Two days ago, I reported on the brutalization of a little boy in a school in Florida. Forgive me for being overly personal, or maudlin, or sentimental. However, I have been pissed off in the extreme, since his mother told me of the incident. I began to imagine what it must have been like to be surrounded by larger kids, stronger and predatory. I imagined what it was like to be alone, totally vulnerable to the purest of evil; the evil of children.
I got the "willies". I got afraid. I remembered what I felt when I FEARED that happening to me. I remember holding my piss, so i wouldnt have to go into a bathroom and risk that happening to me. I remember sitting in class, afraid to ask to use the bathroom. I remember pissing myself, and pulling my shirt out to hide the spot on my pants. I wonder if that ever happened to John? I wonder how long he contained his fears(?), and how long he silently fought a shame too horrible to mention to anyone, even his mother, until two days ago.
This is childhood in many schools. This is childhood wreathed in fear. These are the memories they carry to adulthood. Not many men admit to them. They become ghost, haunting them, until THEY lash out at THEIR families, at the very people they love.
Thus, the beginning of a childs school experience, may be the most crucial period of their entire development.
The next time you watch the local news, and view a story about a kid "gone wrong", take a moment to wonder why. To wonder what unmentionable indignity, buried somewhere in their past, brought out the "beast" in that child.
Our children spend twice as much time with teachers (strangers), than with their parents. This a national average, and reports volumes on why our kids turn out the way they do.
A majority of them are miseducated and underrated by their schools, and never given the chance to realize their own potential. They are hearded, like cattle, through overburdened school systems, taught by teachers, lacking the time and resources, and often experience, to address the core emotional developmental phases children experience. Surely, the nation's future often rests upon incidents like John experienced.
On the other hand, there are thousands of dedicated teachers who try with every ounce of their energy to right these wrongs. However, many kids slip through the cracks, become lost, and underachieve for the rest of their lives. This is more than a tragedy; it represents a direct threat to the future societal construct of this nation, to it's socital health.
John will recover, because his mother is a remarkable, impressive woman. She is fierce, intelligent, brave, never gives up, and would gladly die for a smile upon his face.
Other children are not so lucky.
Those are the ones who make the evening news......
Best Regards,
Ookrana
I hope with all my heart that this boy is able to overcome these great challenges. You are of course correct that few understand or empathize with the deep implications these experiences have for a human being's future. They can be insidious if not properly addressed. I am thankful that you were there to intervene. Sometimes giving a voice to those you see your self in helps not just the voiceless, but also your own wounded spirit. Thank you for making a difference in this child's life.
P.S. I wonder, did you feel THIS little girl praying for you happiness, health and well being?
Always the best wished for you, Lawrence of Arabia.
Posted by: Little Girl | 05 July 2005 at 07:29 AM