I feel so sad

[JohnKleeb]

I was talking with my friends tonight who go to Catholic school and we were playing Halo and somehow public schools got brought up I know not by me. Basically they proceeded to tell me that public school kids were idiots and they were so smart, and all of us were dummies. They acted like no prayer was aloud. They acted like public school was the ultimate nut house. They dont know squat about anything, they are so ignorant. Then they started this myth and were mocking public school students and all and acting like the adminstration is all easy on you and stuff. What really got me though was the things said about gays. They made jokes about public school athletes being gay and how they proudly would kick a gay person's ass if they went in to the school, I said wow Jesus would be so proud with sarcaism. BTW I am Catholic like them but very secular. Also before they called me dumb and all those like me dumb, they said they didnt know what karma was. They acted like if you arent religious too bad. They repeated the lie that we are allowed to bring korans and the like but not bibles. I said and imo rightfully so that two gay loving parents are better than two straight abusive parents. They also said that public school kids are the type who will be working at McDonalds and mocked the special electives like Guitar. I mentioned my gay cousin who is a great guy and along with his partner adopted, I met them very nice people. I didnt say anything bad about Catholic school or nothing but they kept on hammering on it. They enventually stopped but I remained almost speechless for the majority of the time. Interestingly I corrected one of them on a statement that was wrong on the way home. I talked to my parents and being the great people they are understood. I just felt awful and sad. Gay and Lesbian DUers I am so sorry that there are bigots like this in the world, and of course all bigots are wrong. I thought this was tough imagine what it would be like if I was gay which I am not but I felt terrible. I will probably feel better later. Keep in mind Ive been these three guy's friends for a while. I cant just say I am not your friend anymore. Also I may tell the one kid's good friend also a good friend of mine and a fellow student at school what they said. This really mad me sad, I just wanna say I am sorry for all the evil in the world.
One last thing thank god all children of Catholic school and current people arent like this, we have our own gooberich my own age and a Catholic school student. :hi: Goob sorry I spell your name wrong and my dad, brought up in Catholic School, he is one of my political influnces and honorary goes to my grandparents who didnt go to catholic school but are devout catholics and democrats.

[CMT]

1. well if they are your friends

talk to them about your feelings and how they hurt you. If they are true friends they will understand how you feel. Your a real good person, John--hang in there.

[JohnKleeb]

3. I tried man I tried

I didnt even insult them.

[XanaDUer]

2. Here's a hug for you, John!

:pals:

[JohnKleeb]

5. thanks

I felt so awful

[soleft]

4. This is what helps me when I'm around people like this

People who I care about who believe and say things that seem so insensitive and backward.

It's fear. It's fear that makes people point a finger at someone who's different and say hurtful things.

And the thing is, I have fears too. And sometimes my fear makes me do things I wish I wouldn't do. So fear manisfests in people differently, but again, the bottom line is, everyone feels fear and not everyone always acts with courage.

[JohnKleeb]

7. I am so sorry that things are like this

In the 21st century :cry:.
Its hard enough being a human being but its probably even harder being gay with bigots like these. I am just so sorry I couldnt do more soleft. I felt awful. :cry:

[soleft]

11. You're awake JohnKleeb

That's more than what most are capable of. That's one of bravest things you can do.

Also remember - nothing ever stays the same. There's always constant change. So bad things always come around. Unfortunately that goes for the good things too, but at least you know no matter how bad you feel, it's only temporary. As long as you're willing to push thru to the other side.

[roughsatori]

22. Soleft you made me think of this for JohnKleeb

Parable of the Buddha

The Buddha wandered for many years, and as he encountered others, they recognized a spiritual greatness in him. He eventually gathered many followers (disciples) who wished to learn from Buddha. One day, his followers were debating the nature of Buddha. They came to him with a question.

"Buddha, are you a GOD?"

The Buddha answered simply. "No."

The disciples went off to consider this response, and debate the issue further. Soon they returned with another question.

