I linked there from Janet Reid's blog. Janet's post was eloquent, CJ's was gut-wrenching. Thanks for posting. I think everyone should shout out about this. Laurie Halse Anderson spells out what happened on her blog. We can't be silent.
Mary - exactly. I discuss this in class - not in specifics, but in generalities because it's happened to kids in many of my classes and they need to know there are places to get help.
Thanks for the link. It's a harrowing subject matter and wanting to silence books and people who speak about such realities does little good and more harm to the survivors.
Oh, that's terrible. I think rape should have the same punishment as murder, because it pretty much kills a person. and I read somewhere that only 20% of rapes (in Norway, at least) are reported. That's just macabre. Too tragic.
People use religion so often to cover up their own fears and promote their own agendas. Incest and rape have too long been hidden and kept secret. We must all speak up at every opportunity and watch out for each other and espcecially those who need us to watch out for them.
Susan - excellent point. Kids shouldn't have to protect themselves. They shouldn't have to lose their childhoods, their innocence or their joy to these creeps.
What wonderful courage! I am so thankful she shared her story. Speak's author shared an amazing poem she put together that compiles some of the heart of the thousands of letters she received as a result of the book at http://misfitsalon.blogspot.com/2010/09/listen.html
How courageous to share her story. How inspiring that she kept her faith through it all. There are books and movies in the Christian genre that deal with drugs, rape, suicide, teen-pregnancy, cutting, bullying, and others issues of teens. To not allow books that deal with these issues, Christian or not, leads to isolation. Teens need to feel connected. Bravo to her for not being silent. And thanks for spreading the news, Jemi.
Thank you for linking it, Jemi. You are right- silence is not an option. Girls need to know they are not the only ones, however ghastly it may sound to someone who is lucky enough to have a beautiful family. Thank you.
Lynn - I agree completely! CJ is amazing. The only way to encourage kids in this situation to speak up and reach out for help is to let them know they're not alone and it's not their fault.
Rayna - there is so much power and strength in knowing you are not alone. I've taught too many kids who've suffered torments silently for too many years. I hope these stories will help others.
SPEAK is such a great book! My daughter recommended it to me because she thought it was awesome, and I read it and loved it, too. I'm glad bloggers are making people aware. Thanks, Jemi.
42 comments:
You are right- it must be read. I'm all for speaking out!
Summer - me too. I've seen too many people suffer. It's not okay to not help.
I linked there from Janet Reid's blog. Janet's post was eloquent, CJ's was gut-wrenching.
Thanks for posting. I think everyone should shout out about this. Laurie Halse Anderson spells out what happened on her blog. We can't be silent.
Needs to be read and talked about by girls and women everywhere.
Tricia - Totally agree. I haven't seen Janet Reid's post yet. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
Mary - exactly. I discuss this in class - not in specifics, but in generalities because it's happened to kids in many of my classes and they need to know there are places to get help.
Thanks for the link. It's a harrowing subject matter and wanting to silence books and people who speak about such realities does little good and more harm to the survivors.
Take care
x
Old Kitty - so true. It's horrific when the aftermath is worse than the event. We have to keep talking about it. CJ is so brave.
Thank you so much for the link. Definitely reading this!
Julie - it's well worth it. Janet Reid has a great post about this topic as well.
Oh, that's terrible. I think rape should have the same punishment as murder, because it pretty much kills a person. and I read somewhere that only 20% of rapes (in Norway, at least) are reported. That's just macabre. Too tragic.
Alexandra - definitely. The stats worldwide are pretty low. Most people don't report. It's horrific. We've got to do more to help!
Thanks for the link - very strong post.
Charmaine - CJ's amazing. It must have been an incredibly difficult post to write. I'm so humbled by her courage.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I'm really glad I read it.
Julie - you're welcome. It's horrific, but needs to be discussed openly. So hard.
Thanks for sharing this link. Very inspiring post and the word does need to be shared.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
I read it earlier!
Mason - it is and it does. Silence creates even more troubles for people who should be getting extra TLC and assistance.
Alex - it sure is a memorable post. I know I'm not likely to forget it.
Courage beyond measure.
I read it and made a comment , I HOPE IT HELPS.
Yvonne.
Buttercup - so very, very true.
Yvonne - thank you. I think any additional awareness, any more conversation helps.
There's been a lot of talk in the blogsphere over this issue. Awareness is crucial. Thanks :)
Lyn
Lynda - I'm so glad the conversation is happening. It's vital if we're ever going to stop this hideous type of action.
People use religion so often to cover up their own fears and promote their own agendas. Incest and rape have too long been hidden and kept secret. We must all speak up at every opportunity and watch out for each other and espcecially those who need us to watch out for them.
Susan - excellent point. Kids shouldn't have to protect themselves. They shouldn't have to lose their childhoods, their innocence or their joy to these creeps.
Thank you for this, Jemi. CJ's courageous post broke my heart. That any child should have to endure such torture is an abomination.
You put it beautifully: Silence is not an option.
VR - I thought CJ was wonderful before I read her post today. Now I know she's all that and so much more.
Kids should be safe. Always.
Thanks for alerting us, Jemi.
Silence, indeed is not an option.
Well said.
Wendy - thanks. It's too important to be quiet. Too many kids suffer in silence because they fear the aftermath. Awful.
What wonderful courage! I am so thankful she shared her story. Speak's author shared an amazing poem she put together that compiles some of the heart of the thousands of letters she received as a result of the book at http://misfitsalon.blogspot.com/2010/09/listen.html
Margo - I agree. She's amazing - she spoke with such courage and grace.
Thanks for the link - unforgettable. Heartbreaking.
You may have said only 10 words, but that's ten words spoken against silence, and that's immeasurable.
Thanks Beth. We really have to stop atrocities like this happening. Kids have to be safe. It's our best hope for this world.
How courageous to share her story. How inspiring that she kept her faith through it all. There are books and movies in the Christian genre that deal with drugs, rape, suicide, teen-pregnancy, cutting, bullying, and others issues of teens. To not allow books that deal with these issues, Christian or not, leads to isolation. Teens need to feel connected. Bravo to her for not being silent. And thanks for spreading the news, Jemi.
Thank you for linking it, Jemi. You are right- silence is not an option. Girls need to know they are not the only ones, however ghastly it may sound to someone who is lucky enough to have a beautiful family.
Thank you.
Lynn - I agree completely! CJ is amazing. The only way to encourage kids in this situation to speak up and reach out for help is to let them know they're not alone and it's not their fault.
Rayna - there is so much power and strength in knowing you are not alone. I've taught too many kids who've suffered torments silently for too many years. I hope these stories will help others.
SPEAK is such a great book! My daughter recommended it to me because she thought it was awesome, and I read it and loved it, too. I'm glad bloggers are making people aware. Thanks, Jemi.
Dawn - I've had it in my classroom for a few years, but I haven't read it yet. I'm so glad people are speaking up - it's such an important issue!
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