The power of words

Tonight I had my first warrior moment for the special needs community. I am on an email list for the parent's at Taylor's school and one of the parent's sent an email about a babysitter that called her son some horrible names - cursing and everything - after the parent gave her some feedback about her babysitting skills. I have never seen something so mean and hurtful - and from a UW student. She is a member of a sorority and clearly doesn't appreciate how blessed she is, or understand how hurtful words can be. Even more scary, she's in the education department.

At first, I quickly wrote an email to the girl, so she could see how far-reaching her comments could go and how hurtful words can be. She clearly needed a teaching moment. Then, after David's urging to calm down, I made the wise move to send the mother the email addresses of her sorority's president and their head of public relations - they need to know how this girl is representing their chapter. The mom was thrilled and was going to send them the email from the girl. This may all sound childish, but I am amazed sometimes how little awareness there is for political correctness for this community. I want to be a thoughtful warrior for these kids - many of whom can't communicate to defend themselves - and help raise awareness of the need for not even sensitivity, but basic human decency. This babysitter is my first student - I think she will have a hard lesson, but I hope it will serve her well in the future.

Off soapbox for tonight....