"Buddha, are you a saint?"

The Buddha answered simply. "No."

The disciples again went off to consider this response, and debate the issue further. Again, they returned with another question.

"Buddha, what ARE you?"

The Buddha answered simply. "I am AWAKE

[rasputin1952]

41. Just keep it in mind...

Fear is born of ignorance.

:hi:

[madmax]

6. John, your last sentence describes how I felt

after watching NOW with Bill Moyers tonight. You're a sweet gentle soul. Ignore the bigots - just be you, John Kleeb and the world is a better place for you having been here. Hmmm, ok it sounds a little like Elton but.... big hugs to John.

[Droopy]

8. Stick to your guns, John

It sounds like your friends are getting all uppity just because they go to a private school. Tell them how you feel and don't let up. Don't buckle under to their pressure and say something you don't really mean. It sounds like you got your head screwed on right to me.

And don't feel like you have to apologize for somebody else's ignorance. It isn't your fault that your friends don't know what the real deal is. You're right. Remember that.

[SmileyBoy]

9. It's all right man.

You're secure in your beliefs, and that's the most important thing. Defend your beliefs, but also don't let them try to make you believe anything different. Cheers.

[TheYellowDog]

10. absolutely pathetic, imo.

this is why I don't want tax dollars going to religious schools.

[SOteric]

12. I understand, JohnKleeb

and I hope you don't let it sting too deeply.

I'm a Catholic, and I went to Catholic schools. Not everyone who attends parochial schools is of the same ilk as those small-minded people you dealt with today.

I know, it hurts more because they're your friends and you want them to respect and think well of you. Somewhere within you is a young man kind enough and wise enough to forgive them their ignorance. They're young and callow, and you're a young man of character and deep conscience. Likely they will grow out of some amount of their ignorance. And you'll grow even more awesome.

[bloom]

13. I'm sad with you.

:( :(

[BurtWorm]

14. John, you're a gem.

You're one of the treasures of DU. So ignore that ignorant, chavenistic bullshit. That's all it is.

[JohnKleeb]

16. say what man

I am far from a treasure. I think this is religion being used as the excuse for bigotry actually burt not "I am a man so I have to hate gays" bullshit.

[BurtWorm]

20. Doesn't sound like they're being all that intellectual about it

But, you were there. And I still say you're one of the best things about DU, namely, an intelligent young Democrat!

[JohnKleeb]

25. The interesting irony is two of em have honors classes

yet I have none and heres something real funny, the one kid who I feel is not only dumb academically but dumb overall gave me a hard time for being in Geometry as a Junior and said most public school kids arent in Algebra as a Freshman, I said most are and he found it stupid that they arent required to take Algebra as freshman. We all go at different levels.

[rasputin1952]

42. The path to ignorance...

is littered with diplomas and honors that were never earned.

[JVS]

15. Catholic schools are over-rated in my experience

But then again there were a lot of people in my Italian Catholic neighborhood that placed a great value on their kids not being in school with black kids. Never mind that the local Catholic highschool was swimming in drugs and alcohol. Tell those jerks that they don't know what they are talking about.

[JohnKleeb]

18. I think the diversity of our area could be a reason why

I felt like I was being bit. BTW I think when they experience life for what it is they will know they were wrong, I just cant believe they think this, I am gonna tell my one friend a public school about thism its so sad that the one friend dissed another essentilly. BTW I am Catholic too, all kinds of Catholicism in there, no Italian blood but I am a pretty fair complexioned guy.

[JVS]

23. The best students I know in college went to public school

My neigborhood was Italian Catholic, but I am a German and Swedish Lutheran. My public school was a great place for me. It wasn't too rich, and some of the kids there were a bit rough, but generally it was a positive environment. We had a good gifted program which is what helped me so much. In 11th Grade I was in a class of 3 people for AP calculus BC. We also had AP Amer. Hist, Eur. Hist, English, Chem, German, French, Spanish, and Calc AB. People like to trash public schools, but in my experience students who were willing to put in effort got great results.

