[AERNet] Blind kids

[Jody W. Ianuzzi]

Hi Mariannek

Oh no one knows how tough a skin kids need better then I do.  I graduated 
from high school 36 years ago and I still have a chip on my shoulder from 
the experience.

I probably have the daily harassment to thank for my decision to study judo. 
I never would have thought of pursuing the martial arts if I hadn't made the 
decision never to be a victim in life again.  I met my husband in judo 
classes and judo was a life changing experience for me.

I agree that kids need to be more sensitive but I think that is like asking 
a scorpion not to sting.  Kids are so centered on their own fragile egos 
that they will do anything to protect their reputations.

I also know that all kids are victims, not just the blind kids.  I think the 
reasons are more obvious for blind kids, but my sighted kids were picked on 
too. My husband had his hip broken by the football team when they thought it 
would be fun to beat up the school geek.

I look back and I can understand why the kids are as thoughtless and cruel 
as they are but what I don't understand is why all the adults in my life 
didn't interfere and stop it.  I know they all heard what was happening but 
they chose to look the other way.

I can't believe they could just stand by and do nothing.  I have had several 
occasions in public places to hear a child being picked on and I always say 
something to stop it.


JODY

"WE MUST BE THE CHANGE WE WISH
TO SEE IN THE WORLD" ~ Gandhi