Friday, January 19, 2007

Please Stop Laughing at Me...

It is very seldom that I actually read an autobiography and when I do, it has to be on someone who I actually respect.

One day, as I was looking for a book to read, I came across this book titled “Please Stop Laughing at Me… One Woman’s Inspirational Story.” After flipping through the introduction, I became instantly interested in it as it had to do with bullying. Now, as far as I can recall, I have never been bullied before but I am very sensitive when I see bullying occur. Due to the nature of my profession, a high school teacher in a boys custody facility, I am constantly witnessing this type of behaviour and it incenses me… and so my interest in this autobiography.

The autobiography starts off when Jodee was in fifth grade and travels through to her high school graduation. In it, she talks about the countless times that she was teased, shunned and physically assaulted by her classmates because she was different. To combat her bullying, her parents transferred her to religious and private schools hoping to combat the problem but the problem persisted. Blanco was often subjected to medication, psychiatric diagnosis, counselling and various medication. Her family and others around her concluded that her bullying was brought upon by her and she fumes that her tormentors were never held accountable for their actions. It wasn’t until after graduating from high school did her torments disappear and it wasn’t until then that her life became optimistic.

The autobiography goes on to show how Jodee Blanco goes on to triumph over all adversary and to become a seasoned publishing executive who has worked with best selling authors, Academy Award-winning actors, Emmy Award-winning producers, and Hall of Fame professional athletes.

I would suggest this book to anyone who is a parent of young children and teenagers or who are involved in working with children. To me, it is a “must read!”

15 comments:

Leann said...

I will definetly check it out.

Marie-Hélène Raletz said...

Your review makes me want to read the book :)
Marie

Jo said...

Bullying is something that really concerns me, and girls can be the worst. Did you see the video this week of the girls beating up another girl? They were 13 and 14 years old.

This looks like an amazing book. I'm going to find it.

Cheers,
Josie

Tasha said...

That sounds really interesting. I need to figure out where to get it! I have been looking for a new book to read. Thanks for coming by my blog. Weather around here is still nuts!

Becky Wolfe said...

Sounds like a sad thing that eventually turned good. Some of them just don't end up any better, the bullying takes its toll. I've been following the story Josie mentioned. I don't know why it amazes me more when girls are more physically abusive than boys but its still shocking.

Jocelyn said...

The idea of bringing bullying upon oneself makes me a little crazy. I've struggled to articulate to my six-year-old daughter why some people choose to act cruel; sounds like this book taps into some important ideas.

Janice Thomson said...

Good post Dave on a timely topic...I will buy this for my daughter. My grandson who is 14 now suffers at the hands of many bullies because he doesn't swear, smoke or do drugs...he has even been threatened with a knife. That particular student has been a problem to others as well, yet the school refuses to do anything even when he was caught carrying the knife...what will happen I wonder if next week the knife becomes a gun? Unfortunately this is a scenario played out many times in many different schools. It was here on the Island in Victoria where a 14 year old girl was murdered because of her race...it becomes scary to think of what our children sometimes grow up with. Thanks for the book suggestion.

Dave said...

TO ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE TOPIC OF BULLYING, YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
http://www.jodeeblanco.com/index.htm

Hi Leann!... It most certainly is a good read! :-)

Hi Marie!...Thanks for the compliment but the book is way better than the review! :-)

Hi Josie!... Yes, I did see that on the news...unbelievable!

Hi Tasha!...You can get it online through most online bookstores.

Hi Becky!...Yes it did turn out well for her though, in most cases the kids aren't so fortunate. Why are girls more physical? I wish I knew though I do know that it is on the rise...very unfortunate!

Hi Jocelyn!...It really did tap into some major issues and ideas. It is so hard to explain those things to a small child...I know where you are coming from.

Janice...That is a scarey situation for your grandson. From my experience with youth, I strongly suggest that you monitor it very closely though I am sure you are already. There are some really informative B.C.web sites that you might be interested in so email me if interested.

Tai said...

As a 'survivor' of years of bullying, I wonder if I'd be able to get through this account without bawling my eyes.
Bullying is awful and traumitizing and it's difficult to 'get over', no matter how many years pass and how well you do in the rest of your life.

Dave said...

Hi Tai!...Thanks so much for sharing this. Bullying leaves scars no matter how well the healing process goes or how much time may (or may not)heal. You are so right.

Maqsood Qureshi said...

I was victimized and bullied at school. I used to come home crying and utterly helpless. Then one day I stumbled on Pulling Your Own Strings by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer...and I started learning Martial Arts too..particularly..Muay Thai (Kick Boxing)

Dave said...

Thanks Maqsood Qureshi, I am going to try and check out this book!

Pat said...

Hi Dave! Thank you - for the book find, and also for Jodee's website, but mostly for caring as much as you do. I only hinted at it in my cancer story, but I was also the victim of bullying in high school. Some of it my doing via my outrageous and "in your face, fight-back" behavior, some of it my parents' doing. Nonetheless what I have found is twofold: (a) bullying assumes many identities, not all of them overt or obvious, and (b) that unless one uncovers the underlying reasons bullies are attracted to you, and then take steps to forever end or change those underlying causes and reasons, the attraction can continue thru a lifetime. In my case, just as one example, the bullying and "using" didn't stop until I was fully willing to stop my and "overlooking" and "excuse finding (for them)" behavior. Not saying this is the root for others - but it was mine. Thanks again - I'm off now to check out Jodee's website!

KaiBlue said...

I read this and so did my daughter and we had a long discussion about it.
I am glad she has decent friends and most of the kids in her high school were into things (sports etc..) other then bullying..
This book was amazing..
Peace, Kai.

Shionge said...

Thank you for recommending this book as I have a teenage daughter who is currently studying in a new school, new environment.

She finds it a struggle at this moment and yes, I'll check out this book too.

Thank you once again.