[carpetbagger]

17. A few stray thoughts

I'd be up all night if I tried to expound on all of them, so I'll be deliberately choppy and vague.

It sounds like your friends are snobs. Everyone's got faults, and that is one of theirs. It's likely that your ability to maintain a friendship with them will be dependent upon your ability to be somewhat forgiving of this. At the very least, it's good moral training for you. In time, they'll either go gung-ho into their roles, or back off from them. The latter is more likely. Most teens try to grasp onto whatever identity presents itself as a viable option.

The DC area can be rough for that. Not as bad as Texas, but still not great. I went to Seneca Valley in Germantown. It was seen at the time as basically a redneck school full of people on welfare. Oh, well. If you need some refreshing experiences, spend some time off the beaten track in West Virginia. I lived there for several years and found it to be an absolutely wonderful pseudo-utopia of equality. It had its faults, but they were different faults of class and society.

Choose your battles carefully. Educating them will best be done by dispelling myths they have about public schools, maybe saving the less popular stuff for later. Make them question their foundational beliefs about the world (remember the "gods and clods" thing from South Park?), and the rest will go up for grabs.

Read "Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography" by John Crossan. It's the short version of "The Historical Jesus" by Crossan. It fleshes out extremely well what side of history that guy was on. It's also a reason why if you want to raise Christian children, you'd best run from the church most of the time.

[JohnKleeb]

24. I have heard of Seneca

The ironic thing is though my dad who went to Catholic elementary school is very secular but two of the kids brothers they go to the same school my dads brothers did, Bishop O'Connell if you ever heard of it.

[roughsatori]

19. John you are something else! And I mean that in the best way possible.

Hang in there, all things pass, even sad moods. Yes there seems to be more evil then good in this world but I think that you are truly one of the rare good people ( I don't count myself in that group but I think I know when when I see one).

Not to be soppy and metaphorical, but: Don't let the darkness put out your light. These days that may be a full time job.

[Ramsey]

21. People try things out

As people go through adolescence and young adulthood, they try things out. Including attitudes. In my opinion, the strong people learn to defend their attitudes and the weak personalities adopt those of the prevailing crowd. It sounds like that may be what is going on with your friends.

Forgive me for my pessimism, but while not being Catholic, my brother went to a Catholic boys schoool and told me of the indoctrination they attempted there. The religious schools are not about education solely. They have an agenda to produce the next generation of good Catholics, and presumably the parents send their kids there because they endorse and accept that agenda.

In that atmosphere, some people may become very immired or influenced by both the dogma from the teachers and the administration, and by the ever pervasive peer pressure.

You may be the best counter-balance to that pressure, as someone who is an old friend from a different part of their lives. Just hang in there, defend what you think is right and speak your mind. They will either accept you or not. If they do your friendship will grow, and if not it will wither. That is sad, but not tragic. People do change and sometimes grow apart. It is part of gorwing up to learn that not everyone can be your friend forever. I personally recall that being a very hard lesson to learn.

Stick to your guns, and good luck!!

[Breezy du Nord]

26. Jerks!

Honestly! People like that really piss me off. I especially hate when the Christians pretend they are the persecuted ones in the US! x(x(x(x(.

(btw, I mean the conservative Christians, not the non-jerky ones on DU who don't force they're religion on other people and treat people how Jesus would actually treat them)

[JohnKleeb]

28. I know

I am a secular christian, you could call me agnostic if you talked to me though. I felt so bad breezy these are my friends, btw the public school comments and how stupid we are, ok Mr. I dont know what karma is, seriously breezy I felt speechless and hurt, we public school kids dont have it any harder than they do. So idiotic no where does it say one must send his or her children to private religious school. Also breezy I think these guys have been going to Robert Hansen's church, Clarence Thomas's, and Antonin Scalia, yes Opus Dei or I think they are acting like southern fundies. What a sad world we live in :cry:

[Breezy du Nord]

32. You know, maybe they do have a point.

Ah! *shakes head* Sorry, in the 700 club now, you know.

