I read a post today on social media from someone with a daughter the same age as my girls. He states he supports the kids who participated in the walkout yesterday in support of gun control but then tells us to look at what they’re not doing. He argued that other things were hurting our kids and not being protested; things such as fireworks and Tide pods. He believes these are on par with the fatal shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, because more children are injured by these than were killed senselessly by the crazy guy with the assault rifle.

I don’t disagree that there are many things children should take a stand on. It is time they stand up against bullying, against drugs, against drunk driving (I’m not sure why these didn’t make his list). But it was the shooting provoked enough emotion among kids across the country that they decided this is enough. They are beginning to learn the power of standing together. They are finding out that they can make a difference, that their opinion matters, that their voices should be heard.

The people who died in the shooting will be best served if this incident is enough to provoke change; not just change in gun control laws, although I do agree those are needed, but change in our youth. Perhaps if these kids learn that they can accomplish change in laws by coming together they will learn to stand together for the other issues. Perhaps if this event provokes this kind of change, they will be encouraged to make other changes. Perhaps children will know that they don’t have to be bullied. That the best reaction to bullying is to stand up, together, and fight for what is right.

Provoke
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