Act Naturally

After posting a diatribe on Twitter, I realized it ought to have been a blog post, so here it is.

I feel like I must weigh in somehow on the whole “change your profile pic for child abuse awareness” thing.  I rarely take part in a Facebook trend if I can help it and attempt to use Facebook to make individual statements (as individual as one can be on Facebook).  However, family abuse is an issue with which I am very familiar, as my mother is the executive director of a domestic violence agency and shelter.  I personally have taken part in many fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and other volunteer work in the field.  

Will changing my profile picture to one of awareness fix anything? Not directly. Does it show solidarity? Yes.  Kids know what’s going on. It’s the same reason SW fans are showing geek pride for Katie this Friday. Solidarity.  It’s not directly stopping bullying, and it doesn’t solve the problem of geek persecution. But it shows a kid we care.  So there. If you don’t like it, be a grinch and don’t change your picture. Complaining about a silly fad won’t do you any good.

My favorite childhood cartoon character.