Here here AAW!

I agree that Bermudians are passive. Completely...and Bermudians agree that they are passive....although they are outspoken! The flame is quick to ignite, but equally quick to be extinguished! I guess that's why everything is usually done half assed if completed at all!

I read about the remarks and it was good to see that appropriate action was taken. Quite a contrast to remarks made by certain government officials in another world.

Racism trickling down the ranks to children.

My child who is very pale with freckles came home the other day very upset at what another "friend" was saying to him.  He was told that he is different and not like anyone else in the class.  When he rebutted the remark saying he is just the same the response was that he wasn't, that he was "white chocolate" and started taunting him.  My son is 8 years old and has been brought up that everyone has the same colour of blood running through his veins.  We should all be treated alike.  He was very hurt and didn't understand the comments.  Man it is very frustrating as a parent to see that other parents/government officials are teaching the future leaders to hate.

Well I had the discussion, but in the end I told him that the actual white chocolate was really sweet and a treat so to see the best in the situation.  He seemed to smile at that.  The thing is because of his nature and his not seeing "colour" he was nominated and won a Future Leader of Bermuda award, which makes me so proud.  I told him to be true to himself and others and he will do well.  My oldest doesn't get razzing much because he is darker.

I believe that the parent needs to give their children the tools and how to operate the tools properly and not carelessly.  Just hope that they run away with the "tools" and succeed. 

I'll strongly disagree with you on that mysticman. 

First, let's clarify that we are talking about two different situations.  I specifically described a strategy for a verbal confrontation.  You point out that your son "got pushed", which I must assume means the confrontation escalated to include physical contact.  This is another level of threat and is not what we were talking about.

Teaching children how to diffuse anger with words helps to avoid physical confrontation.  This can be done without showing any weakness and should be the first goal. 

Only if a child is unable to prevent being attacked should they defend themselves physically.  The goal of self-defence is to survive to live another day, not to "bust ass to get respect".  That behaviour teaches children it is acceptable to hit people who don't agree with you, or to use intimidation to get your way.  I don't condone that and you won't find it in the karate school I come from.

If you want to address me by title, I'd rather you call me Sensei as the students do.

Hmmmm Mystic - quiet a statement and as a mum and a pacifist i wouldn't encourage my children to respond with physical threats.  It's scary to think that it's the norm here in Bermuda - but i too have actually seen it happen.  At the bus terminal, a group of girls beating the beejezus out of another girl and people just walking by except for one bus driver who got out of his bus and started yelling at them.  They soon scarpered - but for me it was a frightening experience, these girls were all the same height as me and i was scared!

I think in the instance that you are 'picked upon' you have to learn to walk away with your head held high - don't come back at them (they are ultimately bullies) and give them the satisfaction of reacting.  I taught my girls that if ever they were picked upon they were to go up to the nearest adult - often kids won't attempt anything with adults around.

Then again, is there any easy answer to bullying/racism? I can see this from both sides and it's sad, very very sad that this is what it's coming to.