; but should he really be arrested because you or your family feels insulted?

No not for feeling insulted, but for harassment yeah you could get arrested for that. I believe that it should have been takin down asap but arresting maybe a little to harsh.

My Theory is that thier trying to make a example of this dumbass.

While I admit he made some terrible choices, and see why they can arrest him, I don't see his punishment as anything near fair. Expulsion is about as far as I would go, as he was passing fliers around, but jail time for something like this is ludicrous.

Not really in school. Big body of case law on that.

As said above, I understand he can be arrested for this, but should he really be arrested?

I agree, but i see the point in making a example of him so no one thinks its cool and does it again.

 

[Luthir Fontaine]

Congrats America! how many years does this make of being terrified of ANY kind of sexual behaviour? and how many of frivoulous and stupid lawsuits? And you wonder why europeans make fun of you always?

Im as lib as the next guy but this isn't being terrified about sexuality but i dont think female students really needed to be rated like your buying meat

I know, but still come on it's part of the high school experience, doing supid stuff like that, next thing you know colleges all across the country will bring up charges against sutdents who get drunk.....

Im all for the high school experience but this is a little much.

Its like being a bully, yeah its a experience but you better believe your goin to get busted for it.

 

[Hive Mind]

As a survivor of sexual assault, let me tell you, more times than not the accuser is NOT protected.

Can I ask you something? I was raped as a child and find the term 'survivor' really... bad. It makes it seem like the attacker did something huge and devastating. Although it was, I find it best to take back that power and show them you aren't ruined by it and that you are okay. Survivor just seems so... I dunno. Do you ever think this way?

And on a different note: is it just me, or is there a shit-ton of sexism on this forum?

See, I was always presented with 'victim', which to me sounds worse. But, I totally see where you are coming from. Though, I personally think my experience was devastating, so I do understand the usage of 'survivor' and prefer it to victim. For me, Survivor is more empowering. But, if there is a better word for it, I'd love to find one - I agree that there is no really adequate word to describe what I am as a result of that experience.


And yes, I think it's pervasive throughout all of the Escapists forums, unfortunately. I'm about ready to high-tail it home to my normal forum, where I was treated with respect almost all of the time. (You can come with if you want!)

I've only really told my best two best friends in the world who I love. A forum, where no one knows me, feels like such a great place to get it off my chest. Dunno why I'd want to, but just having typed it out and not having to feel ashamed 'cause no one can see me... it feels nice.

I can't think of a word to use, really. Survivor seems the best fit, but I still hate it, lol. But yeah, I hope my post didn't seem like I was attacking you or saying you are weak or anything even like that. I guess I just don't like being a victim.

It's not like 'hey, women, get in the kitchen.' It's more like... treating the sexes like alien species. Boys are boys and girls are girls - no one is human. Every time something like this comes up, there's fifty posts saying it's only 'cause a guy did it; if a girl did it, no one would care.' At least it's not Call of Duty, where I get asked to perform sex acts every other match, lol.

 

[Wado Rhyu]

WTF.

what are the thinking in America.

if you get arrested for this then the entire country should be ...


the kid only posted a list of wat men do anyways.
i can't get my head around the idiotecie thats going on

 

[Hive Mind]

WTF.

what are the thinking in America.

if you get arrested for this then the entire country should be ...


the kid only posted a list of wat men do anyways.
i can't get my head around the idiotecie thats going on

No, he stated that certain women perform certain sex acts, gave them names like slut, printed it out and gave it to the entire school.

Did you read the article, or just the header?

 

[Imp_Emissary]

Freedom of speech much?

True, you CAN say whatever you want, but it doesn't mean you should. I could go into a
full movie theater and yell 'FIRE!", but if I do I`m going to jail or get fined. We do have the
freedom to say anything we want, but that means taking responsibility for what we say.
If I go around at work saying to everyone who passes me by, "I want to be inside you.",
or go online and say "I want to kill the president." then I have to deal with either
being put in jail, fired or whatever comes legally to me. I can't just say it was a joke or
I didn't mean it like that, because the cops will rightfully say back, "Well maybe you should have thought it over, and not said it."

"Don`t do the crime if you can't do the time."

