So the letter that I wrote in to the editor of the local newspaper, was published today. After getting home, I checked to see if there was a link online. There was. There were also comments left. I shouldn't let it get to me, but the negative comments were painful to read. The letter as it appeared in the paper:
I am just as outraged by Munster schools forcing laptops on their students. But beyond the price tag, lack of communication and lack of choice, the real heart of the issue: Is it really wise to add so much extra computer time to a generation that is already lacking the social skills necessarily to survive in the real world?
Now, cyberbullies who had access to a computer only in the evenings or on weekends can torment their victims 24/7 — and the school is giving them this power. I have yet to read what monitoring is going to be put in place to ensure social networking isn't taking place during school hours.
Munster Superintendent Richard Sopko commented in the original article: "We have to give students a protective environment, and we lose control of that if we open it up to using their own laptops." I want to know how the school environment will be protected with the mass introduction of all of these "weapons" in the hands of cyberbullies.
— Nina Brown, Schererville
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_e724693e-c33f-5abe-aaa0-6e93d7c56f43.html
So after seeing my letter displayed in print on the computer screen, I noticed that there were 5 comments to what I wrote:
REALLY?! The "real world of today IS the computer?" I don't know much about modern technology? I don't have a legitimate right to be upset over a school district in a town I don't live in? My heart raced. My hands shook. I was so upset. I'm not one that takes criticism laying down --- or very well for that matter. So, I respond to the naysayers...
I got so upset by the comments made by "nwimomto2" that I had to send a message directly to her. I don't know why I felt the need to explain myself, but I had to show her how ignorant she was being. This is what I sent her:
I would just like to ask, how can you comment about the relevance of my concern for Munster schools? Just because I live in Schererville, doesn't mean that I don't have a connection. I have a younger sister attending schools in Munster. My sister has been a victim of bullying, both online and in school, and the school nor the authorities have taken action. This is a genuine concern of mine. I worry every day that my sister will get pushed too far by these bullies. There's ways to get around blocked sites. I have a degree in technology and have spent 7 years selling and fixing computers. I'm no fool when it comes to this stuff. And as far as attacking the school district in which I raise my child... I welcome any feedback that would help to improve his school from any source. My son is an honor student and excels in the environment that Lake Central provides. -- That's all I have to say. I just hope that whatever anger I brought forth by my opinion has subsided just a smidge by understanding where my words come from.
Like I said, I don't like being so harshly criticized. My uncle made an excellent point when he knew I was upset over the comments left. They comment like that BECAUSE they don't have all the information, and besides, I was published, not them!
Anyways, if you feel compelled to do so, please leave your comments on the letter. Positive or negative, though admittedly preferably positive. ;)
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