bootism-shoe-religion

I like this idea of coming up with an additional scene for a book. How would I change or add to the story line. There are so many scene I could do. Like the one at the end where she talks to Mr. Freeman about it. I think this scene could be interesting if pursued. The missing scene that I think should be added is: The one that she talks to her parents about the rape.

The lacrosse team stays until one of them gets a teacher. The teacher calls the police. They also called my mom and dad. I didn't want them to at first but then I realized if I had the strength to fight against IT then I could finally talk to my parents. My hand is bleeding all over. Now that the police were called I have to give a statement. I'll have to speak. My parents have showed up.

When I saw my parents I started to cry. The concern on my mom's face was nice to see. My dad was concerned but he didn't know what to do with it. My parents and I talked about that night. I told them about the party I went to. How I got drunk and then the incident that followed. I can finally speak.

This is how the conversation went.

Mom: Melinda what happened?
Me: I was attacked because a guy thought I was spreading rumors about him and it was hurting his reputation.
Mom: Why did he think that you were spreading rumors?
Me: Mom, dad I never told you about that big party that was broken up. I have wanted to tell you about it since August. But I just couldn't speak. I was at that party. I was the one to call the police. But the reason I called never was reported. I called because I was raped. I got drunk and was raped. I was raped by the guy who attacked me today. I told Rachel but she didn't believe me. She was dating him. But she dropped him soon after. He was angry that she or any other girl didn't want him. I was ashamed of what happened. I just couldn't tell anyone.
Mom: Honey, I wish that you had told me. I guess we are not very close. I should have realized something was going on when your grades were falling. Also should have noticed that you were not as social. You always stayed home. I will try to do better from now on. Would you like to go see someone about this?
Me: Yes, I think it might be good.

From that moment on my family was different. I can't really say what exactly but we are different. The difference is a good one. Andy Evans is being charged with rape now. His parents are just shocked. I don't really know what will happen to him, but right now I really don't care. I feel better that everyone knows.

I thought it would be beneficial for me to do a post on the main topic of this book rape. Some are aware of rape some are not. The one thing I learned when researching rape was the April is Sexual Assault awareness month. Why did I not know this? I think that it should become more public. Do some events that make people aware. I definitely think that High school should broach the topic more. I think that in my high school we had one assembly in my whole high school career about rape. I think the one thing some don't understand about rape is that it comes with a lot of baggage after it happens. There are so many mental and emotional effects. For example depression, unworthyiness.
From the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

Key Facts
Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.
This means that every hour there are 24 people sexually assaulted. I like to put it into this perspective: This is a whole class of teenagers every hour. In a 24 hours there are going to be 144 people sexually assaulted. Then in 7 days there will be 1008 people sexually assaulted. Put into this number into perspective is that is like half the number of students in a high school. So in only seven days half of a high school would be sexually assaulted. These numbers are sickening to me. It should not be like this.
One in six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape, and 10% of sexual assault victims are men.

In 2003-2004, there were an average annual 204,370 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.

About 44% of rape victims are under age 18, and 80% are under age 30.
This fact tells me that our students are the target for rape. Also put into light we as young teachers and also still in the college scene are also in the target market for rape. This isn't only a concern for our future students it is also a concern for our own well-being.

Since 1993, rape/sexual assault has fallen by over 64%.

According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network there are things that should be done in certain situations

Helping Yourself, Helping OthersSubmitted by sturm on Tue, 2005-09-13 00:25.

What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend stay with you for moral support.
Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack & the attacker.
Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day: 1-800-656-HOPE.
Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.
To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam.
If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information you'll need understand the process.
Remember it wasn't your fault.
Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.

How can I help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?

Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental.
Encourage your friend to seriously consider reporting the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information your friend will need to make this decision.
Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend some time to deal with the crime.
Let your friend know that professional help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Encourage him or her to call the hotline, but realize that only your friend can make the decision to get help.
What can I do to reduce my risk of sexual assault?

Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't know or trust.
Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits.

How can I protect my child from sexual abuse?

While there is no sure-fire way to protect your child from all dangers, there are some steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of him or her being sexually assaulted:

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

Tell your children that you are always there to talk about anything. Tell them that you are there to help them solve problems and to protect them.
Teach your children that it is against the “rules” for adults to act in a sexual way with children and use examples.
Teach your children that their bodies are their own and that it is OK if they don't want a hug or other contact that might make them uncomfortable.
Speak to your children about using the proper names for their body parts. Armed with information, children are better able to report abuse to you.
Model comfort when talking about these issues. If you are not tense talking about these issues, then they are less likely to be worried about talking.
Talk to your children about sex when they show interest or curiosity.
Teach your children that it’s OK to say no and it’s OK to leave the situation.

Tell them that if someone does something to make them uncomfortable that they should tell that person that they are uncomfortable. Emphasize to them that if the person doesn't listen, doesn't stop, or continues to make them feel uncomfortable that they should tell someone- a parent, teacher, trusted adult.
Tell them that if anyone touches them on the body parts that are covered by a bathing suit, then they should tell an adult they trust. Tell them that it is OK to say no and to leave the situation. Tell them that you can later figure out together if the person was trying to be helpful or not.
Trust your own instincts. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, follow-up.

Call a hotline such as the Darkness to Light hotline that can connect you to resources in your community (1-800-FOR-LIGHT) or the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).
Contact a local Children's Advocacy Center. They coordinate professionals who are there to help in a a case (legal, social services, medical, etc.). To find a center near you contact the National Children's Alliance (1-800-239-9950).
Stay calm if a child discloses abuse to you, or hints at possible abuse.

Don't overreact.
Believe the child and communicate that belief to him or her.
Thank the child for telling you and praise his or her courage for speaking up.
Emphasize that what happened to the child was not his or her fault and that the child did not deserve to be treated like that.
Encourage the child to talk but don't push for or imply details. Ask questions such as, "what happened next?"
Get professional help for the child.
Tell the child that it is your responsibility to keep the child safe and that you will do the best you can to protect him or her.
Report to the local police or child protective services agency.
For information about Internet safety, download A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety from the FBI. The materials are available in English & Spanish.

For information about warning signs for childhood sexual abuse visit The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information.



I also find it sad that 42% of rapes are not reported. I think as teachers we should put it into this perspective. How many of the 42% could be females that are students in our classes we teach? The other thing that often comes out of rape is suicide. How many young lives could be say if we made people in general more aware of rape. That rape is not suppose to happen. That no one should have control of your person other than yourself.
I think also as future teachers we need to know about rape so we can direct our students to the correct people to get help. Some would say we should not have to be knowledgeable about such things. We are only teachers. Yes this is true but as teachers we will see these students day after day. My opinion is if no one else will help then who will? I think it should be teachers. I will care for all my students and I will assist them in anyway that I can.

This book is very powerful. It deals with an issue that is just not talked about. It deals with rape. I always wonder how many teenagers deal with this issue everyday. Do we overlook it? It saddens me that we do. I think that I will use this book in my classroom one day. It will not be in a literature class, since I will not be specifically an English teacher. I will be a special educator. I will use this book to teach awareness of rape. Rape is an important issue that teenagers need to know about. What it is? What to do if it happens? Inform them they will experience certain effects. They will need counseling. When I was searching the web to see if there are any lesson plans already made for the Book Speak. I found this lesson that was designed by the author. I find this interesting. I don't think many authors design lesson plans around their own books. I looked the lesson over. I find that it is a very good lesson to use. To see lesson plan for yourself click here