[FunkyZero]

Our peers and fathers are what made us men. This is a normal part of social integration as we grow up. If you were a sissy, you got called out and treated like one. It's how we made real men. It's a brutal process for the weak, but IMHO, an effective way to form social norms. People quite often cross lines now since the internet gives them the ability to say things they wouldn't if faced with physical consequences. And that is where the whole thing goes wrong. We learned boundaries by dealing with people face to face. You knew everyone had a line that wasn't to be crossed unless you were ready to face the inevitable. Where I grew up, picking on a retarded kid got your ass kicked and made you a pariah. There is no such threat for the internet trolls.

I guess my point is, if you have a child that has mental issues, the internet is not the place for them to socialize. These people have no boundaries, no remorse, and face no consequences.

[Crazieman]

Probably the best response to the entire thread yet.

[Old Sarge]

Your entire post.

[the OlLine Rebel]

I do not get it.

Not too many times do I hear about “calling out sissyness” and “defending the retarded” in the same culture.

I have not once witnessed kind consideration for retarded (or the like) from “kids” coupled with making fun of “normal” guys who go outside the norm. Usually there is zero compassion, period.

And guys are not the only ones who suffer from taunting. Seems everyone is focused on that.

[SZonian]

To a point, true.

However, as a Scout leader, I’ve engaged with quite a few effeminate young boys who required guidance, coaching and mentoring to help see them through their trials, not treating them like a pariah or sissy.

This is also my way of helping myself deal with the way I was treated by bullies. Helping these kids bridge that time in their lives when they are vulnerable.

It doesn’t have to be a “brutal process for the weak” and for some, it is anything but “an effective way to form social norms”.