 

[TRR]

Ooooo high school drama, this of course requires the full attention of the law.
But seriously, when did being an asshole become a criminal offence? Sure he deserves a swift kick in the balls, but why on Earth do the police need to be involved?

 

[HalfTangible]

I'd be the first to say schools need to crack down harder on bullies...

But a 3 month police investigation into what amounts to a list version of a beauty contest? That's WAY over the top.

 

[Jessta]

heh, at least a FEW of these girls must have lived up to their reputation otherwise a big deal wouldn't have been made out of it, what sluts... Ya, he's still a douche and probably regretted it later but being arrested and being expelled from school? how could that father say he deserved more... He called a few girls a slut on face book so in response his prospective future was ruined, he now has a criminal record and when he goes to apply for any college they will see that he was expelled from his last school for crimes against it. The slut list will fade into existence two months from now and no one will care but years down the line this guys life will still be fucked, this has to put some mental strain on psych.

 

[zeldagirl]

I'm not in favor of sexual harrassment, but as a man who's spent about 7 years studying law, I don't think this qualifies. In no way is anyone being coerced, bullied into sexual acts, or propsitioned. This is kids being kids, plain and simple.

For the record though, anyone who bashes you for liking Zelda is a moron.

I was under the impression that sexual harassment, in school, is more along the lines of this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_harassment_in_education

"Sexual harassment in education is an unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with a student?s ability to learn, study, work or participate in school activities. Sexual harassment involves a range of behavior from mild annoyances to sexual assault and rape."

I would definitely say he falls under this definition of sexual harassment - it's behavior of a sexual nature that will affect how these girls are treated and participate in their school.


And thank you, Zelda is awesome.

The problem is that it's nearly impossible to prove just how much this interferes with their study, class work, etc. I yeild that it is technically harrassment (I focused a lot on Constitutional Law, I'll admit), but don't think there's much grounds to work with on this, and ultimately, I still think it's something that should have resulted in a suspension at best, MAYBE expel the kid if the other students can't stand to be near him, but I still think that in the long term this is a prank all those involved will forget about outside of this kid, and he will not be better from the punishment he receives (if it involves jail time).

And she's my main in Brawl, since Link was nerfed hard after melee. So sad. Either way though, she's like a freakin' battle mage.

Actually, I can totally see you being able to make a case for it. If a girl had not been really picked on previously before this incident, and then began receiving comments for it, absolutely. Furthermore, he did it in front of the school - that teasing, of a sexual nature, taking place. It doesn't necessarily have to affect STUDIES, but affect their participation in school. To be mocked in front of the student body I think offers plenty of ammunition to qualify for interfering with school participation - those students likely were put in a situation where they could not defend themselves, and likely faced ridicule.


I'm not saying jail is necessarily the way to go, I'm just arguing that technically, you can get him in violation of the law.

Battle mages are awesome, and Zelda is even more so.

The problem again, though, is how exactly you go about proving something like that. I'd honestly say that the only real leg you'd have to stand on would be a drop in grades, but with 50 girls involved, you're going to run into some sort of statistical issue which I am now wishing I paid more attention during Statistics classes to know, although I think you've got a 5% margin of error, so, 2 (and a half) girls' grades then could drop and you'd still be fine in court, but that's assuming causation, which is also going to be an uphill battle.

Anyway, that's for the courts to decide I suppose, but I really hope this kid just realizes he messed up, and is man enough to apologize.

True story - I finished in 3rd in a Smash tourney with her. There's nothing more fun than fireball juggles =D

Yeah, I totally see what you're saying.


Very awesome. And congrats to your tourney placing.

 

[Hive Mind]

I'd be the first to say schools need to crack down harder on bullies...

But a 3 month police investigation into what amounts to a list version of a beauty contest? That's WAY over the top.

You didn't read the article;

"The list ranked the girls using a ten-point scale for facial features, a five-point scale for various body parts and whether their 'stock' was up or down; they were also assigned nicknames like 'The Designated Drunk' and 'The Amazing Bisexual.'"

Also, he handed the list out to the entire school.

 

[zeldagirl]

I'm not in favor of sexual harrassment, but as a man who's spent about 7 years studying law, I don't think this qualifies. In no way is anyone being coerced, bullied into sexual acts, or propsitioned. This is kids being kids, plain and simple.

