willful ignorance

“the worst thing about bigotry is that it is founded on willful ignorance.”

Jeri posted 4/6/09 washingtonblade.com

The second worst thing about bigotry is that it passes down generation to generation; children learn it from observing and listening to their parents. They also learn it from listening in church. You know, that very special place you go once a week to hear how God wants us to “love one another” and tells us how special the children of the world are to him.

Why are children killing themselves and/or experiencing severe depression? How often is it because of bigotry, taunting, harassment and teasing that they are receiving at school? Why are they being teased? Because they are different, or possibly gay? Where are the adults that are being paid to protect the children while they are in school? Why would the adults be ignoring the cries for help?

Ignorance? Discomfort? Bigotry? Christian values?

How many more children have to die by their own hands? When is it NOT going to be okay to bully, humiliate, harass or perpetrate violence on another individual based on their sexuality, gender identification, weight, race etc… And when are going to start telling our children it isn't okay?

the Matthew Shepard Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act

the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, known as ENDA
Please write your Congressional Representative and ask them to endorse these acts protecting people from hateful acts of discrimination, humiliation and violence.

An eleven year old should never be subject to such ridicule or hatred. If they came to school with bruises or other signs of abuse, would the school do something about it? You bet they would. So why don’t they do the same for abuse by other children happening in school?

Teaching children tolerance and love for each other, especially those that are different or less fortunate, would make the greatest difference in their tomorrows. These values are best taught by loving parents and family. At the same time schools should be helping to enforce these values, not ignoring pleas for help.

Imagine a world in harmony.