How do you define idiots - and I mean, total idiot? Try Dharun Ravi, the 20-year-old ex-Rutgers student who thought it's funny to use webcam to spy on his roommate with another man, and then, announce it to the world, inviting everyone to look see.
If it were in grade school, I'm sure this would be considered bullying, and the kid would get an earful. When it's in college, Ravi and his parents and supporters call it "pranks." To him, sure it's no harm no foul. To Tyler Clementi, the victim who couldn't bear to be out'ed by his roommate in such a public, humiliated way, jumped off of a bridge and killed himself, it's an entirely different matter.
While it's true this doesn't involve violence or coercion or the traditional type of hate crime traits that one can easily identify it with, words and actions can equally kill.
What I find most callous, is the lack of emotion or remorse from this perpetrator, who never even came out to say he's sorry, or utter some word of apology, or express certain remorse or regret that his actions led to the death of his roommate (although I'm sure Ravi didn't consider Clementi a "friend"). The only time he cried, was when he realized that he's going to spend 30 days in prison, for causing someone else to die. He regrets it simply because he got caught and was getting punished for the crime.
Sure, sure, I can already hear people jumping up and down, saying that this prosecution is not about the death of the victim, but the process (the spying, the singling out the gay, and for exposing him to the world). Being a spectator, I have no care about the technicalities. The outcome is the same. This guy, through the process, directly caused the outcome; and someone died, as a result. Someone has to pay for the crime. Dharun Ravi should be made to pay, one way or the other.
It's equally callous, for Ravi's family and proponents to say he doesn't deserve to do time in jail. He did the crime; he did the time. That's how I see it.
The controversy of the verdict ends with the judge's sentencing which includes only 30-day prison time (out of 10 years potential maximum), some community service, small fine of $10,000 to help with victim's fund, and no recommendation of deportation. When I first hear of it, I'm, like, no way, this is not fair for the victim. The guy died because of his action, and he got 30 days of jail? It's like having do retention after-school at principal's office for pushing a classmate over a cliff.
On second thought, it sounds like quite a well-thought out sentence. Ravi would remain a felon after the 30-day jail term, he's going to do crime, he could still face deportation (back to India), he's kicked out of Rutgers. Being a supposedly bright 20-year-old, his future is probably done for. He'll live with the stigma of being the stupid idiot from Rutgers who spies on friends and acquaintances. A total wanker.
With the high profile trial, I hope it raises sufficient awareness among other idiotic teens, young adults, and adults alike, that bloodless pranks can have serious consequences. Crimes don't pay, and they should think twice (if they're able of using their heads, for a change) before they commit to idiotic acts, as Dharun Ravi did.
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