When possible I listen to, and sometimes watch, segments of NBC's Today Show. More and more, these segments are about what's happening on the Internet. I can't help but think, "Wow!" What a lot of power is found hidden on that small screen in my writing office. What a lot of collective power we have as writers connecting on the Internet!
The segment this morning was about iVillage and its 10 most popular conversation starters of 2010. The sad passing of Elizabeth Edwards was number one on that list. The number two subject, that of suicides relating to bullying in our country, is near and dear to my heart. As a teacher, I am horrified that children can be so cruel to one another. It is gratifying to have attention drawn to this subject. If everyone will work together, perhaps the evil of bullying will be diminished in our schools.
As women and as writers, we have more power than we've ever had before. What we write on our blogs is published immediately. That's amazing to me because, as a freelance writer for many years, I waited for weeks and sometimes months for my feature articles to appear in print. Now Twitter and Facebook have become sources for news stories on CNN.
Amazing, the power!
8 comments:
I'm amazed too. Who would have ever thought that we could communicate with people all around the world in a matter of minutes.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
The Internet is amazing.
Maybe because I attended a small town high school, I didn't see bullying. There were cliques, rich kids, basketball guys, etc. Today it seems rampant and horrific. Things don't always change for the better.
No wonder I like you so much. You're a teacher. I finished your book...what an amazing idea to have a "walk-in," inhabit your heroine and to have her connect with the old friend that becomes the new boyfriend. If this really happens, I hope it never happens to me. But so great in a story.
Nancy
The internet is amazing!
Thanks, Mason, Helen, Nancy, and Susanne for your comments!
Around the world in almost a split second--it is amazing, Mason!
Helen, I remember bullying as well as the cliques, but it's awful when you realize that children are picked on and frightened. I'm so glad to see the schools and parents take this up as an important issue. I find the situation of suicides in colleges very disturbing. We didn't have instant news sources when I was in college, but I don't recall hearing about any student in any school committing suicide then!
Nancy, thank you! It would be a little upsetting to have that happen. However, the "walk-in" premise is supposed to happen by mutual agreement. You would have to want to leave your body and would agree for another soul to enter it. I can imagine a child who is bullied might want to leave. That could be another story. Hmmm...
Ah, you are correct, Monti. The internet is power when used wisely and well! Appreciated your mention of bullying -- for a time, I worked for a nonprofit in St. Louis, the Progressive Youth Connection, that is dedicated to eradicating bullying in the St. Louis schools. Wonderful Executive Director, Meg Petri, is a strong asset to the organization; they do Good Work! Thanks for bringing this important subject to our attention. Best always, Daisy
Bullying has been around a long time, hasn't it? I'm in my late 60s, but I still have vivid memories of the bullies, many of them girls, from my small town grade school days.
Thanks, Daisy. Interesting you were involved in St. Louis schools. I've found some great art lessons for elementary students written by St. Louis teachers!
Pat, I think girls are often the worst with bullying. Maybe that's because we just don't expect it.
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