:P Hope you feel better!

Breezy

edit: it's the 700 club!

[JohnKleeb]

34. I do feel better

700 club right now you mean. BTW Pat and the fundies probably dont like Catholics yet these people who feel Catholicism is the best act more like Southern Baptist fundie evanglists than Catholics.

[Breezy du Nord]

35. the KKK didn't like Catholics either

I see no difference between old Marion (Pat's real name) and David Duke!

[JohnKleeb]

36. yea I know

Still dont like us and btw breezy they dont like us non wasps either, btw I am nearly part Czech, look east Slovakia, yes I am, I am also part Irish, KKK dont like us micks, German well I assume there may had been some Germans but we lived in PA and were tolerant, and Slovenian, Tom Harkin's mom was this and DK's ancestors were from there too. Sorry if I confused you.

[Breezy du Nord]

37. Aw, the KKK don't like nobody

(that's Ranger talk up there, by the way)

I used to watch the 700 club to piss myself off. Then i found out it was on at the same time as the Daily Show and well, who would you pick? The blbind hate of Pat and the evil spawn of his loins or the great wit of Jon Stewart?

(EWWWWW! I just talked about Pat's loins! gross!! x()

[rasputin1952]

43. OK...

I really didn't need that mental image. If anyone needs me, I'll be bleaching my eyes!

[blm]

27. Real Catholics ARE liberals, JohnKleeb.

They fight for the poor and for justice for all. They feed the hungry and clothe the threadbare.

[JohnKleeb]

31. I am a Catholic too

The public school and gay comments are what got me. Also during the war they bashed France and supported the war and above all are pretty pro death penalty.

[MissMillie]

29. John, I'm sorry sorry

People can be mean and cruel sometimes.

Please remember that people who take that much pleasure in hurting others only do so because it's the only way they can feel good about themselves. They have such low self-esteem that they have to try to make other people feel small in order to feel big.

Remember, no one can make you feel inferior w/o your permission. Don't let them get to you.

(((((((((big hug)))))))))

[greekspeak]

30. I am touched by your sincerity and kindness

I find it endearing that you care so much about what happens to gay people. Honestly, you would be suprised how little of the hate gay people get to their face. Hatemongers are notoriously cowardly. They have to scream back slurs as they leave a room, and team up on the defenceless. So the slings don't get shot directly into our hearts. A big hug for ya sweetie! :pals:

As for catholic school vs. public school. I went to public high school, my stepbrother to Catholic highschool. One of us is working on his PhD right now. The other had difficulty getting his associate's degree. I am not dissing my stepbrother. I am simply trying to say that "good student" and "catholic school student" are not synonyms.

[JohnKleeb]

33. well greek

I have a gay cousin although I seldom know him, I met him and I really liked him and his partner very nice people. I told these guys that I would rather have two gay loving parents than two abusive straight parents. They need to get of the stone age I think. You are getting your PhD how wonderful.

[Rowdyboy]

38. You're one of the good guys and you're...

impressive as hell! The friends you have today will likely gradually fade as you all mature and go separate ways. All of my closest friends were made in college or after. There will be times when you may be able to help these doofuses behave correctly and, if so, maybe that's why you've been brought into their lives...Regardless, relax, you're a bright light in a shadowy world...

[dofus]

39. I'm sighing and shaking my head over this.

JohnKleeb, you are a very bright and articulate young man and you're a wonderful part of DU.

Sadly, there are a lot of bigots out there. One of the down sides of attending a mono-culture school, in this case a Catholic one, is being surrounded by people who don't understand or appreciate diversity. I'm glad you can talk to your parents about this.

There are good public schools, and bad ones. Good Catholic schools and bad ones. My own two kids have attended a private secular school because of reasons particular to them -- the oldest was being bullied in the public school and I'm glad we made the change.

