What’s the New Flavor in Your Ear?
Sometimes the new gossip on your street (literally) can be enticing but at whose expense?
I am constantly bombarded by statistics in the education realm but one in particular stood out to me so distinctly that it seemed to grow two feet, walked up and slapped me.
33% of bullying occurs inside of classrooms.
I was immediately convicted. I asked myself, “How do students leave my classroom feeling?”
I committed to increase my awareness and follow through in the event that I am made aware or observe disrespect to any being in the building.
I was quickly reminded that bullying happens beyond the bricks of the school as well. It travels worldwide instantaneously via social media and even group text messages.
More and more we see but dismiss cyberbullying. Prime example, the infamous catsuit of Serena Williams that influenced the French Open’s sudden dress code change. Designed to support blood circulation and originality (melanin entrepreneurship), the bodysuit became a gateway to publicly body shame this champion, on and off the court. People go a great distance (literally!) to impart hateful words concerning things near to our hearts. The reality is you can simply google gorilla and Serena and several unfavorable comparisons will be listed.
Body shaming is just one (but major) way that we have publicly scrutinized and abused people. News and daily conversations have become more negative and violent. We easily deviate from gifts, talent, outreach and purpose to physical attributes or mishaps of people that do not matter nor make the world go around.
How do you engage as an adult through text, social media or what is perceived as a simple update on the telephone?
Sip Secret #10: Empathy saves lives. You can pray without all the details.
Sometimes repetition can increase the damage. Every repost, retweet or recitation of details that are often hurtful, not helpful and/or not even true, are tarnishing the reputation or confidence of someone who is loved and cared for by someone else. Do not wait until the event hits home, speak against conversations that are not uplifting and helpful.
If her skirt is too short, does she have another option?
If he smells, does he have a medical issue or the finances to purchase hygiene products?
If she doesn’t perform her job well, is she aware or just the rest of the office?
If there is a conversation around demotion, have you given him the tools to be successful?
Showing empathy can literally save a life, a job, and positive self-image. Shift the efforts in long conversation to action. Be the change. When you recognize a need, you can pray without all the details.