A prior post of mine included my son being bullied at school, with the most recent episode standing up for himself. I know from personal experience how bullying can effect children...from my daughter coming home in the 1st grade crying that someone said she was fat. My daughter was around one of the 5th smallest kids in the class. To my son being bullied each year by some jerk. In my personal situations I do put alot of blame on the parents. I know you can parent your kids and hope for the best, and hope it was good enough, but some of these parents don't give two hoots in hell what's going on and it's sad. I am a happily married heterosexual...that being said... It was MY business to be married to someone of the opposite sex. If you are against gay marriage why can't you keep your opinions to yourself? It's NONE of anyone's business what others are doing. For a couple out to preach against the gay community I would really love to burst into one of their weddings and when the person asks, "Is there anyone here that doesn't agree with this marriage speak now" I would LOVE to say, "Stop this fucking wedding her/his partner has a big nose, she has small boobs, he is too hairy! You get my point?" I am going to post what Ellen Degeneres said yesterday on her show which sums it up... Last point I'll make... I have enjoyed my readers very much, but if you disagree with me, my page is not the place to post it... I will delete any hateful comments.
Ellen Degeneres-
I am devastated by the death of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi. If you don't know, Tyler was a bright student at Rutgers University whose life was senselessly cut short. He was outed as being gay on the internet and he killed himself.
Something must be done. This month alone, there has been a shocking number of news stories about teens who have been teased and bullied and then committed suicide; like 13-year-old Seth Walsh in Tehachapi, California. Asher Brown, 13, of Cypress, Texas and 15-year-old Billy Lucas in Greensberg, Indiana. This needs to be a wake-up call to everyone: teenage bullying and teasing is an epidemic in this country, and the death rate is climbing.
One life lost in this senseless way is tragic. Four lives lost is a crisis. And these are just the stories we hear about. How many other teens have we lost? How many others are suffering in silence? Being a teenager and figuring out who you are is hard enough without someone attacking you.
My heart is breaking for their families, their friends and for a society that continues to let this happen. These kids needed us. We have an obligation to change this. There are messages everywhere that validate this kind of bullying and taunting and we have to make it stop. We can't let intolerance and ignorance take another kid's life.
I want anyone out there who feels different and alone to know that I know how you feel. There is help out there. You can find support in your community. If you need someone to talk to or if you want to get involved, here are some organizations doing great work:
The Trevor Project at 866 4U TREVOR. It's a 24-hour, national help line for gay and questioning teens. You can learn more about The Trevor Project at their website: thetrevorproject.org.
Read more: http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/09/its_time_to_end_teenage_bullying_0930.php#ixzz11A7sL3Nt
I read about this story when it broke, and it tore at my heart. People can be so cruel and vicious to others. The internet is so powerful, but some people like to wield it like a weapon.
ReplyDeleteThis story broke my heart too. Nice post. Hugs, Katherine
ReplyDeleteP.S. Ellen rocks!
I couldn't agree with you more....parents need to step up and be parents....i'll fight anyone who wants to disagree with you....very disturbing and uncalled for...re-dick! joining u from bloggy moms:)
ReplyDeleteI loved every sentence!! I saw this clip up on facebook yesterday (just like her there and you should be able to access it).
ReplyDeleteI would be so sad if I were the kids parents (the ones that did said crime); I would be so disappointed.
Hi there! New follower thanks to Bloggy Moms Follow me/I follow you.
ReplyDeleteStop by Bizee Mama's and say Hi: www.bizeemamax6.blogspot.com
~Kimberly
a.k.a. Bizee Mama
I totally agree with you! My daughter use to get call stupid in the 1st grade and she cried everyday! Needless to say, I had to change schools, especially when the SCHOOLS do nothing about it! And if there are people that actually disagree, then those are the parents of those bullying children. It's sad! I think it needs to stop and parents need to raise better children, because the number of ignorant, racist, repugnant kids, is GROWING!
ReplyDeleteI just did a whole lesson on bullying with my eighth graders. Apparently, there was some bullying going on with a girl in my class who was being pulled out for small group. I immediately nipped it in the bud because I want to make sure that none of my students are being singled out or abused in this way.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a hard hitting post. SO important to raise awareness though. I agree with every word.
ReplyDelete(found you via bloggymoms follow me I follow you. I am www.poorparenting.co.uk which I hope may offer you some light hearted relief if you ever have time for such things!)
Thank you everyone for your nice comments.. I applaud all of you mom's and teacher's for doing what's right. I just wish I could raise my children in a less violent world.
ReplyDeleteHey- I love your blog and the adorable pic of your dog in rose colored glasses. Cute! I'm following you now from bloggy moms and would love for you to follow me too!
ReplyDeletewww.becauseidontscrapbook.blogspot.com and/or www.thegossamerjewelbox.blogspot.com
Thanks!
"Sticks and stone will break your bones but words will never harm them." Instead words rot you from the inside out. Sadly, kids have too many access points for bullying. It used to be only on the playground but now there is the phones, the internet...hell, your kid can even be verbally assaulted being on Xbox live or other gaming sites. Children need to be taught to be more tolerant of eachother. I think most kids bully because they are trying to protect themselves from being the one bullied.
ReplyDeleteI posted recently about my boy being bullied at school too, it's horrible, you feel so helpless.
ReplyDelete