My DS is a sensitive, kind and gentle boy. He used to have a tight group of friends, but that’s now dwindled to 2 faithful mates. He has always been quiet and thoughtful, but has recently become more withdrawn. He finally broke down and confessed he’d used the ‘N word’ in a WhatsApp message to one friend as a means of greeting (hey n whasup). He knows this is wrong and would never use that language verbally to anyone. He has picked this up from online and gaming forums. There is no excuse I know, but what happened as a result of this has shocked and angered me.
This ‘friend’ took a screenshot of this interaction and shared it round the school. The next day at school, DS was set upon by a group of big lads who grabbed him by the throat and assaulted him. In addition the area where this happened was pasted with posters of my son, his name and calling him a racist. He has been ostracised by his year group and spends time between classes alone or with 1 friend avoiding the rest of this year group. He feels that everyone hates him and his reputation is ruined.
He’s not racist by any means and neither are we - the irony is his 2 remaining friends are not white. I am distraught and heartbroken that he has been carrying this guilt and self-hatred for so long without support. His grades have suffered this year as a result. No one defended him at the time of the assault and the school is not aware.
AIBU to think the rough justice meted upon him is far far worse than the crime?