Oct 6, 2011 1:20pm
I Am Different: 20/20 Explores Unique Teens and Bullying
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(Family handout/Ventura County Star)
“20/20″ takes you inside one of the most controversial bullying cases of our time: the killing of California eighth-grader Larry King by classmate Brandon McInerney, in this full episode.
In February 2008 McInerney brought a gun to school and shot King in front of their English class. Why? The show examines all sides of this question. But it starts with this: Larry was different. He was exploring his sexuality, sometimes wearing make-up and girls’ clothing.
Here’s a preview:
We’re asking the question, How are you different?
The band Residual Kid celebrates differences in its song, “Can’t Take Me Away,” which is featured in the show.
- CLICK HERE to hear and read more about the song.
- To download the song from iTunes — all proceeds benefit the National Safe Schools Partnership – CLICK HERE.
Are you different? How so? What challenges have you faced? We want to hear your story.
- Tweet your mind using the hashtag #IAmDifferent.
- CLICK HERE to submit your own “I Am Different” video – it may be posted to the “20/20″ page at ABCNews.com
Here are five young people who are different:
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by no means am I in a position to know either side but if you take a look at our belief system there are a lot of sins that are embraced or tolerated by most people. On the other hand people are very polorized about whether people may be gay, some of which use religion as a way of saying its wrong while others just show contempt for gays, but I have heard that people who have contempt for gays are not comfortable with their own sexuality I just dont know how true it is.
what I find odd is that people who use religion agains gays will cite a specific line in liviticus even though the whole passage includes the sins that we embrase and tolerate, which states that those who commit those specific sins face the same fate as gays
Posted by: Sean | October 7, 2011, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
Gays want to be accepted for who they are, they don’t need to do any bashing as well. Just as many have put religion against them, many gays have taunted straight people about other issues. Just because they are gay does NOT mean they have a whole different, “good-person” attitude and personality with life, because YES, they are people, too. Yea, people should respect that, doesn’t mean they have to accept it. Someone who has religious beliefs, that’s their beliefs, don’t bash their religion. Leave room for difference, just like you are speaking of. Maybe you understand, maybe not. Though, many gay & lesbian people, don’t. I wouldn’t respect someone who doesn’t give respect.
Posted by: Grays | October 7, 2011, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm
This show was disgusting. There is the mother of Brandon crying, Oh my poor son. Where was the someone crying for Larry. And there you show 6 white, homophobes wearing save Brandon bracelets. Where were the people on the jury who though he was guilty? What a slanted depiction of the situation. This very program is what lets people like the guy above, Sean, say, you deserve it if you “TAUNT”. But how much time did you spend on the actual torture I am sure Larry went through. Maybe it would have been better had Larry committed suicide. Sometimes the only way to battle being beat up and pushed around and called names is too just give it right back. How much did Brandon bully Larry. You barely presented that in the program. Larry is not here to defend himself and you showed all these people defending a murderer but only one girl who really was there defending Larry. Poor little murderer Brandon….brought a gun to school and shot a young child in the head…..TWICE!!!! You should be ashamed of yourselves for this portrayal of the situation. SHAME!!!!!!
Posted by: jim fitzgerald | October 8, 2011, 3:30 am 3:30 am
I hope anyone on that jury thinks it’s okay to shoot someone, point blank, in the back of the head, in a room full of students, because someone was uncomfortable with someone else’s beliefs or crush. And then be prepared for female students to start shooting in schools for any unwanted sexually provocative advances they receive.
NOT a Hate Crime? Dear god, help us.
Posted by: Patrickjh | October 8, 2011, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
where are the user comments?
Posted by: rod | October 8, 2011, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
Next time show Larrys side. Poor kid.. Where was his family?? Sorry Brandon belongs in prison for life
Posted by: Heather | October 9, 2011, 11:22 am 11:22 am