Quote:
Originally Posted by redwitch
I found the worst bullying to be in the US. The second-worst was in London. I truly dreaded coming to the States, would cry when Dad told us were going "home". I wanted to be in any country, anywhere but here. I loved the Middle East -- no teasing, no meanness, just acceptance. Ditto Northern Africa (never was in the southern part). I do remember being the only white girl in one school in the Congo. I was touched a lot to see if I my whiteness would come off but it was never done in a mean way, just curiosity. Japan just ignored most foreigners. China was too insulated and had to have tutors at the embassy there. Hong Kong and Singapore kids didn't care if we were different; if we could follow what was being taught, all was good.
In the US, I had swastikas drawn on my clothes, desk and books. I was pushed hard enough to fall and break my wrist. "Dirty Kraut" was common. Fortunately, I always knew it was temporary and I would be leaving this torment and on to a new experience. It also helped that I had very loving parents and knew I was safe at home.
Now, before you misunderstand, I had a lot of good times as a child in America but it was usually with just one or two other children and after school. School here was something to survive. It was not a place of joy until college.
I do love America and Americans. I am proud of my American heritage, just as I am proud of my German heritage. I wouldn't want to live in another nation at this stage of my life (well, maybe Denmark if it didn't have snow). I just think US kids are inherently mean and small.
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I'm truly sorry for what you had to go through as a child, etc.
I always taught my children to be nice to everyone and not to fight back.
They grew up to be kind and decent people with great loving children as well.
However, there always were , especially in Jr. High (now called middle school) a group who will find any reason to pick on kids, especially intelligent kids.......and it's a very sensitive age.
I'm a pacifist at heart.........and that's what I taught my kids to be.
But, there are all kinds in this world. Sad that you had to meet up with some of them.