Cut It Out!

Cutting is an epidemic in the United States. It has become an upward trend in middle and high schools thoughout the country.


Teens are continually struggling with their Self Worth and Self Image and trying to fit into the unrealistic expectations that media and society impose on them. 

Girls and even Boys report that they cut themselves to redirect their attention from the pain of their life to the pain of the physical wound. They use cutting as a coping mechanism and there is an increasing amount of peer pressure towards the trend. Any kind of coping mechanism; whether it be overeating, bulimia, using drugs - is just a distraction from a deeper issue. The issues should be addressed directly to try and eradicate the destructive behavior. 

If you know of any young women who are cutting, talk to them about their behavior and encourage them to get help. Whether they are doing it as a trend or because they are hurting inside, it is very damaging both to their physical and emotional health. 

According to KidsHealth, don't be surprised if your teen resists your efforts to talk about cutting. He or she might deny cutting, get angry or upset. A teen might not want to talk to you or say that you wont understand. If this does happens; be patient, don't take it personally, and don't give up. Try another time and another way to talk about it.

First Posted 3/7/12

Subtle Sexism

Subtle Sexism exists all around us.

It is often these seemingly minor slights that can have the biggest impact. When a man and woman are on a committee together, coteaching a class, or presenting a project to the boss.  

If a man never reiterates what the woman says - He does not reference her in his comments - He turns his body away from her rather than bladed somewhat toward her during his conversation - He corrects her or interrupts her - Rolls his eyes or makes faces while she is talking

These are all indicators of disdain, disrespect, and disregard

Others present WILL pick up on these subtleties & they will transfer to them. They too will unconsciously disregard the female or her ideas or not respect her as highly as the male.
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If you are a male and wish to not subtlety undermine your female counterpart in a meeting, training class, etc. then do the following:

• Refer to her by name
• Gesture toward her when speaking positively about something
• Include her in the discussion or conversation
• Openly credit her for her work or contribution
• If you have something to change in what she is saying or instructing then talk to her about it and give her the opportunity to amend the comment or further clarify it rather than you speaking for her or even worse, against her. 

Undermining a female coworker in a public setting can be a devastating set back that the two individuals may never be able to recover from. 

Build People Up!