A school in Japan apparently stopped saying “itadakimasu” and “gochisousama” before and after school lunch.
The reasons were apparently things like:
“Why should we say it if we pay for school lunch?”
“Religious consideration.”
Honestly, that feels very strange to me.
“Itadakimasu” is not a religion.
It is not about worshipping someone.
It is about thanking the people who made the food,
the people who delivered it,
the people who cooked it,
and the life that became our food.
Before eating, we simply say one word of gratitude.
That is all.
The idea that “we paid money, so we don’t need gratitude,”
or “it looks religious, so we should remove it,”
is much scarier to teach children, in my opinion.
“Itadakimasu” is gratitude for life.
“Gochisousama” is gratitude for the people who prepared the meal.
These are not words Japan should erase.
They are words we should preserve.
My name is Ella, I'm 17 years old.
I do long jump. I play volleyball. I go to school in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
When my school allowed a biological male into the girls' restroom without telling parents —
I went to the school board.
With my name attached.
In my own town.
I got bullied for it. Harassed online. Even some of my own teachers came after me.
I'm still here.
Because here's what I know:
The net in women's volleyball is set nearly a foot lower for a reason.
A biological male can hit a ball across that net at force that could seriously injure a girl.
And in track — all it takes is three biological males entering the girls' category
and not a single girl in this state stands on a podium.
I didn't speak up because it was easy.
I spoke up because somebody had to.
The Supreme Court is about to answer the question every girl in America is asking.
We're ready.
@JenniferSey@xx_xyathletics