On facebook someone sent me a request to join a cause that is fighting to prevent teen suicide due to bullying. Old memories suddenly presented themselves, as they are wont to do at the slightest provocation. I found myself remembering experiences in Junior High. That was 7th-9th grade for me. Back then I was a rather unusual kid. I loved musical theatre. I loved to sing. I dreamt of being an actor. These things don't seem unusual now, but at the age of 12-14, these things were considered strange by the boys who dreamt of sports or following in daddie's footsteps.
I was never timid about expressing myself to anyone who would listen to me. Perhaps that was where I went wrong. I started hearing the word "fag" at age 12. I wasn't sure what that meant but I knew it was not a compliment. It went from something whispered behind my back to something that was said directly to my face. Then I began to get offers to fight some of the older boys at school. Then they began waiting for me to get off the bus on my way home. I didn't want to fight them. I didn't have any idea how to fight. I tried just ignoring them. That wasn't working. They became more cruel and agressive. I finally began riding my bike the 3 miles to my school to avoid these confrontations.
Eventually, as my singing and acting began to be recognized for the special talents and gifts they were, the teasing subsided. I developed a group of friends, many of them older, who helped me create a certain respect. I was released from these bullies by refusing to be intimidated and by following the beat of my own drum. I refused to give in to the pressure to conform and I won.
My message here is not that I was strong enough to keep from succumbing to pier pressure. The message is about those who are not that strong. Not every child has the supportive and loving family that I had. Not every child is as driven and self-assured as I was. For many this form of abuse is overwhelming. Feeling that they have nowhere else to turn, they feel that life is just not worth the effort. Too many take their own lives. Too many adults turn a blind eye, or worse, consider this as some right of passage. This is what must stop. The general apathy towards bullying is unacceptable and it is up to us to stop it.
Sadly there are many adult bullies out there as well. We even attempt to ignore them even after we have grown up (hopefully). We owe it to our kids and grandkids to stand up to the bullies around us, no matter what their age. If we remain silent on this issue, how do we expect little boys and girls to stand up for themselves. We have to take the love we feel for one another and protect those who are vulnerable, whether they are old or young. We make a difference, but only when we choose to stand up. I urge you to join me. Make a difference by putting fear (not common sense) aside. Expose the bullies among us. Let them know how hurtful they are. Ostrasize them. Isolate them. Never put up with hate speach. Never allow negatives to outweigh positives. If there ever has been such a thing as a devil, negativity is the equivolent. Love is the antidote.
Peace and Love,
Austin/Bill
www.wahjr56.blogspot.com
This is definitely a most important topic! I think that we are more aware of the bullying today because there is so much more access to information, but bullying has always tortured the bullied, some fortunate as you who had a supportive family to give you the strength.
ReplyDeleteWe have to continue to increase awareness and also, as you say, expose the bullies, ostracize them, expose them and stand up to them.
Kids become bullies while they are trying to become who they think they should be, but they are definitely reinforced by the adult bullies that are everywhere ~
We can, each and every one of us, make a difference one by one - we just have to stand up!
Great post Austin, thank you!!! I also joined the cause (as well as other with the same goal!)
Thank you,Lisa! I agree with every word you wrote. It is past time that we take a stand against the bullies among us. It begins with adults. I am often dismayed by the number of adults who refuse to grow up. I guess they equate growing up with growing old. You and I know that simply is not true.
DeleteBill, I'm so sorry you had to experience bullying but am grateful you found a way to deal with it (through your family and friends). You are right that it needs to be addressed head on and not ignored. Thank you for reminding us to be aware and to speak up whenever needed. Huge hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteTrish
www.robertssister.com
caregiving. family. advocacy.