This Is Our Story.Tell Us Yours.
At CreaTee we often get asked about why the arts and how does this relate to bullying and esteem building. How do they connect? Our social cause started with my personal journey growing up. Bullying never really goes away, and with the internet, it does not seem to be slowing down.
This I know, being bullied, chips away at your perception and understanding of self and the person doing the bullying finds that power in their act of being a bully out of their own sadness and their own insecurities.
1.Self-discovery
When you feel unworthy, you will lose the inclination to express yourself positively and talk about your joys, our happiness, and your needs. You tend to be withdrawn and perhaps even extremely reserved, feeling alone and rejected. The only voices in that head that you hear are the negative ones.
The arts gives you that safe space for your own self-discovery and just have fun with it. It is you being focused on the task or creative expression at the moment and how it brings you joy.
1. I know from my own personal experience, being a part of the school choir, for example, performing in front of the school or at festivals in front of a large crowd, gave me a sense of joy and achievement. Made me forget for a little bit the name calling, the verbal assaults and the feeling of less than.
2. Learning
Your learning abilities would be affected because of the emotional effects of bullying. It brings your down and tears your thoughts and emotional processes apart.
Studies have show that the arts help rewire the brain synapses. It helps you function and be a better learner. It is also a direct correlation to a better and positive perception and self-acceptance.
3.Communications
Thru the arts, you open up the personal and social interaction communication line. Meeting like minded souls that share your joys and experiences. This is a reminder that you are never alone.
Our experiences of being bullied differs but the pain at the core of it is the same. We cope and learn in different ways. CreaTee’s hope is to spark that self-understanding and acceptance.
This Is Our Story.Tell Us Yours. We'd love to hear from you.
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About the writer
Mazura Illani Manshoor graduated from Boston University with a degree in Psychology. She is a certified Early Childhood and a Montessori teacher with years of teaching experience.
Ms. Manshoor is a co-founder of CreaTee with strong passion for children and education causes