For the record though, anyone who bashes you for liking Zelda is a moron.

I was under the impression that sexual harassment, in school, is more along the lines of this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_harassment_in_education

"Sexual harassment in education is an unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with a student?s ability to learn, study, work or participate in school activities. Sexual harassment involves a range of behavior from mild annoyances to sexual assault and rape."

I would definitely say he falls under this definition of sexual harassment - it's behavior of a sexual nature that will affect how these girls are treated and participate in their school.


And thank you, Zelda is awesome.

The problem is that it's nearly impossible to prove just how much this interferes with their study, class work, etc. I yeild that it is technically harrassment (I focused a lot on Constitutional Law, I'll admit), but don't think there's much grounds to work with on this, and ultimately, I still think it's something that should have resulted in a suspension at best, MAYBE expel the kid if the other students can't stand to be near him, but I still think that in the long term this is a prank all those involved will forget about outside of this kid, and he will not be better from the punishment he receives (if it involves jail time).

And she's my main in Brawl, since Link was nerfed hard after melee. So sad. Either way though, she's like a freakin' battle mage.

Actually, I can totally see you being able to make a case for it. If a girl had not been really picked on previously before this incident, and then began receiving comments for it, absolutely. Furthermore, he did it in front of the school - that teasing, of a sexual nature, taking place. It doesn't necessarily have to affect STUDIES, but affect their participation in school. To be mocked in front of the student body I think offers plenty of ammunition to qualify for interfering with school participation - those students likely were put in a situation where they could not defend themselves, and likely faced ridicule.


I'm not saying jail is necessarily the way to go, I'm just arguing that technically, you can get him in violation of the law.

Battle mages are awesome, and Zelda is even more so.

But what about the people who are picked on regularly. It has the potential to effect their studies, but people rarely do anything about it except in extreme cases, sometime not until it is too late.

I'm not a legal expert, so I don't know. My only point is, lawyers can definitely make a case out of it. How, I don't know. But it's possible.

 

[aithilin]

Hopefully the information about the case calls it what it is: sexual harassment. The kid participated in mass sexual harassment of women, he deserves to be taught some respect, and if that means being arrested, then great.

Of course, that also means that the media can't just play up that "boy's being boy's" idiocy again. Hopefully they call it for what it is and make an example of the case.

 

[zeldagirl]

As a survivor of sexual assault, let me tell you, more times than not the accuser is NOT protected.

Can I ask you something? I was raped as a child and find the term 'survivor' really... bad. It makes it seem like the attacker did something huge and devastating. Although it was, I find it best to take back that power and show them you aren't ruined by it and that you are okay. Survivor just seems so... I dunno. Do you ever think this way?

And on a different note: is it just me, or is there a shit-ton of sexism on this forum?

See, I was always presented with 'victim', which to me sounds worse. But, I totally see where you are coming from. Though, I personally think my experience was devastating, so I do understand the usage of 'survivor' and prefer it to victim. For me, Survivor is more empowering. But, if there is a better word for it, I'd love to find one - I agree that there is no really adequate word to describe what I am as a result of that experience.


And yes, I think it's pervasive throughout all of the Escapists forums, unfortunately. I'm about ready to high-tail it home to my normal forum, where I was treated with respect almost all of the time. (You can come with if you want!)

I've only really told my best two best friends in the world who I love. A forum, where no one knows me, feels like such a great place to get it off my chest. Dunno why I'd want to, but just having typed it out and not having to feel ashamed 'cause no one can see me... it feels nice.

I can't think of a word to use, really. Survivor seems the best fit, but I still hate it, lol. But yeah, I hope my post didn't seem like I was attacking you or saying you are weak or anything even like that. I guess I just don't like being a victim.

It's not like 'hey, women, get in the kitchen.' It's more like... treating the sexes like alien species. Boys are boys and girls are girls - no one is human. Every time something like this comes up, there's fifty posts saying it's only 'cause a guy did it; if a girl did it, no one would care.' At least it's not Call of Duty, where I get asked to perform sex acts every other match, lol.

I know exactly what you mean. It's nice to get it off your chest anonymously on a forum. Glad you could, and glad it's helping.

