Facing the media

I did an interview with the "Human Headline" Derryn Hinch, on 3AW in Melbourne. After stating that he wasn't homophobic, Hinch spent the entire 10 minutes talking about a lesson where a teacher attempted to have kids visualising a 13 year old boy kissing another boy, or 13 year old girl kissing another girl. Somehow I managed to get all the necessary arguments across, despite being interrupted by Hinch with his inanities for the entire interview. I was subsequently informed by a listener in Melbourne that the follow up calls were four to one in my favour and by the end Hinch said he now understood the difference between acceptance and tolerance.

At a time when we were making inroads on the acceptance of the differences that exist in our society, that could reduce the number of youth suicides that occur because of young people coming to terms with their sexuality, the actions of the Minister and her cronies can only be described as homophobic. The Minister is hiding behind her belief that this was a one off lesson from an individual teacher. While this is not the truth, so what if it were? This was a lesson, "Dealing with Difference" that is similar to the ideas promulgated by Jane Elliot 20 years ago in her lessons "Blue Eyes / Brown Eyes".

Dear Minister

"The Federation is appalled by your decision to allow the Daily Telegraph to drive education policy in this state.

"The report in the Daily Telegraph today, despite its rampant homophobia and sensationalism, actually described a program about teaching students empathy and compassion amongst other matters. The program clearly fits properly within Board of Studies syllabuses and Department of Education and Training guidelines.

"Regardless of this you chose, out of fear of a right-wing media backlash, to take a 'knee jerk' decision and direct that the unit be withdrawn.

"I am sure that as the Minister you are aware of the number of suicides of young people who are homosexual or perceived to be homosexual. Furthermore, the bullying of young people in those circumstances is horrific.

"The awful irony of your position is that, driven by the Daily Telegraph, you supported the Stand Up and Speak Out against Bullying Day. You now allow this same organisation to stamp out programs that would help alleviate bullying in our schools.

"Federation asks for you to clarify your position on this matter as a matter or urgency. The Federation intends to put this letter on our website."

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005