Blog Against Abuse

Bloggers Unite on September 27th to protest abuse - child abuse, domestic abuse, animal abuse, drug abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, or any other abuse. Seeing this challenge from Lee Hopkins I immediately ticked off the destructive impact of all types of abuse...and how it's effect is so long-term. Think about the cycles of abuse in families where behavior is passed on from one generation to the next - not a one time incident, but patterns of ongoing violence and/or degradation.

The act of human trafficking is gaining attention in our community. Like other forms of abuse, it is difficult for most of us to fathom the existence of slavery in contemporary life. And yet, it exists - documented on a regular basis via Naples Daily News stories. Interestingly, there are three new young adult books that also deal with the general theme - all of which deserve their own separate blog posting: Broken Moon by Kim Antineau, Copper Sun by Sharon Draper, and Sold by Patricia McCormick. Though these books deal with human trafficking in fictional worlds which are quite different than modern day Collier County, they expose readers to the abusive environments, the physical and emotional conditions of both the perpetrator and the victim, and the unimaginable lack of humanity. Reading and discussing these themes with others makes them *real* and helps us work towards an "abuse-free" world. It is vital that we don't forget nor sweep these atrocities under the rug.

Photo credit to Jules57's Rusty Fence

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Off the Shelf 0607-27

Our Stories, Our Songs: African Children Talk About AIDS
By Deborah Ellis
© 2005

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) has orphaned 11.5 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa. That number is expected to rise to 20 million by the year 2020. (p. vii)

Thus begins the intimate and compelling tale of children touched by AIDS. Their world seems so distant and surreal – and yet, it is their reality: preteens nursing their dying parents and now caring for younger siblings; children begging on the streets to fill their distended stomachs; and teenagers fearing the cyclical life of the disease’s isolation and stigma.

Despite the obvious sadness and despair, these children manage to express hope and dignity through their anecdotes and ‘songs of victory.’ The humanitarian author, donating the book royalties to UNICEF, threads AIDS facts throughout the children’s conversations. One doesn’t leave the book unaffected – in fact, you will likely appreciate your own relatively stable circumstances, as well as, examine how you can play a positive role in increasing the resources and quality of life for those with HIV/AIDS.

On a related note, take a moment to visit the Nata Village blog which brings you the “opportunity to witness the battle to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in an African village.” Their postings are a confirmation of the daily struggle to improve the environment of those impacted with the disease.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist