Bullying is not okay. . .

I just read an article today in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about a survey done among GLBT kids in Minnesota. The results of the survey were disturbing and disheartening, in this Minnesota GBLT bullying article , but not really surprising. As a veteran teacher of 33 years, I have seen my share of bullying. I don't tolerate it in my classroom, but what goes on in hallways, outside the school building, in hidden areas like locker rooms, or elsewhere, I really have no control over. Kids have gotten meaner, emboldened by shock videos, movies, popular culture where demeaning for just about any reason is used for entertainment value. I try to teach tolerance along with my usual curriculum, so I know that I am not intentionally adding to the problem. My attitudes are not shared by everyone, of course, not even all my teaching colleagues. If you stand aside and say nothing when people are being not only physically bullied, but verbally and emotionally bullied, then you are part of the problem. The world is big, and cat bullies might be cute, but people bullies are the ugliest monsters I can imagine.

This is harder than I thought. . .

I started this blog years ago, and with Facebook popping up, I kind of deserted it. I don't drink TAB anymore, so I thought that was an inappropriate reference to me. I do still love cats, and I feel that my life wouldn't be complete without them. If I meet a fellow cat lover, I know that I have something in common. If I meet a cat hater, well, let's just say I have some issues right out of the gate. I snaked the title from a favorite childhood book called Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag. In the book, which was really quite twisted, a man and woman decided they were lonely, so the husband goes off in search of a cat to please his wife. He eventually ends up with millions of cats following him home, and even though the wife is happy, she realizes they can't care for that many cats. She decides to have a contest and asks the question, "which of you is the prettiest?" A huge bloody cat fight ensues until all the cats are obliterated except for one skinny ugly one. They decide to keep the loner and nurture it into a beautiful, sleek pet that they both love. I always loved reading the book and the art work was charming. I'm not sure what message it sends, but I'm okay with that. I know that appearance isn't everything, especially with cats, and even more with people.