Heather Slee's Blog
October 9, 2013
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and I just wanted to talk a little about bullying, since Seven Chances explores this topic.
I know one of the most prevalent responses to bullying prevention advocates is that you can't stop bullying because people are jerks. People have been jerks since the beginning of time. In fact, bullying is thought to be a survival instinct, from way back when cavepeople got swirlies in hot tar pits.
I believe it, too. (Not the swirly part. Well... maybe.) One effective way to be seen as a leader, which has been a necessary role for a large part of human history, was to tear others down to make you look strong. (I apologize if I'm completely oversimplifying this stuff. I'm no scholar.).
So, people make that excuse or reason when they hear about bullying incidents, or when they're asked to do something about it. People are jerks. It's human nature.
Even animals are bullies. Heck, a blue jay was in my yard not ten minutes ago being an asshat to some little sparrow.
But here's the deal. We are humans! Lucky us! We have the ability to evolve, change, grow, reason, empathize, negotiate, and all that good stuff. (Yes, yes, I know that some animals can do that stuff, too. I'm trying to make a point here.)
So instead of just shrugging this off as "whaddya gonna do?", why not try something else? If we're ingrained to be jerks, why not start trying to turn that ship around? Start teaching kids about feelings, empathy, respect, kindness, compromise, expressing themselves productively-- all of that-- from an early age. Start laying down the hammer for treating each other badly. Start educating parents about what they can do to help their kids be good, kind people.
I will argue that this sort of thing is more important than prepping for standardized tests and math. (Just kidding about math. Math is good.)
And I know some will say this sort of thing should be taught at home, not school. I agree. In a perfect world, where all parents have tons of time to spend with their kids, and tons of money and happiness that they never get stressed, or they don't have other responsibilities like caring for aging parents, other kids, and where every parent generally agrees to teach their kids about loving one another instead of conquering one another... yeah, that should totes happen. But until that day, I think it belongs in schools.
This is the way to prevent bullying. And preventing bullying is a way to prevent workplace bullying. And maybe people in general will just get along better. And maybe the world will suck a little less.
Let's start taking this seriously. It really, truly affects us all.
I know one of the most prevalent responses to bullying prevention advocates is that you can't stop bullying because people are jerks. People have been jerks since the beginning of time. In fact, bullying is thought to be a survival instinct, from way back when cavepeople got swirlies in hot tar pits.
I believe it, too. (Not the swirly part. Well... maybe.) One effective way to be seen as a leader, which has been a necessary role for a large part of human history, was to tear others down to make you look strong. (I apologize if I'm completely oversimplifying this stuff. I'm no scholar.).
So, people make that excuse or reason when they hear about bullying incidents, or when they're asked to do something about it. People are jerks. It's human nature.
Even animals are bullies. Heck, a blue jay was in my yard not ten minutes ago being an asshat to some little sparrow.
But here's the deal. We are humans! Lucky us! We have the ability to evolve, change, grow, reason, empathize, negotiate, and all that good stuff. (Yes, yes, I know that some animals can do that stuff, too. I'm trying to make a point here.)
So instead of just shrugging this off as "whaddya gonna do?", why not try something else? If we're ingrained to be jerks, why not start trying to turn that ship around? Start teaching kids about feelings, empathy, respect, kindness, compromise, expressing themselves productively-- all of that-- from an early age. Start laying down the hammer for treating each other badly. Start educating parents about what they can do to help their kids be good, kind people.
I will argue that this sort of thing is more important than prepping for standardized tests and math. (Just kidding about math. Math is good.)
And I know some will say this sort of thing should be taught at home, not school. I agree. In a perfect world, where all parents have tons of time to spend with their kids, and tons of money and happiness that they never get stressed, or they don't have other responsibilities like caring for aging parents, other kids, and where every parent generally agrees to teach their kids about loving one another instead of conquering one another... yeah, that should totes happen. But until that day, I think it belongs in schools.
This is the way to prevent bullying. And preventing bullying is a way to prevent workplace bullying. And maybe people in general will just get along better. And maybe the world will suck a little less.
Let's start taking this seriously. It really, truly affects us all.
September 9, 2013
Seven Chances temporarily delayed
Hey, folks. There was a tech issue and my book didn't quite make it to the printer in time. It will be delayed. I'm pretty sure it'll be ready for the giveaway, so don't worry! I hope you enjoy it.
Heather
Heather
