The bottom line (was: Re: Students urged to stand up to bullies)

[Guest guest]

Welcome Lydia...Great idea!

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm a new member that's been lurking for a few days. Recently

diagnosed with

> AS, I've suspected (and studied) it for over 2 years. I am a mother,

> singer/songwriter and web designer among other things... but enough

for the

> intro.

>

> Bullying is now, always was, and always will be WRONG. The attitude

that

> " it's always been that way " and " kids will be kids " is NONSENSE.

Studies

> have proven time and again that this is just not the case. Bullying

is a

> learned behavior and is nearly always traceable back to the home

environment

> of the bully.

>

> I am developing a campaign using the acronym AKT and the

slogan " Get your

> AKT together " to promote Acceptance, Kindness and Tolerance.

Awareness is *not

> enough*. Not when people use awareness as an excuse to be

condescending,

> patronizing or in worst case scenarios to take advantage of us in

some way.

> Even apathy or ignorance are preferable to exploitation or harm.

>

> YES. Those of us who are functional and strong enough MUST " circle

the

> wagons " to protect those who are less functional and weaker than we

are.

> Together we can make a difference. Even one person can make a

difference,

> with enough determination.

>

> Nice to " meet " you all.

> ~Lydia

>