racism in Kea`au and Pahoa schools

[Devany]

As sad as it is true Aaron, the school is a mirror of the community in which you lived. Your parents chose to raise you there, you obviously had no say in that. Having said that, I think you probably learned some lessons in tolerance and acceptance from your school days. The people who make fun of others are doing it because they have low self esteem and that comes from ignorant parents.

We cannot escape racism, it is everywhere in our world. But we can work to eradicate it by eliminating in our own lives and not carrying around bitterness about what you experienced. Kids are at a tender age where the slightest things can effect their self esteem. Being teased does just that and believe me merciless teasing exists at all schools. Now you can raise children who are kinder and gentler and eventually make a difference because of the many lessons you learned in school.

Kathy, I am delighted to hear that your grandson is in a place where he is able to bloom and now has a positive experience. The disabled have so many more battles to fight than many kids. They deserve an upper hand, or at least a nurturing environment. Of course every student deserves that, but I think you know what I mean. You are right, that there are differences in schools. This is one reason people moving need to really put their kids first in their decision. Like I said, the school mirrors the community in many ways. Irresponsible parents are at fault, the "bad" kids are just a reflection of the way they are raised.

Regarding the cream... I meant people who "get over it" and work hard at something, anything scholastics, art, music,computer science,writing, sports. I believe in EVERY child there is "cream". It is the whiners and and bullies who do not ever get past their pity parties and attitudes to be what they can be. Blaming others on your own misfortune is really not at all a winning attitude. Many people have had far worse lives than most Hawaiian kids and still rose above their circumstances... to the top... Oprah is a prime example, but there are thousands of people that have made terrific lives even though they faced adversity in their youth.

And anyone that can remember back to their teen years knows that all emotions are simmering beneath the surface for kids that age. It is so easy to be hurt. Remember losing your first love? God, some of my friends thought they were going to die from the pain. They didn't. Life is full of lessons. Some are not easy to go through and a few people never get beyond their high school mentality.

Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

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