Don't worry, I didn't feel that way at all! I know what you're getting at with the "survivor" thing - I'll try to brainstorm another word, perhaps.

Yeah, although I have encountered some of the blatant "no one cares about your opinion" here. I don't know what it is - everything about the Escapist that drew me here was so intellectual and thought out, so to encounter all these blatantly horrendous attitudes was a major shock. Gamers particularly really need to step up and cut that out.

 

[ReiverCorrupter]

This is the stupidest thing in the world. Arresting someone for things they posted? What a great use of money and time. Since when is talking trash about people a serious offense? I am amazed that they actually arrested him, I should be in jail as well then.

Seriously. I think the families can and should probably sue him for slander/libel (not sure which internet posts qualify as), but criminal charges? WTF?!?! How was this disorderly conduct? IDK, I like my first amendment rights, you should definitely be held accountable for what you say in the public court of law (i.e. interpersonal lawsuits), but I don't like the fact that our government arrested this guy.

How is posting something offensive on the internet disorderly conduct? I suppose quite a few of the girls were minors, so one could possibly bring up a child pornography charge if what he posted could be considered pornographic but other than that the police have no business arresting him. This frightens me. If I post 'offensive material' about the political party in power should I be arrested for disorderly conduct? Slippery slope.

 

[ChicagoTed]

This reminds me of an incodent of when I was in school long before the plauge that is social networking. This girl was the school cum dumpster and in year 11 she had made a list of her to 10 shags and she only rated her boyfriend of that time as number 4 on her list, personally I wasn't suprised that something like this had happend considering what she was like.

 

[agrajagthetesty]

And on a different note: is it just me, or is there a shit-ton of sexism on this forum?

Yes, there is a shit-ton of sexism on this forum.

It only became apparent to me relatively recently, but it's absolutely appalling and to be perfectly frank, I don't feel all that welcome around here these days.

Then again, to leave would feel like letting the sexists win.

In any case, thanks are due to you and zeldagirl for your good arguments and for generally keeping it real. God knows I don't have the energy for this sort of argument right now.

 

[anny onimus]

I did something similar to this in the short while I lived in America. It was over 10 years ago, so it wasn't on facebook, but was in class on paper. That's something we used to use back in the day. Believe it or not, it's made from pulped wood...


Anyways, it was a list of folks who I wanted to invite to my birthday. Being an artist (I draw for comics in my spare time, indie titles of course), there were doodles all over it, and in one corner there was a guy with a gun. The teacher found it, and I was expelled from school and sent to juvy for "terroristic threat".

No I am not making this shit up. It was in Atlanta. Keep in mind this was pre 9/11 as well, so heaven only knows what they'd have done to me only a few years later. I never got to go back to school in the US, and returned to Britain a short while later. I'm allowed to go back now, but I haven't had the opportunity, and it's a ***** getting into that damn country.

In this situation, I learned a few things:

1) Americans can be very uptight, which is ironic, as they claim the Brits are uptight

2) Physical evidence is a bad thing

3) In the US, no one listens to children, somewhat unfairly

4) Over the top reaction and severe punishment do nothing, and can be very harmful to people trapped in the system. Remember I went to juvy, so I'm not using myself as my sole experience to judge from

5) The American state school system is really poor. Not specific to my incident, but an observation nonetheless

6) Americans don't seem to appreciate their children enough for their own achievement.

7) A negative outlook only produces negativity. I was punished for possessing a drawing, in Britain I'd have probably been graded for it

8) (This one is very personal) The overtly conservative nature of America is harming the country. I'm not against conservatism when it's necessary, as no single political ideal will ever be appropriate for all situations, but the problem is America only has one political ideology, and that's a conservative one. You guys claim freedom, and to be in a free society, but you aren't. Everything is governed by money and power, but very little is governed by optimism, progressive thinking, the future, or care and respect for achievement.

Don't get me wrong, the UK (especially the last few years) has made shitty move after shitty move. We aren't perfect. America is, however, a brilliant country, with warm and interesting people, and a unique history. It's such a shame that vastly out of date politics wear it down, and even threaten the country's well being.

And you're right. I was born in this country and I agree with every example you stated. And people wonder why I want to leave the U.S. This country is not what it once was.