American Girl Confronts BulliesOct 05 2009by Rick Phillips, Executive DirectorHow pervasive is bullying in America? The fact that the American Girl doll company has created a new doll that stands up to bullies says a lot about bullying as part of our culture. Millions of children are introduced to the American Girl doll series through TV and print advertisements. There are dolls representing American heroines from the Revolutionary War period, dolls that represent girls/women in various careers as business women, doctors, sports/athletic champions, and politicians. The long lines of little girls and their mothers outside the American Girl doll store in Chicago are indicative of how these dolls have become part of mainstream American culture. Thus, the company’s initiative to issue a homeless doll who takes on bullies is their recognition of the fact that American children are subjected to bullying. The company should be commended for using the American Girls brand to stand up against bullying. More voices, including those of dolls, should be taking these initiatives to bring attention to the problem and impact of bullying on our children. 
Recent PostsHot news from the White HouseArne Duncan’s Opening Remarks at the 1st Annual Bullying Summit held in August 2010: “The Myths About Bullying: Secretary Arne Duncan’s Remarks at the Bullying Prevention Summit.” Fifth Grader Takes Action Against BullyingZiainey Stokes, a young student from West Philadelphia certainly provides timely evidence that schools are in critical need of programs such as Safe School Ambassadors to prevent violence and bullying in schools. CM Executive Director Delivers Keynote Address at Bullying Prevention Conference in BostonAs the Keynote Speaker, Community Matters Executive Director, Rick Phillips, shared with the audience that building a safer school climate is a complex process that requires a balance between attending to security as well as relationships. The Cost and Benefits of Caring in Spite of Bullying and Violent TraumaWhen schools tap into the power of the students and take time to show that they care, especially students affected by trauma, students become empowered. Bullying, Stress and Health: A Crisis in the MakingHere are some facts we have collected (and there are hundreds more) about the short- and long-term health effects of bullying: |