Warren Throckmorton

If they disagree with Berger's comments, then why were they posted in the first place? This is unconvincing.

Didn't Nicolosi kid about dropping a baby on his head or something?
 

Yes, indeed. Read this...

"...He makes a joke about how fathers don’t know how to carry babies and always forget to support their heads.

"If the father drops the kid and the kid gets brain damage, at least he’ll be straight. Small price to pay, " laughs Nicolosi. The audience chuckles at the thought of a straight baby with brain damage. The chuckling is chock full of love."
 

Over at the NARTH site, they have changed the article but it is still there.

Instead of:

I suggest, indeed, letting children who wish go to school in clothes of the opposite sex -- but not counseling other children to not tease them or hurt their feelings.

On the contrary, don't interfere, and let the other children ridicule the child who has lost that clear boundary between play-acting at home and the reality needs of the outside world. Maybe, in this way, the child will re-establish that necessary boundary.

It is a mistake for various interfering, ignorant, and biased busybodies to try to "counsel" the other children into accepting the abnormal. It is very healthy to be able to draw the line between what is healthy and what is sick.

Now the following edited version is there:

It is a mistake for various interfering, ignorant, and biased busybodies to try to "counsel" the other children into accepting the abnormal. It is very healthy to be able to draw the line between what is healthy and what is sick.

Oh my, what an improvement.
 

Well there you go Warren -- how's it feel to be leading the charge instead of commenting after it all blows up! :)

See, told you that would happen to you when you hang around with gay people...

Utterly unconvinced by Nicolosi though. I'm afraid his retraction, knowing his version of correction v. shaming, cuts no ice.

Particularly given the "edit" made as the response.

*THUD*
 

I left a post for the NARTH Blog, but I doubt they'll post it -- they moderate their blog. Here's what I wrote:

So much for honesty -- so much for the ethical behavior of owning up to one's own public statements. Here, at 11:16 PM PST, I see that the NARTH article has had the incredibly offensive...

I suggest, indeed, letting children who wish go to school in clothes of the opposite sex – but not counseling other children to not tease them or hurt their feelings.

On the contrary, don’t interfere, and let the other children ridicule the child who has lost that clear boundary between play-acting at home and the reality needs of the outside world. Maybe, in this way, the child will re-establish that necessary boundary.

...removed from the article, but haven't yet removed it here on this blog.

Why not make a public comment that NARTH disavows shaming, teasing, and ridiculing gender variant children by the article where the offensive statement was made?

From the outside looking in, it appears the reason NARTH won't say that is because NARTH isn't ethical enough, or humane enough, to publicly admit Dr. Berger's statements were wrong, and say that in plain view of NARTH's proponents and detractors.

Instead, all we can do is read Dr. Nicolosi's comments about this via Dr. Warren Throckmortons's blog, and read Dr. Berger's original statements here in this blog -- until the folks here running the NARTH Blog get around to changing the statements here too.
 

Well, it looks like the Throck blog is the record of choice on this. How ironic :) I bet that 2002 Award from NARTH must have burst into flames on your bookshelf. I warned it was bugged, and armed, Warren...

Another post at NARTH that will waste the time of some NARTH persons "delete" finger...

-----------------------------

Joseph Berger you are a disgrace. I read the original version of your vomit and, as with most others, was utterly disgusted.

That was not a "professional opinion". It was a callous call to allow the abuse and bullying of a child. There is no science, let alone empathy or understanding, behind your view -- it was nought but pure spite and/or stupidity.

I'm not even going to bother pretending with your complaining about now being name-called over this. Frankly sir, you deserve it. Completely. And I hope all your professional collegues let you know their opinions in no uncertain terms. How dare you now complain when you advocated far worse treatment being delivered onto a child.

Gather some dignity. Apologise. Without reservation.
 

Well it is still on their website...In fairness, it may come down soon but there has been no statement about how such amazing advice could have been published in the first place.

Why does a retraction matter? The views of reparative therapists are that different kids shouldn't be different. So if ridicule is not a tool, then what else will be. Maybe Berger will advocate football practice for the boys and lipstick lessons for the girls?

Jon
 

Offensiveness has never bothered them.

Seeking clarification -- as in, what do others think -- has never bothered them.

And, mysteriously, apparently Dr Berger failed to express himself clearly.

Is there must be some subtle nuance about bullying a child that I have failed to notice? And Warren. And DavidB. And Mich....
 

I think NARTH did the right thing by removing the article. In addition, I would like to see more emphasis from conservatives about the problem of bullying. (Can I be any more understated?)
 

How can Nicolosi possibly claim that he didn't know the guidelines for how "children with gender indentity disorders should be treated" by parents, teachers, counselors, etc.? Isn't this NARTH's line of business? Helping those with gay or gender issues? How long has he been presenting himself as an expert on Reparative Therapy?

I knew that you don't tease or ridicule ANY client or patient -- especially vulnerable kids. And I didn't have to take ONE psychology course to learn that.
 

The comments from a NARTH advisory board member are too close to what appears to be the view of most reparative therapists about how to make someone straight. I generally support a person's right to change but I also am glad for your principled stand Dr. Throckmorton against gender stereotypes.
 

Why doesn't NARTH relieve Dr. Berger of his position as a NARTH representative?

If a spokesperson for a gay organization called for the ridicule of straight kids to get them over their homophobia, that person would be gone overnight.

Wayne Besen is really the only person on this; where are the rest of them?
 

I continue to try to have an open dialogue here. There are some posts on this thread where I considered not posting them. However, I allowed them because I believe the comments warranted negative reactions.

I welcome Dr. Nicolosi and/or Dr. Berger to comment here as well to address the issues raised by commenters. I believe all comments, though sharp and negative at times, are on point.