I can relate to all of this Scully. It sounds like we all had the same problem of sticking out like a sore thumb; all that was missing was a sign around our neck saying,"Kick me, I'm a geek!" And, as Mindchild pointed out, if they did literally kick us, there wasnt a damn thing we were allowed to do about it!
Where I went to Junior and Senior High school, everyone was pretty much divided into gangs and cliques......the schools were 75% mexican, 20% black and 5% white. Fortunately I had a few good friends from every group but that didnt stop the often made threats of being beat up or being harrassed verbally in classes because I was too shy and scared to do anything about it.......The truth is that I was shy but would have cheerfully knocked them senseless(or at least tried ) if I were not constantly worrying about what my parents would say and whether or not I would die at Armageddon for not turning the other cheek. "When they "persecute" you, that is your golden opportunity to give a good witness and maybe change their heart condition. Maybe your good stand of not fighting back will impress on them that you are different and they will want to know what makes you that way." I heard this alot growing up. The fate of the known world was on my shoulders and depended on my constant portrayal of a good christian.....I didnt bother telling my parents that, yes, I made one hell of an impression on these kids. They had the impression that I was a cheap source of entertainment and was an idiot for putting up with it and not standing up for myself! As far as their wanting to know more about what made me different, what the hell did they care; they were just glad they were'nt me.
To a large extent I blame the stupid, assinine, make-me-want-to-gag assembly skits.....Give me a break! First of all, I knew the kids they used for those parts half the time and they would'nt voice those lines in a real life situation if their lives depended on it. But of course, our parents were convinced that these were to be our models for how to handle situations at school and walk away with more bible studies than you could handle. After all, "the schools are our special territories....yada-yada-yada."
Imagine this actually taking place: For the umpteenth time a kid is harrassing you at school. Luckily you recall that skit performed at the circuit ass. Isn't it a fine thing how Jehovah always gives you what you need at the proper time! You attempt to explain to the bullies that as one of JW's you will not engage in violence but perhaps they would like instead to sit down with you, so you can share with them just what makes you so different.....Of course, the reality is that you get no further than "I am one of JW"s and as such...." before they have already laid into you. When they are done, you of course, readily offer them a free home bible study so that they can learn how they too can experience the joy that is being one of Jehovah's people!
And don't get me started on the fact that I hit junior high in the early seventies when mini-skirts were all the rage. Girls would wear micro-mini's with nylons.....then there was me: A taller than average, skinny, long-legged girl wearing dresses and skirts to school that always had to come at least to my knees....and no nylons until 9th grade; I had to wear long knee high socks! Yes, nothing says, "one outcast geek to pick on, no waiting!" like the clothes my parents made me wear.[>:(]
I do appreciate that my parents thought they were doing what was best for me and for my eternal salvation but, let's just say that I am so very thankful that I learned the real "truth" before I screwed up my children's lives too much.
Sincerely, Windrider
