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There have been a number of stories about teachers molesting students lately, but it's rare when there's a reference to the longest running comedy on TV. Apparently public school teacher, Dolph Timmerman, accused of touching young girls at PS 123 in Bushwick, was the name-inspiration for the Simpsons bully Dolph, the slouchy, almost stoned-seeming guy amongst Jimbo and Kearney. Matt Groening just borrowed the name from his high school classmate for the character, but the NY Post was very diligent in pulling up animated-Dolph trivia (He has worked as a Kamp Krusty counselor and at Springfield Paper and Printing, as part of the "Lackeys of Tomorrow" program.) and even got a quote from a show spokeswoman saying that animated Dolph would not be cut from the show (the show and Post are both owned by News Corp., though). Anyway, some teachers at PS 123 believe that the girls are making up these claims, but they don't have proof. While there are probably weirdos out there who might take advantage of their students, Gothamist wonders if there's a Salem witch trial-like hysteria about these cases (think about day care abuse allegations during the 1980s - like Capturing the Friedmans) among parents.
Pop Culture Twist in Public School Perv Case
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I think you are off base here. If anything these cases are likely under-reported, as is a lot of sexual abuse and harassment that occurs.
This happened in my home town a couple of years ago. The high school's principal (who was vice principal when I was there) was accused (and later acquitted) of child sexual abuse. He was removed from the position while still under suspicion. The charges came from a child he and his wife had taken in as a foster child and later adopted. I think it became clear at trial that the kid was emotionally disturbed, as are many foster kids, current and former. I assumed he was innocent, having known him to be a stoicallly a-sexual professional guy with a good sense of humor (not creepy). I would withold judgement, unlike the Post (headline: DOH! DOLPH'S A BAD DUDE) until all the facts are in. Innocent until proven guilty has worked pretty well for a long time. That said, I still agree with you, vic, but there are cases that are both under-reported and over-reported, for a variety of different reasons.
heh huh
It's true, many abuse cases are underreported, but this was the first story I'd read where teachers seemed to suspect something was amiss with the girls' stories. At any rate, I hope the charges are investigated thoroughly - and that other stories about misconduct will encourages others to speak up as well.