Blue Out, just needed to share

I’ve been a little upset lately reading posts on sites like Facebook and OnwardState. There are people out there spewing hatred, and I find it very disturbing. (I will even admit some comments brought me to tears- I know the adage "don't read the comments" but when they are on PSU sites by PSU "fans" I thought I'd be ok.)

So anyhow, I just needed to voice my opinion. I would do it in those forums, but I can only access them on my phone and it's too long to type on my phone!. Also, I think I won't get attacked here. Someone of you may disagree, but I know you won't be hateful.

This week’s game is a “Blue Out” and there are many who are protesting it, saying they will wear white b/c they “don’t feel the need to apologize” or “wearing blue supports the BOT” or “wearing a blue shirt won’t stop abuse.” Sadly, I think these people are missing the point.

The Blue Out was not organized to admit any guilt or to apologize for anything. It started because some grad students wanted to do something positive! I work with children and this is an issue close to my heart. I bought a t-shirt, not to “make myself feel better;” I bought one because the money raised from the “official” and even the “unofficial” shirts will go to help organizations that deal with victims of abuse. That money can help the provide services for abuse survivors as well as raise awareness for the general public. There are many people who don’t realize how common child abuse is in our country and how frequently is goes unreported. Like it or not, the PSU community is now tied to child abuse. Maybe by raising awareness we can become leaders in its prevention and help keep this from happening again. We can take the lemons we were handed and make lemonade.

Wearing blue at the football game can create an incredibly powerful image. I have a picture of the White Out from Notre Dame in my office- people look at it and say, WOW, that’s cool! Imagine the same in blue. People can say, Wow, that it cool, again. This time I can say, yes, people bought shirts and wore blue to support organizations that prevent abuse. There are organizations such as RAAIN and PCAR that benefited from this event and they will use the money to help raise awareness. Maybe if we all become a little more aware, we can recognize the signs and know what to do when we see those signs. Maybe, just maybe we could even eventually put an end to abuse.

Thank you. I will get off my soapbox now.

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