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In today’s cyber world, there are 50 ways to ruin another . Bullying tactics ( body shaming for one )are to blame for the swath of teen suicides and statistics reveal it is the second cause of death for college age youth and ages 12-18.
16 year old Texas high schooler Dee McMillan became a victim of cyber bullying when someone made a Twitter account created to taunt her anonymously with the username “@fatwhaledee” which posted unflattering photos and mocked her weight. As the Twitter page gained followers, McMillan’s sense of self worth went the other way. But Dee turned pain into gain when she realized that not dealing with bullying could leave a legacy of lifetime unhappiness. She turned from victim into victorious.
Dee decided to become an environmental activist and designed a tee saying, “Dee the Fat Whale Saves The Whales,” with all proceeds going to Save The Whales . She launched a crowd funding campaign, setting an original goal of $1,000. By the thirty day deadline, the total had surpassed $10,600 and is still growing. Her approach is a whale of a tale she now tells with obvious gusto. “This project means so much to me because while I can help make a difference in the oceans I can also set an example for other victims of bullying, I can take someone’s hate and use it to spread love. Overcoming things like this is not easy but people need to know that it is possible and they have support.” Her insights are also determining her future because Dee is interested in marine biology.
Dee’s breakthrough approach threw out a symbolic lifejacket to other teens to help heal the effects they’ve suffered from harassment, teasing, cyber-bullying, mean kids gossiping, ostracism, and feeling powerless. In the same vein, then 14 year old Maris Sidenstecker designed a T-shirt with the slogan “Save The Whales” when she felt similarly powerless against commercial whaling and thus was launched an organization.
Save The Whales was created as a non-profit in 1977, in Los Angeles, by a mother and daughter, fiercely focused on turning the tide against the extinction of the largest animals on earth. Determined ecological marine crusaders: Maris Sidenstecker I and Maris Sidenstecker II work 24/7 to educate children and adults about marine mammals, their environment, and their preservation. Their campaign is global in scope and dedicated to conservation.
Based in Seaside CA, Save The Whales marine biologists’ travel throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties to educate students to help protect the oceans. Each year they educate 6,000-7,000 students with hands-on, science based programs about whales, otters, sea turtles, and endangered species. Saving 10,000 marine animals from death from US Navy Ship Shock tests in 1994 was a ground breaking victory for Save The Whales. They reach an international audience through their website, E-newsletters and Facebook site. Since 1977, Save The Whales has educated over 305,000 school children with hands-on educational programs.
Dee’s funds will help them reach an even larger audience. They will purchase a life-sized, custom made inflatable humpback whale and name it Dee, The Beautiful Whale. In this way, thousands of students will learn about whales and about and the brave young teen that fought back bullying and won. Children will be able to crawl inside of the whale, learn that whales are mammals, and that our help is essential for their survival. Hands-on stations outside the whale will have bones, baleen, and a feeding station to learn how whales feed.
You don’t have to live close to the ocean to realize that litter from streets can enter storm drains which flow to the ocean and can directly impact whales. Whales have been washing up dead with everything from fishing nets to plastic bags and trash in their stomachs. Dire consequence are predicted for our planet unless all of us change course to Save The Whales.
Maris Sidenstecker II , Save The Whales says, “After speaking with Dee, I was so impressed with her. Dee is an inspiration for anyone who is the victim of cyber bullies. She chose to rise above the bullying to champion for Save The Whales. She sets an example of how one person can make a difference by turning a negative situation into a positive. We are so proud of her.”
Here is a video and photos on Dee’s story:
http://www.people.com/article/body-shamed-teen-raises-money-whales