Exposing Hidden Abuses in High School: A Look Back
Personal Reflections and Insights
My past is a chapter that has turned a page, now part of my history. I wasn’t the most sociable in high school; I tended to be alone, but I maintained good terms with all of my classmates. I never left any bad feelings or resentment among them; I wished them well, knowing that each person can make a difference in their unique way, whether it’s for good or bad.
High school, from 1969 to 1973, was an era of exploration and discovery. Everyone knew who the gay boys and lesbian girls were, and some were well aware of which teachers were also part of the LGBTQ community. Some believed that women did not hold such positions, but it’s possible I just wasn’t paying attention.
What was much more prevalent, however, was the knowledge of intimate relationships—both between students and between students and teachers. The use of drugs like marijuana, LSD, and stimulants was common, and the culture of semi-nudity among girls was also widespread.
Despite these intimate personal details being common knowledge, the most painful memories involve the boys and fathers who were sexually abusing their sisters and daughters. It wasn’t until just a decade later that this kind of abuse began to gain more recognition, and even then, many in authority positions dismissed concerns and advised those seeking help to merely ‘stay out of it’.
Revealing such abuses in high school would have been a complex issue. Each of these situations was a 'family matter', and those involved were often hesitant to report them. School counselors and religious figures of the time were ill-equipped to handle such sensitive topics, and many were insensitive in response.
Impact on My Community
While attempting to maintain a neutral stance, my lack of involvement in these matters left a significant impact on my community. Each time I was asked to ‘stay out of it’, I felt a deep sense of guilt and helplessness. It was a silent complicity, a knowing that I could, and perhaps should, have done more to prevent these abuses.
These women who have since entered their 50s and 60s have shared with me their feelings of shame and worthlessness that persist almost daily. One particularly poignant moment was when a woman approached me a few years ago and said, 'I have no family.' This statement held a weight of emotional pain that resonated deep within me.
Lessons Learned and Amnesty
Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve come to realize that many of us, even in our own way, tried to make a positive impact despite the limitations of the time. The experiences and memories of high school were complex and multifaceted, filled with joys, sorrows, and moments of profound revelation.
Just as each person has the power to make a difference, so too does the community as a whole. We may not always be aware of the profound impact our actions (or inactions) have on others, but over time, these actions either build or break the fabric of our society.
Perhaps, in the spirit of healing and learning from the past, we can extend amnesty to those involved in these situations. Understanding that everyone, including ourselves, is capable of growth and self-reflection is a powerful step toward a more compassionate and just society.