By now, most of us are aware of Katie Goldman’s story of
being teased at school for using a Star Wars water bottle.
Today, December 10th, we show our support for Katie with
Support Star Wars and Geek Pride for Katie Day!
Yesterday, we were lucky enough to do a quick interview with
Katie’s mother Carrie. We asked her about how Katie is
handling all the attention, what is going on at school now
and of course about Katie’s plans for today.
YN: What is
Katie’s reaction to all the attention that her situation has
been receiving?
CG: Katie was
overwhelmed at first, but now she is starting to get used to
it. We don't talk about it too much at home; we are trying
to keep things normal. She loves reading all the supportive
comments that people have written to her.
YN: Is her
school aware of how much attention this situation has
gotten? What is their response?
CG: Her school is
aware of the attention. They think it is exciting and they
are very supportive of the anti-bully message. Her school
posted my article on the school list-serv before the article
went viral, so they were already promoting the article. The
reaction has been really nice and not defensive.
YN: Is the
school planning to participate in the Dec. 10th Support Star
Wars and Geek Pride for Katie Day?
CG: Yes, but her
school wants to make it even more inclusive. The school is
calling it Proud To Be Me Day and is encouraging students
and staff to wear anything that represents a special
personal interest, not just Star Wars. For example, a boy
who likes princesses could wear a princess shirt.
YN: Does Katie
have anything special planned for Dec. 10th?
CG: We are all
wearing Star Wars clothes, of course, and we are going as a
family to donate a number of toys to various toy drives that
day. We are hoping that everyone who wears Star Wars will
also share Star Wars and donate a toy to those in need. And
as a surprise, I think I am going to get a cake for Katie
with Star Wars decorations!
YN: What
celebrities have contacted Katie? Any plan on coming to see
her in person?
CG: Last night she
met Tom Kane, who is the voice of Yoda. She has received a
private personal audio message from James Taylor (the voice
of Obi-Wan Kenobi), and she has received email messages and
gifts from Catherine Taber and Ashley Eckstein. Just tonight
I was on the Forcecast.net podcast with Ashley Eckstein, who
has been very supportive of Katie.
YN: Does Katie
still bring her Star Wars water bottle to school?
CG: Every day.
YN: What advice
would Katie give to other children that deal with being
teased?
CG: Be yourself and
tell your parents if someone is teasing you so they can
help. Another mom who heard about Katie recently contacted
me to say that her son had been teased for bringing My
Little Pony to school for show and tell. Katie called the
boy and left a supportive message, ending it with, "May the
Pony Be With You!"
Thank you so much for your time Carrie!
Please, wear your
favorite “Star Wars” gear or other “Star Wars” paraphernalia
and be proud of it! Katie and her family have also asked
that people donate a Star Wars toy to a local charity for
the holidays. Let’s show Katie and all the other kids out
there that is ok to be who you are and like what you like.
May the force be
with you Katie!
Images Courtesy of
Carrie Goldman
