Each month SWIVL features a book that exemplifies the spirit of ViolenceFree. For the month of April 2010, SWIVL recommends a wonderful author and advocate for ending violence.
Don’t be a victim! That’s the clear and simple message from Jodee Blanco, author of the best-selling book, PLEASE STOP LAUGHING AT US.
Bullying, like animal cruelty, child abuse, and domestic violence is a disease that must be eradicated from society and Blanco describes a number of actions that children can take, including:
- Realize there’s nothing wrong with you
- Reacting to the moment, not later
- Reaching out to a parent or other individuals of authority
Ideas to stop the bully are promoted by Blanc through stories, examples, and most of all action. Ignoring the abuser – the bully – will not make him or her go away. SWIVL encourages schools officials, teachers, parents, and community leaders to review the work of Ms. Blanco and visit her web site.
To end animal cruelty, child abuse, and domestic violence, we must focus on the act of violence and recognize that the abuser does not care who the victim is – it is the abusive act itself that gives pleasure and motivates the abuser.
It’s time to get serious about the bully; an important first step to ending the cycle of violence.
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