Your value as a human being or as a scholar is not determined by what math course you're taking as a junior.

Don't let those ignorant classmates get you down. Hang in there.

[rasputin1952]

40. Well JK...

sounds like you had a bit of a time with these goomers, but do not despair.

I find it interesting that you took the guilt of these people on to yourself by stating you were "sorry there was so much hate". None of that hate is your fault; in fact, you fought out against it rationally, and have planted seeds in the little minds you were talking to. I am willing to bet, that if there was only one of those people there, this conversation would never have taken place, wolves, like thieves, run in packs.

There is hatred out there; and it will not go away on its own volition. It must be fought, brought out into the light, and exposed for the evil that it is. I am not gay, but I have nothing against gays. I am caucasian, but I have nothing against Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, etc. What I do have a problem with is assholes. I don't care what religion, place of origin, color, sex, sexual preference, level of education or social status; in my book, if your an asshole, you're a problem.

I've heard every excuse there is for being an asshole; 'you don't like me because I'm Black; you don't like me because I'm Jewish; you don't like me because I'm a fundy', et al; ad nauseum. Fact is, I like most people, I just don't like assholes. Seems to me these guys have a little growing up to do.......you're doing just fine. Keep up the good work, and don't let the assholes of the world bother you.

:hi:

[sasquatch]

44. There is a reason why catholic school kids do better in the real world

Because their parents are rich creaps that pay their kids sorry asses through this hard world. Be like Jesus and walk a crooked mile and see why Jesus told us to receive the poor and sick in open arms. Not kick them while they are down\


Keep up the Good Fight:yourock:

[Blue_Chill]

45. Public schools are no different in the shit they turn out

Gay kids got their asses kicked in my school and it was public. People had the exact same opinions as your friends with a difference being they thought all private school kids were sissies.

Most kids are idiots, don't belive me? Go to a gaming forums and ask what they think about gay rights.

[JohnKleeb]

48. I know that

Ive known that. Gaming fourms, dude I know. I dont have a problem with private school kids, I am the son of one.

[Blue_Chill]

70. Makes you wonder about parents

I've never understood why so many kids are such hateful little bastards.

[roguevalley]

46. this is sad, sweetie

I taught in public schools for 27 years and I can tell you,
they are as good as the people in them and mostly they are
good. <Rural areas might be different> I love high school
kids. I love their good heartedness.

People are going to be as stupid as they are and you, child,
are ahead of the curve of these people by light years. Don't
feel bad. Don't apologize. You are only responsible for your
own actions.

Its funny, isn't it, how being immersed in a godly sort of
environment, they didn't get anything good. What sorry, sorry
souls. A dose of life will help them, perhaps. Your parents
sound wonderful. Just keep your friends close and ignore the
rest. Growing up is hard enough without feeling responsible
for the stupidity of others. You, yourself are a good soul.

RV

[oldcoot]

47. Is there anything fun you can do this weekend?

Are there any fun activities you can do this weekend that do not include these friends? It might cheer you up to get out of the house and enjoy yourself.

P.S. Your friends are in for a rude awakening when they get into the "real world" and discover that they are not as smart as they think.

[Skittles]

49. I continue to be amazed by the insight you have

at such a young age. You truly are a great guy, John Kleeb!

Susan

[Syn_Dem]

50. Don't sweat it John

As long as we have people like you, leftistrebel, breezygrl, leftpeoplefinishfist, and others, our generation isnt lost to intolerance and bigotry

[Fight_n_back]

51. Our smartest President

Bill Clinton, went to Public Schools.

Bush went to private schools....!

