Lady Reader's Bookstuff: Deena Remiel on Bullying..

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Deena Remiel on Bullying..

10:20 AM | Posted by lady reader |

Today I want to welcome Deena Remiel to share with us her views on bullying. Let's thank Deena for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit with us.

How I Work to STOMP OUT BULLYING ~ Deena Remiel

Just because I’m an educator, it doesn't automatically mean I am a bullying victim’s champion. I remember being a student, eons ago, and watching as some of my own teachers turned a blind eye or shook their heads in defeat when they were told about bullies running a muck Some teachers have even gone so far as to tell victims to grow thicker skin. Really? You mean to tell me that humans were born to either impose their power negatively on others or be the ones who are oppressed? Uh uh. Not buying it.

I am an educator, and I made it my personal mission and career choice to raise awareness in my students, year after year, that we can be a powerful, positive force in people’s lives rather than negative.

What do I teach them? No one has the right to verbally or physically intimidate or demean another. We all come together with different stories, different ways of learning, different appearances and different ways of communicating. It is our responsibility to learn about one another and to celebrate what makes us all unique.

These lessons strike a chord with victims and bullies alike. After all, many bullies have been or are being bullied by others, too. I’ll never stop talking with kids and teaching them how to be an advocate for themselves and others.

Our society must continue to educate and advocate until bullying is STOMPED OUT entirely.