Today is Pink Shirt Day. A day used to recognize and take a stand against bullying. Proudly, Pink Shirt Day started in Canada in 2007 by two boys who didn’t like that one of their classmates was being picked on for wearing a pink shirt. For me Pink Shirt Day reminds me of what it was like being a female drummer. I had instructors and peers assume I wasn’t as good. I have felt uncomfortable in the percussion section of a store. Ive had strangers come up to other members of the Junk Line asking questions even though it’s obvious I was in charge. These were all things that I had to over come and that I’m happy to say I rarely have to deal with anymore. But it wasn’t always easy.
When I started CRASH I wanted to make sure that no one ever felt that they couldn’t be a drummer, or couldn’t do whatever it is that made them happy. Every time I see a little girl fearlessly playing the drums or a little boy not batting an eye at her being awesome, it makes me so happy.
Today is about remembering that anyone is able to participate in any extracurricular without judgment and that we should all support them! We should encourage children to celebrate what makes them and their peers different and we should above all teach them kindness.
Hilary