[Syn_Dem]

52. *gasp*

I go to private school....does that mean....what I think it means?!?!?! :scared:

[JohnKleeb]

53. I noticed recently

btw so does goobererich sorry again Goob. What kind? like just private private or religious, Goob goes to Catholic. BTW I said my dad and his family members did too. I just cant believe that they are so intolerant. Good and bad come from all sides, I said I wouldnt insult them and they were like because you know we're right. I wanted to say well in your little school you are in fantasy land. They were bitching about paying taxes for my public schooling, pardon me but thats part of being an American. BTW are there any Catholic Theocracies left? They should go there. I was so sick to my stomach and speechless. My little brother plays on a football team with a kid who goes to the same school as one of them and he met a friend of the kid and the kid hates it. I am proud that I was brought up in a smart and tolerant household we have our faults but I say my family are great people.

[redwitch]

65. Nah!

Idiots and bigots come in all shapes, colors, sizes, religions and schools! I would bet you are a decent human bean! Lots of great people go to private school, lots go to public schools. Don't sweat it Syn_Dem!

[fortyfeetunder]

54. No be glad you know they are snobs

John
Hang in there dude, I am from DC and know how uppity some kids can get. Just let them know what you think, tell them how you feel and don't ever back down from your principles.

Unfortunately, they may not stop being snobs. My outlaw inlaws are in their 80's. And they always made it a point to diss public school students (especially those in the inner city) because they could afford to send their kids to a private school, and I graduated from public schools.

But the bottom line is I stuck to my guns, going to graduate school and doing better professionally than either of their snobby children will ever have -- that is my best revenge. And you have that same potential.

[Darranar]

55. Public schools need to be greatly improved...

but the people there aren't neccesarily dummies. You're proof of that, JohnKleeb.

And, btw, though religious schools can sometimes get annoying, it isn't like they spread intolerance; at least the one I experienced didn't.

[JohnKleeb]

56. of course they need improvement

I know we arent dummies thanks. I know religious schools dont spread intolerance, the closest person to me who is a Kucinich supporter otber than myself went to one, yeah my dad did for a while. Also DK himself went to Catholic school. What kinda religion did you go to Dar? I know religious schools dont spread intolerance, I just cant believe that the descedants of discriminated Italians and Irish would be bigots. For they had some awful stuff said about them, the Irish and Italians yet they forget roots. Many products of religious school are good people and some are bad same could be said for public school. My dad is who I refered to.

[Darranar]

57. A jewish school...

The main problem with it was the pro-Israel propaganda flushed down my brain. It caused me to be in denial about the situation for quite a while.

[rasputin1952]

61. Youo stumbled over the log you were looking for...

Those that were discriminated agaisnst, vented that discrimination by recycling it at the next 'group' of immigrants.

Go back to the riots in NYC in 1863, the Irish blamed the Blacks for taking away jobs, (amongst other things). Germans, Italians, Chinese, you name it, once a group gets out of poverty status, they ensure the next group stays there as long as possible.

Bigotry begets bigotry begets bigotry...it can only cease with knowledge, compassion and truth.

Three items, I might add, that give you the character you posess.

Carry On!

[JohnKleeb]

62. but these guys dont have it as good as I do

They're poorer than I am. Its just so sad to see the descedants of the discriminated against discriminating. So sad that happens.

[rasputin1952]

69. Try not to look at poverty...

as a personal level, but a CLASS level, and it should clear things up.

Once a "class" of people are impoverished, they move upward, individually, and as a class. It happens all the time.

One vendor of a 'class' might sell something to someone of that same 'class' for a price that is considerably lower than what another will be charged. Once a 'group' of people, or a 'class' feels preyed upon, they gather together.

Doesn't make it right, but it is defense by offense.

[JohnKleeb]

75. of course I know what you mean

[Bossy Monkey]

58. Stepping into the Wayback Machine for a story from my own HS days

I went to public school and the next-door neighbors went to the Catholic high school. I was on Dreher's High School News Quiz team and the neighbors' oldest was on Cardinal Newman's. We Dreheries regarded High School News Quiz as an opportunity to clown and pull practical jokes, as this was in the days before cable tv so practically nobody was ever going to see the broadcast. At various matches, we wore our glasses upside down, claimed to be members of the Dreher Moped Polo Team, and took turns introducing each other instead of ourselves (ie, "To my left is John Dantzler..."). We once reduced an opponent to such helpless laughter that they had to stop the taping and start all over again.

