Posted by Retired PAUSD Teacher
a resident of another community
on Nov 8, 2023 at 7:47 am
Retired PAUSD Teacher is a registered user.

Of all the anime symbols to choose from, really?

If this drawing was "innocent", let's hope administration made it clear to the students how poorly they chose their subject. It's hard to believe that the teens were clueless regarding the background behind the symbol, but if that is the case, then some serious discussions need to happen within the WHS History Department.

In addition, "innocent" scrawlings such as these get amplified to the point where anyone seeking a spotlight can claim ignorance yet attract news media, law enforcement, and high ranking school official's attention with minimal effort or consequence. An unfortunate perfect storm for teen angst.

Obviously teens are not always cognizant of the outcomes of their actions, so in this case a strong message needs to be sent to would be artists that certain images are off limits in public spaces, period. Clear and swift consequences must be delineated as well, that way ignorance won't be an excuse next time.