I've been reading many different news stories about various school bullying (cyber bullying as well), and teens/young adults committing suicide as a result. I actually just watched an interesting video of councilman addressing the issue and calling the community to action. Although his comments focused more on the bullying of Gay/Lesbian teens, it still rings true.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax96cghOnY4 )
I know I was bullied in middle school for various reasons. Chief amongst them:
1. I was poor (couldn't wear the coolest clothes)
2. I wasn't amazing at sports
3. Whatever other reason people could find.
I got through it, and now am quite successful/happy with myself all these years later. However, it still sticks with you. Those tears, those feelings of utter sadness.
One time the captain of the wrestling team decided it would be a good idea to hock the biggest loogie he could into his hand, and then rub it all into my hair on a field trip. I've been called a fag, a bitch, and been mocked for ridiculous things like having hairy armpits (was one of the first boys to get hair under the arms...man those middle school girls were cruel).
There were times I definitely wanted to die, wanted the pain to stop...but I never gave up, because I knew all those assholes who bullied me would some day be pumping my gas (they are btw...I've friended many of the worst one's on facebook just to confirm that they are significantly less successful hahaha)
-So FUBU, have you ever been bullied? How does it affect you?
-What as a nation can we do to stop it?
-Where does the blame lie, with the parents, the school?
-What about cyber bullying? We've all trolled at one time or another...but when does 4chan-inspired "lulz" go too far?