I consider myself to be a rather unique individual. I'm not one to blend in with the scenery, and I never have. ;) My uniqueness got me into trouble a lot when I was in school - dress code? What dress code? ;) What do you mean I can't wear hot pink jelly shoes with my uniform? Said my Wednesday Addams 7 year old self. LOL Yeah... the payback with this kid is going to be wicked. lol
I was contacted on behalf of the Characters Unite campaign. The Characters Unite campaign is a movement committed to combating intolerance, prejudice, discrimination and hate, and to promoting greater acceptance, understanding and mutual respect.
Believe me, when I was a little girl, I knew I was different. Not just in the way I wanted to dress, but because my family - GASP! - was different. (I am first generation American for those who don't know) It wasn't just my fellow students - even the teachers were prejudiced and treated me different. My fourth grade year teacher Mrs. Deacon singled me out time and time again, and insisted I needed speech class because I had an accent - off I was sent with the special ed kids, which was a huge slap in the face back then. I spent my entire six grade year hidden behind a bookcase where I couldn't even see the chalkboard after being "punished" for passing a note to my BFF on day 3 of school that year. And when graduation rolled around, the principal refused to let me walk and receive my diploma, unless I took my nose ring out - I needed to blend in with the scenery. I took it out, then put it right back in before walking to the stage. Oh, he was mad - but I still don't care.
Those are just but a few moments of my battle scars, as I call them. I'm sharing them with you because I hope you'll participate in the campaign. I may be different from you on the outside, but I think I turned out pretty well all things considered, don't you? I'm not a mass murderer, after all! ;) If you'll participate by taking a pledge to stand against discrimination, for every pledge made this month, USA Network will donate $1 to its partners including the Children’s Defense Fund, the National Council of Women’s Organizations, and other nonprofit partners. The pledge is simple:
As a character of the USA, I pledge to stand against intolerance, prejudice, discrimination and hate, and to promote greater understanding and acceptance. I believe life is richer and we are stronger as a country when we see beyond stereotypes and appreciate each other for the characters we are. After all, characters are what make us, USA.”
I pledge... will you? I can't stand the thought of another child feeling the way I did... I just can't. :(
Take the pledge here
Please? For me?
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2 comments:
Done. I got in trouble for wearing a bandana and was threatened with suspension for not wearing a coat. Nothing radical, but REALLY??
Kudos on the nose ring.
Too many kids feel bad about themselves and too many adults are to blame. I had far too many teachers and principals looking the other way while my kid was being picked on by other kids. And then they would have mean comments of their own. I really hope things change and SOON!
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