Okay. IMHO, it's not discrimination. It's like being resentful that you have to do your class project with someone you don't want to do it with--you just do it and move on.

Here's a little gem of truth: Life is a Shit Sandwich and you've only had a nibble.

xoBruce---was that little moral directed at me?

I don't understand where you're coming from with this statement, Cloud. Is it because you think gay men in general are lacking in this particular social skill?

In my experience, the opposite is too often true--many straight people should learn to deal in social situations with gay men and women.

This stupid rule in Ibram's school may not seem like a big deal to most of you, especially if you're straight, because it seems "normal" to you, from your perspective. But it's the wrong environment for kids who are discovering their true identities, and are forced to conform to rules that imply that they are "not normal." Actually, it's wrong for all kids, regardless of sexual identity, because they all are being taught the same message.

Amen, bluey.

no, I don't think gay men lack social skills; that's far too general a statement. I think children lack social skills, however, and that's what is being taught here.

How about if the school "compromised" and stated that all straight students must dance with a gay student as well?

but wouldn't that force people to come out when they're not ready? Or even sure? We are talking teenagers here. And why make labels at all? Learning how to social dance is immaterial to your sexual orientation.

Then, they shouldn't give kids worse grades for not dancing with the opposite sex.

But the more bread you have the less shit you taste.
I don't know which one you are referring to but the only thing I have directed at you, no one can see but me.

Sure they should, because being uncooperative and disruptive means they are not learning the social skills which is the whole point of the class

Then if the teacher says draw a map of Germany and you draw a map of France because you're Jewish, you shouldn't get a lower grade. High School, follow orders or pay the price.

Would it be frivolous if they disallowed couples of different races or nationalities?

I don't think questioning the rules necessarily equals being uncooperative and disruptive--it's part of the learning process. And if the kids aren't given worse grades for not dancing with the opposite sex in the first place, then they're not even put in the position of having to question the rules.

That's not a good comparison by any stretch. And I think you must have had a different high school experience than I had, and/or misinterpreted the "price."

That's not his point. He's gonna dance with a girl. It's more like the teacher tells you to write the "N" word. You do it, but it's racist.

They're not inmates. They're students. If they're in training and they're not allowed to ask questions, then does that mean they're in training to become clones?