batyatoon: (each of us is one small light)
batyatoon ([personal profile] batyatoon) wrote2010-10-04 09:30 pm

Boosting the signal: Spirit Day and the It Gets Better project

Because there are a lot of kids out there who need to hear this:
It Gets Better.
"...I wish I could have talked to this kid for five minutes. I wish I could have told Billy that it gets better. I wish I could have told him that, however bad things were, however isolated and alone he was, it gets better...."

And because there are some for whom it won't:
Spirit Day.
"...On October 20th, 2010, we will wear purple in honor of the 6 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes and at their schools...."

Because bullying doesn't get taken seriously enough, and doesn't get stopped often enough. Because there are a lot of ways to be a designated victim, and this is one of the ways in which I wasn't. Because it's bad out there. Because I cried when I heard. Because, as a wise man once said, you may know somebody in a similar situation, or you may be in a similar situation, and if you're in a situation like that there's only one thing you can do.

we write it down 'cause it's something we have to do
and you can find your voice for the ones who come after you
and you can be the one to tell the kids: hang in there
there's a way to survive, you can believe me, i've been there
i'm not that strong, i can't fight this crime
i can't right this wrong, but i can write this rhyme
if i can write this song, well then it might just shine
and i swear to god i'm a get it right this time

[identity profile] taylweaver.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
Now, I need to find some purple clothing. Thanks for spreading the word.
ext_3294: Tux (Default)

[identity profile] technoshaman.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Where do the lyrics come from?

I got the Arlo ref, but the final verse escapes me...

[identity profile] pocketnaomi.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
It's beautiful and I want to hear it. Sing it for me when I see you next week? Please?
ext_3294: Tux (Default)

[identity profile] technoshaman.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
ooooh... wonder if a recording (even a pocket cam) would be possible?

(would like to hear it in person sometime myself, but next week is too short a notice... :)

[identity profile] pocketnaomi.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

[identity profile] ladymondegreen.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 03:02 pm (UTC)(link)
We could make a montage video of you rapping with the background music so that the visuals are supportive of the text. :)

[identity profile] littlegirltoast.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
There has to be a way for us to figure out how to get you properly recorded on this... in all of your urbane and cosmopolitan New York City filking community, you don't know anyone with a modest project studio at home? Even just a USB soundcard?

And then TAKE THE INTERNET BY STORM.

[identity profile] littlegirltoast.livejournal.com 2010-10-06 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
Same here! That is why I haven't put out an album in three years and three (?) months.

[identity profile] orawnzva.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 01:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Amen, sister.

[identity profile] littlegirltoast.livejournal.com 2010-10-05 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
I thought of that aspect of that rhyme of yours when I was reading about this project earlier today, actually.