Debate | Issue 9 | 2020

High School Sex 'RumoUrs'

By Casta Lawson Rumours and gossip have always been ingrained in our societies.

The ancient Greeks loved to stir shit and our modern society is no different. However, it is important to recognise that while often seen as fun and light hearted on a surface level, they can, and often do hold much more weight for the people on the receiving end of the rumour. We have made sure no names or specific details have been revealed below to maintain a level of privacy and distance. These rumours are here to be taken as they are, a collection of rumours (true or not) that reflect the kind of rumours found in schools all across the country. Females are often overwhelmingly the victim of these rumours, and I think it is important that we recognise that, and look inwards and see what that says about our prejudices, and attitudes towards women and sex.

Why is it that when we asked people to submit their high school rumours, the responses almost entirely held women as the victims?

Often in high school we lack the language, emotional resources and understanding to recognise these nuances. While this is important to recognise, this is not a good enough excuse for the behaviour we see exercised in high schools.

Thinking back to when I was in high school, I remember always hearing about some nasty, crook as fuck shit that went down between students and teachers (mostly at my school, but at a lot of others too).

With that being said, here are some rumours. I hope they allow you a moment to think back on rumours of your own, rumours that you know of, and reflect on what that says about some of your attitudes and beliefs.