Gaga in dodo over disabilities song lyrics? As promised, I'll provide some information about Gaga's beleaguered "Born This Way" Foundation (BTWF) and her mother who cofounded it with her. But first, a few words about the "Born this Way" song, which stirred controversy when she released it. Besides the expected negativity from those who hate gay-friendly lyrics, several … [Read more...]
“Bully” —an anti-bully film—on PBS
Classic anti-bully film. Over 13 million American kids will be bullied this year, making it the most common form of violence experienced by young people in the nation. Bully, directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, brings human scale to this startling statistic, offering an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families as they cope in different ways with relentless cruelty while trying to fit in. Filmed over the course of a single … [Read more...]
Disabilities and Lady Gaga’s anti-bully lyrics.
Lately, news reporters have been writing about Lady Gaga's foundation to combat bullying. Because so much of the foundation is linked to the recording artist's words in "Born This Way," it's important to look at the lyrics. Disabilities mentioned. What's exciting to me, besides the anti bully message, is Lady Gaga's use of the word "disabilities "about two-thirds into her song: "Whether life's disabilitiesLeft you outcast, bullied, or teasedRejoice and love yourself today'cause baby … [Read more...]
Cleft Heart book event October 15.
If you can, try to catch my book talk at Orinda Books next Wednesday at 10 am. Talk, Signing, Q & A should be great fun. Orinda Books276 Village Square, Orinda CA. 94563 (925) 254-7606Ample free parking just outside the store Sponsored by the Junior League. One of their book clubs meets at the store. Directions/Map. … [Read more...]
No Bullying Month—October
I made the case here back in May that there should be a national week or month for cleft lip and palate kids in the US, just as there is in the UK. Fortunately, we don't have to wait for some good news on this front.. There's already time set aside for bullying prevention, a cause cleft affeted kids rally behind because of the fierce bullying most of them experience growing up. No Bullying Month—October Bullying Prevention Month was started by PACER, a national parent center serving all … [Read more...]
Appearance, shape, race: top reasons for bullying. Solutions?
I flew over Elmira, New York early this summer and was reminded of the famous Elmira Reformatory which was renown for Warden Zebulon Brockway's rehabilitation ideas, including that of indeterminate sentencing. Brockway became so popular he was elected mayor of Elmira at age 77. The Elmira Correctional Facility is a major institutiion and employer in town. No wonder, then, that schools in Elmira have come up with some great projects to combat bullying. A recent story in the local Star … [Read more...]
Uglies, Pretties—the surgeries, the lookism.
Since so many of you resonated with my review of Wonder , I thought you'd like to know about another juvenile/young adult book series called Uglies and Pretties. In fact, the series has expanded to include books titled Specials (2006) and Extras (2007). The latter deals with the obsession of so many with fame—something I deal with from time to time in this blog. Young adult lookism. Set in a future dystopia where things aren't great, but economic challenges have receded, … [Read more...]