Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Today we have the very talented and wonderful Terra Elan McVoy. Terra has generously donated a signed copy of her novel, THE SUMMER OF FIRSTS AND LASTS. Thanks so much to Terra for her donation and for stopping by to chat with us on the Bullying topic.
Three sisters. One life-changing summer.
Calla loves summer because summer means Duncan. They've been best friends for years, but Calla has never worked up the nerve to tell him how she really feels. This summer, the summer before college, is Calla's last chance.
Violet isn't much of a rule breaker in real life. But this isn't real life, this is summer, and Violet is determined to make the most of it. Besides, a little sneaking out never hurt anyone. And sneaking out with James is 100% worth the risk...even though James is completely off-limits.
Daisy has never been the sister that boys notice, but when sparks fly with Joel at the first bonfire of summer, it seems so easy and right. So why is being his girlfriend so complicated?
*Please note: I don't in any way feel that THE SUMMER OF FIRST AND LASTS tackles serious issues of bullying, or is this great anti-bullying tome. But there is a bully in it, and Daisy, the youngest Winthrop sister, does have to deal with her, and so it's pertinent in that way.* -Terra
Bullying always shocks me.
I grew up in a household where the overriding message was
always, “Be kind to others.” Even if
someone made you angry. Even if they were different from you. Even if you
didn’t always want to, or it made you uncomfortable to do so. Both my parents
were activists and social workers in their own ways, and taking care of other
people was always a priority in our
house. Even if it meant we had less money. Even if it was embarrassing.
As a result, whenever I hear about severe cases of
bullying—or even mild ones, really—I’m always shocked. It just surprises me
that other people would be willing to be so mean.
That they would put their own anger, their own fear, their own need for power,
their own opinions or whatever, above my parents’ message (and the message of
many other wise adults) that the world is a better place when we treat each
other with respect and kindness. My Pollyanna attitude—my belief that people
can and should get along, that loving your enemy is an act of power—makes me weak in the face of this kind of
behavior. I don’t ever know what to say. I don’t know what to do. When I hear
about stories like Amanda Todd’s, or read something like Cassie Clare’s post on
bullying this month, I feel totally, utterly inept. I just can’t believe that human beings would treat
each other that way. And I have no wisdom when it comes to dealing with it.
Like I said, I’m shocked. Every time.
But in spite of feeling helpless, I do know it’s important to stand up for good in the world. I know
the things that are right need us to
defend them. This is what pushes me forward, to action, even when I’m unsure.
There are no superheroes right now, no Harry Potter or Buffy or whomever. And
as the great Libba Bray has said in the past, we have to be the warriors for our moral code. And it’s not okay to be violent. It’s not all
right to make other people feel small just to make yourself look big. It isn't okay to hurt other people just because they’re different from you, and in the
21st century, it’s not acceptable to behave like an uncivilized,
animal-instinct caveman who’s had a drumstick stolen from him around the fire
circle. You just can’t go biting off other people’s hands, no matter how hurt
you feel yourself.
So while I always want everyone to get along—while I am
often mush-mouthed in the face of nastiness—it’s important to say, especially
during National Bullying Awareness Month, that we must all protect the good,
and we must all stand up, even if we’re scared. If you see something or hear
about something that you know is
wrong—a girl at school being called a slut because of a t-shirt, or a guy who didn't make the hockey team being teased about being a (you know the word)—please
say something to somebody else about it. You don’t have to engage with haters,
but do stand by your friends. Your classmates.
Your co-workers. The kid in 4th period whom you don’t know
well, but who says funny things and who isn't really that bad. Be brave for the
sake of civility. Stand proud for people being decent to each other. You don’t
have to be friends with everyone—you don’t even have to like everyone—but please, don’t be a coward in the face of cowards.
Because that’s only ever what, ultimately and always, bullies really are.
 |
| photo credit Jamie Allen |
Terra Elan McVoy has held a variety of jobs centered around reading and writing, from managing an independent children’s bookstore, to teaching writing classes, and even answering fan mail for Captain Underpants.
Terra lives and works in the same Atlanta neighborhood where her novels After the Kiss, Being Friends with Boys, and Pure are set. She is also the author of The Summer of Firsts and Lasts and Criminal.
To learn more, visit TerraElan.com and follow Terra on Twitter at @TerraMcVoy.
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*Please note, all giveaways will be shipped out at the end of the month.*
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14 comments:
Yes I do. Thanks for the chance to win!
Yes, definitely. And I think there should be more school-based projects too, with authors visit classes and telling them of their experiences.
Yes i believe it does
Yes! When we show a united front against those who are unkind, they will have no choice but to stop!
Yes I believe it does. It shows us standing together for a common problem teens and others have to deal with. There is no need for bullying and being mean we should all love one another. Thank you for the amazing giveaway and that you to Terra for donating a copy of her book for the cause.
Absolutely. I'm actually relieved to see such an increase in school/public awareness regarding the issue of bullying. And, I'd like to see guidance counselors make it a point to address this topic, and offer counseling/behavior modification for those students with anger management issues.
The reason children/adults bully in the first place is a problem within society that needs to come under greater scrutiny. Thanks to both you and Terra for making this giveaway possible! <3
Mary DeBorde M.A.D.
Yes. I didn't even know there was an anti-bullying month. I've been enlightened and saddened by some of things I have read on this blog already this month. But I think I will be more aware of instances of bullying in the future.
~alli
mrscaptkirk51.blogspot.com
Yes for sure..... Thanks for the giveaway :)
Yes. As someone who has been bullied I think it does.
Yes - I believe awareness is the first step to solving any problem.
I absolutely think that these events raise awareness and promote discussions which is the only way to work toward solutions.
Absolutely. The more this is drawn to people's attention the better.
Absolutely. The more this is drawn to people's attention the better.
Definitely yes! This is one of the first and best steps to raise awareness.
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