If you believe that you have never encountered a bully you are gravely mistaken. Perhaps you didn’t recognize them. Trust me, they abound. They wreak havoc. They often don’t register on the radar-screen, but they are there. They are not limited to the playground, nor to the work place; they are in our families and in our social circles. They need help. So do their victims. Bullies are simply a symptom of our society. That does not mean we should be complacent.
Because I have encountered them in many roles and circumstances, I was drawn to write about them…initially as a cathartic activity, but that quickly evolved into an educational tool.
These poems and the related activities are designed to be thought provoking, challenging and sometimes they can be very powerful. I have witnessed the impact they can have on certain individuals, particularly children. Although I do caution you to be sensitive to the reactions they might provoke, I wouldn’t want you to shy away from using them as stimulants for discussion. I really believe that it is vitally important that we discuss these issues directly and honestly. For far too long there has been a shroud of secrecy surrounding the subject. If however, you feel unprepared to deal with emotional responses to the poems and activities, I would advise you seek guidance before doing so. Bullying experiences can inflict deep wounds and leave individuals very fragile. Sometimes opening up a Pandora’s box can do more harm than good.
In closing, I would like to add that this is a work in progress. I am not sure where it is leading. I would very much appreciate your feed-back.
Thank you,
andrea
