Caring conversation built character and created a strong, sincere connection. Be it in a classroom, a crowd, a city boulevard, or an office cubicle, I was persuaded to be passionate in my prose. My parents certainly were. Each was my example. Perchance, my classmates considered me, theirs. I know not.
I am only certain that many expressed a wish for the authentic closeness, the ease of conversation, the openness that existed between my parents and me.
Hence, I theorize. Might we best teach the children when we teach ourselves to be benevolent, boisterous, and big enough to be ourselves and to allow our offspring to be who they authentically are?
Rather than work to reason with a bully or offer rationalizations to the one being oppressed, could we instead instill a sense of self in everyone, regardless of age? Perchance then, all persons in our society will be as I am. Befuddled by the lack of bullies in my life.
References for a reality realized daily . . .
- Film, Cable Specials Put Spotlight on Bullying, By Dakarai Aarons. Education Week. October 6, 2010
- Clues your child is bullied, and what to do, By Stuart Twemlow and Frank Sacco, . Cable News Network. October 6, 2010
- Building a Bully-Free Zone. Teach Tolerance.
- Bullied: A student, a School, and a Case that Made History. Teach Tolerance.
- Action Steps for Educators to Take to Stop Bullying. Teach Tolerance.
- Anti-Bullying Resources. Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. 2010
- Gay and Lesbian Teens Bullied More than Heterosexuals, By Jeanne Bryer. Live Science. February 3, 2010
- Bullying and Suicide; Statistics. Bullying Statistics. 2009
- Study Reveals Widespread Office Bully Problem, By Jeanne Bryer. Live Science. February 3, 2010
- How To Stop Bullying. Reported By Carol Costello. Cable News Network. October 5, 2010
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