The personal experience I have had with this topic some would probably consider minimal compared to others but for me as a child growing up, wearing glasses was not considered a 'cool' thing. I was constantly made fun of called names like "four eyes" by other children on my school bus, in my classroom, or at my school and it made me feel horrible. I can remember going home on numerous occassions crying about the things the other children had said to me at school. I did not feel like I 'fit in' with some of the other children because I wore glasses. Even once I got contacts the fact that I was smart, followed the rules, and did what I was asked without question got me made fun of too; other children, not all, but quite a few of them growing up always made me feel separated from the rest.
I hear of instances where similar experiences still happen to other children today. I am not sure exactly what could or should be done to prevent it because it seems like these experiences occur when someone is different. We as a society need to be more accepting, even if we don't always agree, with the differences among us and teach the children who may cross our path to do the same. Teaching the children of today to be more accepting of the differences among us will make for a better tomorrow.
Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you so strongly about teaching our children to be kind to everyone. I did not wear glasses as a child, but I remember hearing kids make fun of kids that wore glasses. I was also teased for being a "goody two shoes." I had forgotten about it, but I was even teased for having a flat chest in elementary school. For God's sake, an elementary school child should not have to worry about whether or not she has boobs! I remember kids being really mean when I was young and I can only imagine that it is much worse today. I have noticed that there are a lot of anti-bullying campaigns going on in my state right now. I hope that we are able to make an impact on our children so that we can grow a more compassionate generation of adults.