Gilden Essay, Research Paper

Dear Ms. Gilden:

I would like to take this opportunity to call to your attention a situation that occurred today concerning one of my sons, a senior at OVHS. My son Tim was standing in The Commons during a break today. Ms. Johnson approached him and made what I consider sexist comments about his hairstyle. She did not tell him it was a distraction, but did say that he was wearing it like a girl. I find this offensive and uncalled for. Apparently this is not the first time Ms. Johnson has found it necessary to talk down to him in a non-constructive manner. I do not appreciate her attitude toward my son. The other incident occurred after a school dance. Tim and another student had made arrangements to be picked up after the dance. Their ride did not show up, and they called the other student s father to pick them up. While they were waiting, Ms. Johnson approached them and informed them if they were not picked up by midnight, she would call the Police, have them taken in for curfew violation, and their parents could pick them up from the Police Station. In earshot of the boys, she complained to another school official that she wanted to go home and go to bed. My son is 18 years of age and was not violating curfew.

It seems that Ms. Johnson has a strong attitude against some teens. Given that this is the environment she was hired to work in, perhaps she needs to adjust her attitude.

Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to address this issue.

Sincerely,