See, the past little while people have become louder with their rallying cry of stop bullying. I've read articles, listened to what they have to say and find myself, uncomfortable with how their going about it. I can't quite pinpoint why.
But I think part of my issue is that they're still spouting that (quite frankly) nonsense about telling someone, a teacher, a principle, they will help stop it. Yeah no.
You see, I spent most of my school years being bullied, by strangers, so called friends, yadda yadda, lots of teasing, pestering and mean jibes for reasons I don't even know. When I was in kindergarden I was being litterally pushed around by a girl. I went and told the teacher who flat out refused to help (she was a gem). So, this whole thing of go tell someone, they will stop it. Don't tell kids that, because when they try it, and the people who are supposed to help do nothing? It kind of ruins your trust in authority figures.
But you know what did help? Telling people about what I was going through. My parents, friends, people you would listen. It didn't stop the bullying, but it made it bearable. It wasn't until high school that I finally clued in that if I didn't get riled up, they'd stop. But I think I only managed that because I had people supporting me. And it was really satisfying laughing in the face of a bully who kept trying when I'd finally just stopped caring.
To me, bullying is not something that can be stopped. I think it's always going to be a part of society. Because the biggest problem with bullying, is that most of the time, the bullies are also being abused in some way. These kids too need help. But they're often being hurt where others can't see, where teachers can't step in (not that it helps anyways). And some kids act out on others because they're angry, scared, depressed.
I think really I'm bothered that they portray the bullies as these mean thugs, as the bad guys. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure some of the people out there are, but I really think they are in the minority.
I also feel strongly that instead of trying to get these kids to go to people who "can stop it" they should encourage them to seek help to deal with it. Cause let's face it, sometimes life sucks, but if you're brought up in a bubble, how will you ever deal with the real world? Sometimes your boss will be a bully, who do you tell then to stop it? hm?
Anyhow, just my two cents.
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