Safeguard the Web for Children - The Power of a Writer’s Words
Safeguard the Web for Children - The Power of a Writer’s Words
“Children are our future is a well known saying.”
Another saying proposes -
“If you think children are our future, you’re procrastinating.”
Blogger Power - Safeguard the Web for Children
Jose has written a thought provoking post about the problem of child exposure to pornography on the internet. In an open letter to bloggers, Mihaela Lica at Blogger Power challenges bloggers to spread the word. It’s a call to action to help safeguard the web for children. She presents some frightening statistics.
The Power of One
Whether Mihaela’s approach is the answer, or the only answer, is immaterial. She is taking a stand. Highlighting such issues can only be good. As another well known saying goes, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Protecting children has always been a cause close to my heart. I have also worked indirectly with supporting abused children. With any major issue, it quickly becomes very clear, that admidst the quagmire of official paperwork, legislation and bureaucracy, it often takes ordinary people saying “No more.” to effect real change.
What Can Bloggers Do?
Words can inflluence, persuade, support and inspire. I am reminded of the power of words, when I reflect on Martin Luther King’s landmark “I Dream” speech. These finely crafted words, written and spoken by King, helped change the course of history.
The concept of a blogger call to action, got me to thinking about “the power of one”, and the viral nature of the web as a tool for social change. These tools were not available in King’s time. It makes one wonder if change would have, or could have, been more swift. Mihaela has reminded bloggers that united, no matter the issue, we are a potent force to be reckoned with.
The Power of Writers and Words
I was also reminded of the power of words that we, as writers, have at our fingertips. Words are our bread and butter, our tools of trade. Writers can wield words, spin them, and mold them. Words are powerful. They can inform. They can persuade. They can effect change.
Jose’s powerfully written post certainly got me off the business roundabout, and back down to earth for a while, to take some time to reflect on this important issue. I hope you will too.
There is power in reading the words of others too. Two great starting points are posts on the same topic by Paula Mooney and Laura Spencer, who both touch on the core issues much more eloquently than I could. Consider writing a post yourself, on the topic of protecting our children - one blogosphere, many voices, and the power of words.
This has been the hardest post I’ve had to write, and I fear I have not done it the justice it deserves. Do what you can, in your own way. Start with protecting your own children.
Yvonne,
Thank you for your thoughtful post, and for your willingness to raise awareness for this pressing issue and cause. You continue to amaze and inspire me, so much so that I feel as if I’ve found a home in the blogosphere.
You are right. Words have the power to affect change, change in the lives of others and change in our own lives as well.
I like the second quote in your sub-heading. I’ve never heard that before. It brings home the point that we all need to act now.
Thanks again for being a force for good, and for change.
Take care,
Jose
Hey, one plus God equals a majority, right?
Never underestimate your power!
Thank you so much for chiming in very eloquently on this serious topic to protect our children.
Paula
Hi Jose
I wanted to take such care with maintaining the integrity and spirit of Mihaela’s initiative on this important topic. As others have said, that made it much harder to write than any regular post. Reading other people’s posts on the topic inspired me to be able to finish it.
Thanks for your feedback. As long as people are sincere and willing to take a stand, their words will count. Thanks for giving me the push to take on this challenge and to add my words to this important cause.
Yvonne
Hi Paula
Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. Thanks also for introducing this important topic to this little corner of the blogosphere, via Jose’s site and your own. I hope it will continue to spread.
Hope you’ll call in again sometime.
All the best
Yvonne
Thanks Yvonne for this motivational post. It’s true that words can be a powerful ally in spreading information. The power of words is capable of inspiring people to create a change, make a stand or simply to support a good cause.
As a mother, I support the need to safeguard our children against easy access to pornography sites.
It’s a noteworthy campaign that I would like to support as well.
Good luck!
Hi Rach
I’m pleased you found my words motivating. Thanks for your support, and for spreading the word.
Yvonne
Yvonne,
Well put!!! Thanks for your contribution.
Thanks Laura. I had started it a while ago, but your post and others, gave me the push and inspiration to finish it.
Yvonne
Apr 22nd, 2007 at 12:17 pm
[…] I’m sure the issue of whether he will return to the school can be resolved. I certainly hope so, as on the face of it, it does seem an overreaction, and poorly handled. I can’t comment too much on this aspect as I don’t read Romanian, and don’t know all the facts. Hopefully, both the school and the student will learn from this, and move on. It is an opportunity for the school to discuss the positive power and potential of blogging with their students, as evidence by Mihaela’s own initiative, Blogger Power. […]