I am sick and tired of the BS. There has been so much more bullying making the papers lately and frankly, it sickens me. I'm not saying that there's more bullying and harassing going on than there has been in the last couple decades, and maybe there is actually less bullying going on. I was bullied constantly throughout school, mostly during 7th and 8th grade. During that time I had thought seriously about ending my life and I'm lucky for a couple really good friends that kept me from it.
Does it really matter if someone is gay? Does it matter if someone looks differently? Talks differently? I think parents need to really work with their children more and discuss with them that everyone is different. Teenagers should not be killing themselves.
Today, I read about a developmentally disabled boy that was harassed on the school bus. What kind of society are we when we resort to picking on those that cannot properly defend themselves? Another article out of Long Island talks of three teens that assaulted a gay teen on the school bus. What is wrong with people?
It saddens me. I understand (more than I can express) what these kids are all going through. I want them to know that it does get better. And for the most part, you'll do better and go farther in life than most of those that wasted their time bullying you.
I am in total agreement with you on this issue. I was picked on constantly in 7th and 8th grade as well. I know we went to the same middle school, wonder if it was the same people? I don't know if bullying is more rampant these days or more people are willing to talk about it?
ReplyDeleteI lost most of my self-confidence in middle school and have yet to regain it; I am 29. Some people learn to thrive after being picked on and some don't. I am one that struggles on a daily basis with the effects of it, of course I have good days and bad, and this blog isn't about me so I shall stop talking about myself.
I do believe more needs to be done in the homes of the children than making the community and the schools deal with it. Behavior starts at home, and if you can't be a parent that will be with your child, take responsibility for your child. and raise them properly (don't say the community has to do it for you) then please spare us all and don't have kids.
Great blog and I will continue to follow!
Infamous WPMS, I also fell victim to the onslaught of bullying but mine started in first grade and continued long into high school. Taking my life was a daily, even hourly, real feeling. It is so rampant now and I feel that it is going to get worse. Look at how rebellious our society has become? Look at any random headline and it shows clearly our society has taken the right to pursue happiness into the right of entitlement.
ReplyDeleteLets be fair though, we can't put all the blame on the parents. Parents are now working two, sometimes three jobs just to break even on the expenses. Television does not help matters, case in point Sponge Bob. Sponge Bob is notorious for beating on his often suggested homosexual friend Patrick. Educators, especially at the secondary level seem more interested in denouncing moral values to edify scientific theories.
Remember Eric Harris wearing the white shirt with black letters reading "Natural Selection" as he pumped rounds into his fellow classmates at Columbine High School? We are after all just apes is what we tell the children. Apes is what we are producing in the education system and then we respond to treating the apes by putting them in cages referred to in our just society as "correctional facilities".
The real tragedy is that us, the victims of bullying, did not know that we were being bullied because there is, if nothing else the ability to cope in numbers and as a populace could have stuck together against what happened to us. I applaud the children that speak out against it but it is not enough, it is a social issue and needs to be dealt with from several angles including at home, in the schools, and in the church.
Sadly, most of the issues stemmed from when I spent about a year and a half at Swan Valley, but with some of the drama, it moved back to WPMS with me. Jason, you're right, you cannot put all the blame on the parents, but the younger the child, the more blame can be directed toward the parent. My parents taught me not to treat others with disrespect...and I only really fought to defend myself. In one instance of bullying, I know for a fact a lot of it came from home for the girl. She had a home life that fostered that lack of acceptance for others. The fact is, (on the topic of Spongebob) people are gay. I believe the main reason it is discussed in television shows now days is to remove the stigma and teach children to accept those that are different; not necessarily to teach a child all about the intricacies of homosexuality. Children need to be aware, so they don't perpetuate hateful attitudes at school. I was picked on and called a fag/dyke/etc. many times because I choose to dress and act a certain way...I wasn't/am not even Bi-sexual. At the time, being tagged as such was such a horrific thing, that I was terrified that people would believe it and treat me different (some did). Despite our moral/religious views on the subject, the fact is children need to learn acceptance, and that does start within the home and continues through religious affiliations (church, mosque, synagogue, temple, etc.) and school.
ReplyDeleteLike you said, It's wonderful that some of these children are speaking out, but it isn't enough. Teachers need to 'man up' and report bullying incidents more often than they do.
When we were in 8th grade and I was jumped at lunch time, the lunch lady, and all the ladies in the school office made me go to class bloodied, tattered and covered in spit, mud and whatever else was thrown on me (in January). The teacher didn't even say anything until halfway through class when the full brunt of the concussion kicked in. THEN, they just told me to go relax in the office and clean myself up...But for a long time (hour or 2) refused to call my Mom. It was a failing of the Teacher, the lunch attendant, the office women and a couple others. That incident alone made me realize how bullying is viewed. I was also told that if I HAD fought back, I would have been suspended...Nice. Bullying is something I lived with up until graduation. The only year I wasn't really bullied? 9th grade, when I dated Poncho...and had the Senior guys to watch my back.
The schools need to take it more seriously...because as You, "Bride of A great man", and I can attest to, WPMS let it go on. If any of us would have gone through with our thoughts of suicide, those interviewed at the school would have said "I never would have seen it coming." When in reality, they witnessed the verbal and physical abuses daily.
I agree 100% Kel, it is unfortunate at the time we didn't have a platform to speak about these things during that time. The school administration was wretched and in my personal opinion it was criminal. Tolerance is so crucial especially at that young age when people are trying to find themselves amongst the wolves. I am so sorry for what you had to endure, I always felt like I was the only one until I read your blog. I look forward to seeing more of your blogs and I'll try to spur some banter or throw in my two cents to encourage you to stick with the blog and maybe drum up traffic. Jersey Shore! lol love ya!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jason! :) Bring on the banter. I know that not everyone agrees with my views and I look forward to other points of view, as long as there's that mutual respect (as I know you always give in conversation).
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