October 5, 2010

On September 22, 2010 an 18 year old talented violinist and Rutgers freshman, Tyler Clementi, committed suicide, just three days after his dorm roommate and another student allegedly made the conscious decision to secretively tape him engaging in an intimate sexual encounter.  Then, the two pushed the envelope even further.  They posted this tape on the web.    

I can’t fathom what would possess two young college students to violate another student’s privacy in such a vile fashion disregarding the consequences of their actions, the repercussions of the law, or most importantly the devastation this cruel and insensitive behavior could potentially have on the victim’s life. 

Nothing about what these two accused students did was funny.  It wasn’t kind.  I don’t care how impulsive 18 year old adolescents can be ─ these two students acted callously.  And even if the outcome of this particular case was different ─ and Tyler had not taken his own life ─ their actions still would be considered insensitive, ruthless, intolerable, detestable, and hateful in my opinion. 

Since when is it funny to make public a human being’s private life?  Since when is it okay to publicize over the internet video that was taken without another’s consent?  Since when is it justifiable to video tape someone without their knowledge or permission?  Where are our morals?  What has happened to our society?

May Tyler be remembered for the kind soul so many have described him as: a talented violinist who enjoyed helping others, who could juggle and ride a unicycle according to the words of Amy Ellis Nutt of The Star Ledger in her moving article, “Friends remember Tyler Clementi as brilliant musician, bright student” http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/10/rutgers_student_tyler_clementi_1.html.

In the days and weeks that follow, I ask that we take a stand to fight for the dignity and respect of all life, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, intelligence or any other minuscule variable.  Each and every one of us deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.  No life should be robbed prematurely because of another’s selfish actions.

Please consider first the consequences of your actions before doing something, saying something, making some sort of foul facial expression, or whatever it is you’re thinking of doing.  We can’t be sure how our actions will affect another.  All we can be sure of is how we act, how we treat others, and how we expect others to treat us.  

I wish time could rewind and these students could walk a different path through this life ─ that Tyler could still be with us today.  But time won’t allow us to rewind.  So may this never, ever happen, ever again.