Can you spot the girl in the photo most likely to be ridiculed and called a hateful name? Not hard to figure out. And no, it was not the young African-American girl who received the majority of school yard harassment. It was me—the girl with the cat glasses. The so-not-cool glasses were bad, but can you believe the dress? It was cute when I was five, but at ten—definitely fashion challenged!
All right, so my mother wanted to keep me young forever. But sadly, I was forced to go to school. Which was no place for a painfully shy, book worm like me. My classmates called me "Susie Four Eyes." And yeah, I received my share of ridicule – which brought its necessary changes in behavior. Like peeing only before I left for school. And squeezing my legs desperately together come late afternoon. And then running home to wet the bathroom floor before I made it to the toilet. Embarrassing, yeah, but I would have chosen the disgrace of peeing in my pants any day over the risk of entering the school bathroom. That was where the enemy—the "cool" girls—waited to launch their attack.
School was a horrible place for a girl like me. A girl who couldn't afford to dress in brand-name clothes, who liked to read and stay to herself. But you know what? I survived. And so will you. Ironically, I am who I am now because of who I was.
I was different. Just like you.
I invite you to share your stories (in English or in Spanish). If you have ever been harassed, called a hateful name, ridiculed, or made fun of because you are different, I would like to hear your "tragic" tale. I am a writer of young adult literature and am compiling an anthology of short stories focused on young people who feel alienated, frustrated, hurt, or angry because they look "odd," dress differently, are overweight, (or small and scrawny), come from a different part of town, have unusual interests, or have been called a weirdo, geek, nerd, freak, loser, loner, emo, goth, faggot -- or whatever other hateful name meant to label and destroy.
Your stories aren't intended to solve the problems in your school, or to place blame, but to provide glimpses into the lives of young people who are different from their more popular peers. It is my hope that this forum will offer you thought-provoking experiences that result in greater understanding and tolerance of others. And if you--like me--have passed through the trauma of adolescence scarred but relatively sane, even better. Your experiences will bring hope and healing to those still walking the "Hallowed Halls of Hell" found in schools throughout the world.
And just so you know you're not alone, I recommend you read the book On the Fringe, a compilation of stories edited by Donald Gallo that offers insights into popularity and peer pressure, nonconformity and persecution, acceptance and hate. The riveting, provocative stories included in On the Fringe will leave you thinking and, hopefully, talking about the challenges—and rewards—of being different.
To submit your story or a short reflection, please write to me at: adkow@live.com. You can either send your story in the body of your email, or if you don't like to write, tell me when you're available for an interview and I'll do the writing while you do the talking. Be assured that all entries will be carefully read and responsibly posted. No story will be turned down--except if it promotes the same hatred and intolerance that this blog is meant to tear down.
Thanks for taking the time to read this posting. If you found this blog interesting, please forward it to your family and friends. Invite them to join you as a follower. Or to submit their story. There’s no age limit for those who wish to participate. Together, we can make a positive difference in this sometimes unjust world.
