Bullying, we've all seen it. In our schools, on the streets, just about anywhere you can think really. Somone is always picking on someone who can't defend themselves. Have you ever asked yourself, "Gosh, I wonder how that person feels after I do things like that?" I'm guessing the answer to that is a big NO. Bullying hurts, and not just the person being bullied, those around that person may be affected as well. There was a shooting at Perry Hall High School this past week. The alleged shooter, named Robert Wayne Gladden, "was bullied for three years straight. He tried to commit suicide in the seventh grade and they sent him to a Catholic school after he did that." (Tyler P., an eighth grader at Stemmer's Run). Seeing as his suicide attempt failed, his plan was to force a police officer to kill him for his actions. In the process, he ended up wounding another child, and now feels deep remorse.
Physical bullying is not
the only problem, there exists a way to be bullied without even meeting the
person. This is called cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is when someone sends you a
message via text, email, or instant message that contains hateful language
(usually). For the most part, cyberbulling exists between young people who are
brought up with all the new technology that is being invented. It is being made
easier and easier for young people to get their thoughts across to someone else
without actually having to have a face to face conversation with them. Some schools
have taken it upon themselves to try to stop cyberbullying. Allen Park High
School has prepared assemblies for the soul purpose of teaching the student
body about how to use computer tools like chat, email, etc. properly and
kindly. They are also taught about the harmful effects of cyberbullying.
In this world, are those who stand up for what is right and those who don't.
Jamey Rodemeyer is one of the people who stangs up for what he believes was
right. He was a known activist against homophobia through his videos on
youtube. He understood what it was like to be bullyied because of homophobia
and on September 18, 2011, committed suicide because of it. He will forever be
remembered. Jamey's death caused outrage throughout the country, not just by everyday
people, but also by celebrities. Lady GaGa, in response to Jamey's death,
started the Born This Way Foundation to deal with issues related to bullying.
Classmate Quotes about Bullying
"Bullying has to stop, its gone on too long." (Nick G.)
"Golden Rule, follow it." (Lakota G.)
"I've bullied before, after my research I'll never do it again."
(Tom O.)
