Portsmouth HS aims to disarm sword-wielding senior

[Jem'hadar]

Portsmouth HS aims to disarm sword-wielding senior
Patrick Agin's portrait is welcome in the Portsmouth High School yearbook, school officials say, but that medieval broadsword over his shoulder has got to go.
http://www.eastbayri.com/story/287629847034321.php

[REG]

I don't know if the Principal is being proactive before other students' parents start to complain, or it is his own overreaction. Sounds more like the latter, unless there are reports of parents defending his decision.

But considering it was just that one broadsword, maybe he should have a reshoot. If that's going to cost him money, his fellow SCA members can always chip in.

[Phoenix]

And if it had been a civil war or a revolutionary war reenactment troupe, you know something oh more patriotic, would they still be calling for a new picture? I say let the photo stay, if Mr. Agin is known for his SCA activities, to the point of wanting to include it in HIS senior photo for the year book, it's not going to affect anyone else's world views.

[REG]

And if it had been a civil war or a revolutionary war reenactment troupe, you know something oh more patriotic,

I heard their school mascot is a patriot armed with sword and gun.

Ooh, how's this for tasteless and inappropriate art? An American revolutionary patriot with a bomb vest holding an American flag.

--proud to have a DARK side of humor.

[Phoenix]

Nope, here's the mascot I found: Image Link.
No visible weapons - just the head, two flag poles, on a shield you have a winged shoe, stylus and looks like a book, and the 7 snowflakes (no idea what they are).

[REG]

Nope, here's the mascot I found: Image Link.
No visible weapons - just the head, two flag poles, on a shield you have a winged shoe, stylus and looks like a book, and the 7 snowflakes (no idea what they are).

Maybe not the logo, but one of them goofy mascots that tries to hang with cheerleaders at sporting events.

You know what would be an ironic turning point in this story? That the senior got so frustrated over the yearbook photo hassle, he lay siege to the school brandishing that same sword. Then we go through the motion of "he was such a nice, quiet boy."

-- a nice, quiet boy ... with a very DARK humor.

[Sarge]

Maybe it's just because I'm in the SCA and have had my picture taken many times with armor and swords (even in church!) but I think that principal is a politically correct paper-pushing desk jockey. The SCA doesn't promote violence, it promotes chivalry, courtesy, and good sportsmanship. And I'm sure it does that 100 times better than the HS football team.

[Sarge]

Nope, here's the mascot I found: Image Link.
No visible weapons - just the head, two flag poles, on a shield you have a winged shoe, stylus and looks like a book, and the 7 snowflakes (no idea what they are).

I'm pretty sure those really are snowflakes, Phoenix. I assume this Portsmouth is the one in New Hampshire, so they know what snow is.

I've been to Portsmouth many times. My grandfather was an engineer in the shipyard there and my mother grew up on the other side of the river in Kittery, Maine. I have a hard time imagining that Portsmouth High has a problem with violence; it's closer to Mayberry than Harlem.

[First of Two]

Open letter to parents:

If your child's psyche is so weak that it's going to be detrimentally affected by a single picture of a kid in a yearbook with a sword...

You SUCK as a parent. Kill yourself out of shame.

[spyone]

The paper is from Rhode Island, so I'm guessing that's where the high school is.

What about hands? They're weapons. Feet, too.
Baseball bats are definitely weapons. Don't believe me, ask a cop.
Actually, with a baseball bat (and certain knives) whether it is a "weapon" hinges on intent: "Why are you carrying that?"
a) "Just coming from a game." = not a weapon
b) "This neighborhood can be dangerous" = is a weapon

Since the sword in question is describes as a prop sword (unsharpened), it is at worst in the same league as a baseball bat. Bet they show people wielding those in the yearbook.

How about the wrestling team? Any pictures of their matches? *gasp* Actual violence!


Why can't people just act like adults?

[REG]

The paper is from Rhode Island, so I'm guessing that's where the high school is.

What about hands? They're weapons. Feet, too.

*gasps for air*

You prove your points ... now put a sock on it. Whoo!

*sprays thread with Lysol*

[REG]

Why can't people just act like adults?

Which version? American? Iraqi? Palestinian? Dutch?

[Phoenix]

Which version? American? Iraqi? Palestinian? Dutch?

Human maybe.

[REG]

The SCA doesn't promote violence,...

It doesn't?

Crap. Is there a pro-violent SCA type club I can join?

[REG]

Human maybe.

Human have MPD.