Aidan Kearney, the son of former School Committee member Mary Mullaney, has been revealed as the person behind TurtleBoy Sports, often referred to in online searches as “Doctor Turtleboy X”. This local blog is known for its provocative content that critics describe as dehumanizing and crass, thriving on negativity and insensitivity.
For a long time, “doctor turtleboy x,” or rather, Mr. Kearney, operated anonymously. However, his apparent desire to profit from the blog’s controversial nature led to his public identification. Despite claiming that Turtleboy is a collective effort, records show that Aidan Kearney is the registered and sole owner of Turtleboy Digital Marketing, described as a “blogging website that will raise revenue through selling AD space and possibly merchandize.” The business address is Mr. Kearney’s Worcester residence, firmly linking him to the blog both legally and morally.
The core criticism of “doctor turtleboy x,” or Turtleboy Sports, isn’t simply about expressing opinions. The blog has been condemned for its derogatory language targeting groups and individuals. For example, in discussions about a North High School incident, the blog questioned, “Would you want your job performance to be based on how a bunch of savages do on a standardized test?” and asserted, “Kids are being raised by savages,” in response to parents removing their children from a school bus. These are just glimpses into the inflammatory rhetoric that has become characteristic of the blog.
While freedom of speech allows for harsh commentary, the troubling aspect of “doctor turtleboy x” and its content is the background of its creator. Aidan Kearney was, until recently, a teacher at Shepherd Hill Regional High School. This revelation raises questions about the judgment and values of someone responsible for educating young people while simultaneously engaging in online content that many find offensive and harmful. Furthermore, the blog appears to have a network of supporters, lending credence to Kearney’s claim that “doctor turtleboy x,” or Turtleboy Sports, is embraced by segments of the community, including professionals like judges, doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
Local businesses and professionals advertise on the “doctor turtleboy x” platform, and a local media outlet features the blog on its website. Even a North High School teacher once shared it on Facebook, highlighting its surprising reach and acceptance within certain circles.
However, the exposure of “doctor turtleboy x”‘s true identity has seemingly triggered attempts to retreat from public scrutiny. In October, an investigation was launched by Shepherd Hill school officials into Mr. Kearney’s alleged inappropriate behavior towards a young woman at a Patriots-Buffalo Bills game. Rather than facing the investigation, Mr. Kearney resigned from his teaching position.
Superintendent Gregg Desto confirmed a mutual agreement for Mr. Kearney’s departure before the investigation concluded. In contrast, Mr. Kearney presented his resignation as a voluntary decision, citing objections to mandatory fingerprinting for Massachusetts teachers and disillusionment with the teaching profession. He deflected criticism by referencing past cases of teacher misconduct, attempting to shift focus away from his own actions and the content of “doctor turtleboy x.”
Despite these diversions, the central issue remains Aidan Kearney’s role as “doctor turtleboy x.” Anonymity often shields individuals from accountability for their online behavior, allowing them to disseminate offensive content while still benefiting from societal norms and privileges. The exposure of Aidan Kearney challenges this anonymity. While the financial success of “doctor turtleboy x” remains to be seen, the article suggests a concerning irony: even if the blog fails to bring prosperity, Mr. Kearney retains his teaching license, potentially allowing him to return to a profession where he would be responsible for the very “savages” he has disparaged online.
Contact Clive McFarlane at [email protected]
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