Anyway, when the Cardinal Newman show rolled around, I pulled my next-door neighbor aside and explained what we were going to do, and suggested that they do it too. What we were planning was to say in our best dumbbutt voices, "I'm John Dantzler and I'm on the Dreher High School News Quiz team." Neighbor said that was a great idea and Cardinal Newman agreed to do it too.

Taping started, we went first and went through with it. Of course they didn't and just introduced themselves perfectly normally. Boy, they sure outsmarted us dumbbutt public school nitwits!

We beat them 200-40.

Two edits, 'cause public school also taught me to proofread.

[Cheswick2.0]

63. Great story

We were all so funny in highschool weren't we? Todays kids are just as funny and I can never keep a straight face when my sons pull that kind of stuff.

[goobergunch]

59. You're in the right here, they aren't

Especially with the gay-bashing. I know people like that at my school, and can't stand them...I don't think they've ever even met somebody different than them (at least the ones I know).

I'd also note that it seems that a lot more classes get offered at public schools then at private school.

[JohnKleeb]

60. Youre a good guy goob

I said nothing bad or insulting about Catholic schools. I am not sure about classes but unique classes are good things. I am Catholic like you I do consider myself very private in religion and if you listened to me you could call me agnostic or uniterian. I just cant believe how intolerant they are. Goob as a Catholic you know how native Protestants were to the Catholic immigrants right? Well these guys are also some of the most anti immigrant people I know.

[Iris]

64. well, you can laugh your ass off at them when they end up with 10 kids

because their wives won't take the pill because they've been "taught" it causes cancer.

And did you see the thread where someone's kid sister was taking a history class in which the teacher was assigning crappy books about how Clinton destroyed America? Yeah. That's a really great education when your instructor thinks something like that is an actual scholarly textbook.

[redwitch]

66. I know what you mean

I think you are at the age where people start to look more closely at what they value, and who they want to be. I remember feeling quite sickened to learn that people I considered friends had some pretty mean traits. In the course of an innocent conversation about who knows what, an old boyfriend casually used the word nigger to describe someone. I felt physically ill. I stopped going out with him and never explained why. I figured if I had to explain something that basic he was too much work. And the gay remarks are the same thing- and you may never feel the same way about these friends, but that's OK. You have other friends and will meet many more through the years. And they will share your values and love you the more for holding them too. Anyway, bottom line-THERE IS LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL!!!

[nini]

67. As a former Catholic school student...

I would kick those guys asses for you if I heard them talking like that They are so obviously missing the religious aspect of their schools - it's pathetic their parents are wasting their money on them. Unfortunately there are those kids at every school who feel they are superior to others in various ways. Most kids I went to school with were cool, the snobs were like you describe. I actually left Catholic school after the 9th grade because I couldn't stand the snobs anymore and went to public (shock) HS. Oddly enough I managed to keep learning there and went on to college too even though I had been exposed to such as thing as non-Catholic school.

They've got a lot to learn about life and other people. I bet they're repukes too.

[JohnKleeb]

68. yep they are pukes

[davidinalameda]

71. don't sweat it

your friends are probably closet cases or just elitist bastards

don't stress over them

[JohnKleeb]

74. Hey dwickham

I have my speculations about one of them. Although being a straight dude my gaydar isnt that impressive. The irony is as for elitism I am better off economically than them. Thanks all though.

[cmf]

72. What snobs!

I went to Catholic schools all my life and recognized the only difference between my public school peers and me was that my parents were handing over extra dough for my tuition. I actually envied them for the wider choice of classes and sports programs they had. For your friends to say that they're smarter just because their parents fork over extra cash makes no sense at all. Keep sticking up for yourself.

[Aristus]

73. I'd feel sad, too, if this country didn't have terrific

concientious young people like you, John! Sounds like you really held your own in the bash-fest. I'm proud of you!