By Kara Shaylene, student
Bullying. What comes to mind when you think about bullying?
Do you remember a specific scene from a movie? Or maybe a book you've read? Or
perhaps you had a flashback to when you experienced a bullying incident where
it be you as the victim, the bully, or just an innocent bystander. Whichever one you were, it’s safe to say that
we all have crossed paths with a bully and a victim.
To the bully: Did you have a reason to bully? And how have
you changed since then?
To the victim: What did you do: take action or ignore? How
did you take your stand?
To the bystander: Why did or didn't you step in to help the
victim?
Bullying has become this worldwide phenomenon – and one that’s not good. Yes, it happens
everywhere and with just about anyone, but the real question is WHAT ARE PEOPLE
DOING ABOUT IT?!
When I was younger, I had a friend who got bullied and she
used to cry and eat lunch in the classroom whereas the rest of the class ate in
the cafeteria. No one knew what was going on with her until she decided to
switch schools. And that was the last time I ever saw her… ever! There was no
warning, nothing! Our teacher had explained to us that someone in the other
class was calling her names like “fat” and “ugly” and how she just didn't want
to hear it anymore. We were about ten years old and my friend has asked her
parents to move… Had I’d known my friend was being called names, I would have
stepped up to the bully and made him apologize.
People don’t realize that what they say matters. If you hear
anyone calling someone names or anything remotely close to bullying occurs, SAY
SOMETHING! You will be taking that stand that most people cannot.
And it is true! Most bystanders lower their heads and
completely ignore the situation to avoid getting bullied themselves. Studies
show that if you are a student witnessing a bullying occurrence, chances are
that if you have a high social rank in school, then you will not say anything.
Bullying doesn’t only happen in school! Women have even been
slut-shamed for the way they dress to work or because they like a certain sport
or hobby. Bullying is everywhere in our communities… work, school, in public,
even towards a certain group of people like the LGBTQ community.
More and more people are starting to speak out because
bullying has increased tremendously over the years and no one is really doing
anything about it. No one but anti-bullying activists who put their heart and
soul into the work they do. They commit their lives to raise awareness for
victims and to spread the world and to help prevent bullying. They want to make
a difference and show how victims are affected – young or old, it will always
leave someone who has experienced bullying with memories they won’t be able to
forget.
I remember watching a Britain’s Got Talent episode of two
very young boys I believe were younger than twelve years old. The youngest of
the duo was bullied and constantly teased about his mom being a single mother
and how his dad had left. You can tell he was greatly affected by the whole
thing, such that he even took to music to let it all out. The pair left the
audience and the judges in awe, giving them a standing ovation and even getting
the judges to push the great big “gold button.” Watch Video Here:
In other words, I know people who have been bullied, abused,
and greatly mistreated. Much to the fact that I always try to find ways to help
out in our bettering the community. Anti-Bullying needs to be more advertised
and promoted with a lot of dedication and motivation. You can’t leave it
unheard and unaddressed because, then, bullies will still be bullies! You can
help by taking part in an anti-bullying
campaign and share your story or a family or friends!
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