Sunday Newscape Magazine

As a proud father of a special needs child I see the challenges my daughter endures on a daily basis. Every morning as I watch her board the school bus it tears my heart out knowing that I just fed her to the lions.

The lions den is her school embellished with beautifully manicured lawns and an inviting façade. You would think this is the perfect place for a child to learn and grow. Unfortunately, this is a place that shows little mercy for children who have that so-called label of difference compared to others.

Their routines are simple, but their obstacles are numerous. My daughter and her classmates are constantly bullied, mocked, and disrespected in so many ways while trying to fit in with a society that has no idea what they go through. It could be compared to an imaginary circle that is drawn around each labeled child that so-called normal children will never encroach. When that line is crossed it usually means trouble to these special kids who cannot or are afraid to stand up for themselves.

Perhaps I am being too harsh on the majority when the minority is the real problem, but unless you have walked in my shoes there is no argument on this subject. I see the results everyday as an active parent in my child’s school. The constant pain these children endure just from a mental stand point hurts their progress and teaches a negative message.

So what is the answer to this never ending problem? Most important, who should be held responsible for the bullied voices no one seems to hear?

In my opinion, the teachers are on the front lines of this problem, but their hands are tied. The inundation of work and class size make them just a body in a sea of little people.

On the other hand, The Board of Education has basically put their heads in the sand on this issue. Their emphasis on bullying is setup as boilerplate text to fit all and that is wrong considering these are special needs children we are referring to. In my mind these are hate crimes. It is The Board of Education that puts labels on these children so why is this not considered or categorized as attacking a specific group?

Responsibility of parents should be number one as the focal point of teaching basic responsibility and respect at home. The break down of the American family has really hurt this generation, but if you hold them responsible for their child’s actions, you bet change would occur. Parents need to step-up and teach their children these basic fundamentals of life. If the children don’t learn now; how in the world will they handle life in the future?

Most important, we are talking about human beings who have the same thoughts, feelings, and emotions we all have. The only variation is their minds work a little different. We all should teach our children that people are people no matter what. We all deserved respect and should give respect to others in return.

As for my little princess, her mind might be a little different than others and the lions may take a bite now and then, but I will always be there to protect her. I realize she is a true blessing in my life and here for a reason. The lions may bite, but they will never consume her.

© Jerry Maldonado- all rights reserved 2009

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