An older teacher at my school has been calling my feminine male classmate a "twinkie". (He is metro or gay.) At first I thought it was just a nickname, but I looked it up on Urban Dictionary and it's actually a rude term for a gay male. I don't think my classmate is aware of this term either, as it is a bit old-fashioned. Would this be considered harrassment? Should I tell my classmate what it means?
It's definition five:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=twinkie&page=1
2007-03-09 08:18:20 · 15 answers · asked by C 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
The teacher is an older male. (I should have specified.) The term is not being used as a compliment. (Twinkie=no nutritional value=no intellectual value) I interpret this as meaning that he is a pretty boy who is stupid. Seems rude to me.
2007-03-09 08:27:19 · update #1
The teacher isn't gay. (That would make the whole situation pretty funny though.) He is married to a woman. I think it's being used as a put-down. The teacher doesn't like this student.
2007-03-09 08:43:34 · update #2
I think its very courageous of you to be checking into this. Thank you for looking out for your classmate. If you are comfortable, address your teacher, perhaps bring the principal along or another faculty member and inform your teacher of the connotations of the word. Also, if you feel comfortable, communicate with your fellow classmate.
"Twinky" is not always negative. It depends on the regional culture. Within some regional gay cultures, "Twinky" can be used negatively or affectionately. A few of my gay friends refer to what they consider to be handsome, often thin but well toned, shaven young (17 to late-twenties) gay men to be "twinkies"
Again, thank you for looking out for you classmate ^_^
2007-03-09 08:27:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Inform the student of both the positive and negative connotation of the word. If he takes it offensively, then get the Principal involved and get the inappropriate behavior stopped. Even if the teacher IS gay and giving the boy a compliment, that's still inappropriate in a school setting.
2007-03-09 16:39:38 · answer #2 · answered by Danielle 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Oh fer...ok yes its offensive, and yes the teacher should be called to account for it. But lets put this into perspective here. Its not a federal case (yet) and speech is still protected (mostly). It should be pointed out to this teacher (by another teacher or the principal if needs be) that disparaging epithpeths of a sexual or racial nature are not right for authority figures,especially teachers, to use on students or anyone else.
But this fellow IS entitled to his opinion.
One might point out
to this teacher that if the shoe were on the other foot he might not like to be called "Geezer" by his students.
Rudeness is not a crime(yet) nor should it be. Whatever happened to common sense ?
2007-03-09 16:59:19 · answer #3 · answered by Telemachus R 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yeah thats totally innapropriate...and YES you should tell your friend. I would suggest doing it in private so others dont hear.
Out here in Hollywood- a "Twink" is a fresh little gay boy.
If this is what he meant than he is TOTALLY out of line.
If your friend was affected by this, he should definitely take it up with the school board or principles!
2007-03-09 18:54:16 · answer #4 · answered by holefannn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I agree with jomaccar because in my eyes, twink means some young, hot guy. It's actually funny really...if the teacher is saying twinkie. ^_^
2007-03-09 16:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by leavemebe_11 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A "Twink" is a young male who trades sexual favors for material goods with an older male. It's an inappropriate term for a classroom setting.
Talk to a supervisor in your school.
2007-03-09 19:00:52 · answer #6 · answered by collegedebt 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Report harassment to the Principal.
2007-03-09 16:52:54 · answer #7 · answered by Lolipop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's harrassment, and yes you should tell your classmate. That ends your responsibility however. Your classmate should be allowed to make his own mind up about whether or not to take action.
2007-03-09 16:24:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would tell your classmate what you told us, then tell your school counselor. Your teacher needs a little talking-to.
2007-03-09 17:27:31 · answer #9 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't know it was derogatory. I've always thought it meant a young, cute guy. Kinda like a compliment actually. Are you sure she's being mean?
2007-03-09 16:23:18 · answer #10 · answered by Jahn 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