When I looked at the front page of the GF Herald today, I was shocked to see yet another young teen had died by her own hand because of bullying.
What brings a person to the point where they can't see beyond the moment? That they can't believe in tomorrow being a better day?
Why don't people notice when a child that is acting different than the norm? Do they hide it that well?
I have this thing about bullying. For one thing I hate it. I don't like anyone feeling hurt or embarrassed. I especially don't like that its expected that we all act and dress the way the majority does. How do we know our way is the right way to do things? Because everyone else is doing it? What if the girl you saw with the bright blue hair and piercings was the norm?
Ok, about bullies. I was thinking the other day that bullies are kind of like animals. They are the predators and can see and feel when someone is not strong enough to fight them off. They go in for the kill and maim just like an animal would. They maim the soul though, not the body. Well, sometimes the body too.
I think instead of concentrating on the bullies of the world we need to teach the ones being bullied how to be stronger so the "predators" can't affect them by what they say. What fun would it be for a bully if the bullied didn't get them the reaction they are hoping for; ie: fear, tears, sadness......
Something to think about.
Cindy
"Bullys" are just insecure people that try to bring other people down because they know of nothing better to do with their time. Trying to be "tough". Too many kids listen to it and take it personally. All they want is attention and when they get it, that's when bad things happen. Ignoring them is the best thing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Philco and you Cindy. A good book to read on bullying is "The Bully, The Bullied and The Bystandstander" by Barbara Coloroso - or "Queen Bees and Wannabees" by Rosalind Wiseman. I used to teach a Bully unit at FHS... Have you seen the "Don't Laugh at Me" videos?
ReplyDeleteRap version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8Z2pt4odA4
Country version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_CLsqpvC94
Peter Paul and May Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7YMuYs8VWs
Yes, I have seen the video on the Don't Laugh at Me. I don't know why I feel so strongly about the "underdog" as people say, but for some reason I do. I don't think anyone should feel uncomfortable in any situation. Life is too short to waste time hurting people. What do you get for that besides boosting your own ego. Which by the way you are really not doing if you are a bully. And what really pees me off is years from now they will feel bad for doing that and say they were just kids......
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what kind of things you taught them about bullying? Just curious.
I showed the kids the three videos - the favorite video of those three was always the rap version. and shared a short story or two on bullying. The school counselor would come and talk to the kids about bullying. One of the big things I talked about how a bystander is condoning behavior... The kids also wrote poems about bullying - And like I told them about a time I was a bully and how it affected me - and how I hadn't realized I was bullying until I found out how hurt she was. - just like you said - it can haunt you.
ReplyDeleteit always worked better on the seventh graders rather than the 8th graders.....