Friday, December 3, 2010

I Support Violence Against Children

Of course I do not support violence against children. Sigh. But if you haven't been on Facebook yet today let me tell you what's going on. There is currently a campaign on Facebook right now encouraging people to change their profile pictures to a favorite cartoon character to make a stand against child abuse. Below is the status update explaining this phenomenon.



"Change your FB profile picture to a cartoon from your childhood. The goal? To


not see a single human face on FB until Monday, December 6th. Join the

fight against child abuse; copy & paste and invite your friends to

do the same."


Let me tell you why I am refusing to do this, even though the majority of my friends and family are participating in this event. I do not want to equate the cartoons of my childhood with child abuse. It disturbs me.

"The Goal? To not see a single human face.....". That is a horrible goal! Humans commit the crime of child abuse, not fictional cartoon characters.

Want to make a stand against child abuse? Put a human face on it.  Not a victim's face, an offender's face.

 I am not really suggesting anyone do this, but I believe it would be way more appropriate to change your profile picture to the picture of a child abuser. Maybe a picture of your own abuser. The majority of crimes against children are done by a family member or "friend". 

 It's a very real possibility that a lot of Facebook members have a picture of their offender.  Do you want to equate that person with your favorite cartoon character?  Do you want one of your friends to look at your profile picture of a cartoon and be invaded by unpleasant memories?

You can't control how another person feels or perceives, I realize that.  I know that everyone who is participating in this has only the best intentions in their heart.  Otherwise you wouldn't be my Facebook friend, right?  I am just telling you that I feel, strongly, that refusing to participate in this particular campaign will be more effective in the long run.

What did I do today to prevent child abuse? I kept myself healthy, I talked and listened to my kids, and I took time to check in with their teachers. Think globally, but start locally.

 This time of the year is supposed to be gleeful and joyous. But it can be stressful, demanding, depressing and very disappointing. Do you want to avoid child abuse? Give yourself, or a parent you know a break.

Below are some websites from people who work hard everyday to prevent child abuse and take care of victims.

Stop it Now!

First 5 California

Child Abuse Prevention Council

Child Abuse Prevention Association

 
 
I promise the next thing I write will be funny.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

SOOOO glad I am not the only one who feels this campaighn is doing an injustice and mockery to the horror of child abuse!

Charlotte said...

Phew,I am glad I am not alone.

Opto-Mom said...

OMG! I have been working on a post about stupid facebook "quests" and this is one of them. Don't worry though, mine will have a bit more of a smartass vibe! {Gasp} Me? Being a smartass? The hell you say!

Love this post, by the way. I have to admit that I did change my profile pic, but only because Foghorn Leghorn friggin' ROCKS, and does not get near enough publicity. That goddamn wascally wabbit steals always steals the limelight! I didn't post about the child abuse stuff though, just changed my profile pic for totally cartoon-related political purposes.

Claudya Martinez said...

I agree.

Regina Janisse said...

I completely agree I did change mine in the first day or so that I saw that post. I later changed it back because It does not seem right that they are putting our childhood cartoon memories on there as a face for childhood abuse. I for one happen to have been a victim to often growing up. I stand by your postings all the time lady~ This is one I will definitely agree with! You Are Awesome!~

Charlotte said...

Thanks for the love everyone!