Response

It's been a month, I suppose I've been too wrapped up in the feelings of graduation, but I did come across something to write about. I wrote about how earlier, a purpose I've seemed to grow into is being an advocate against bullying and other related acts. For an event the Millersville communications department invites high schools around the area to participate in an on-the-spot competition, something came up right away.

My group decided to produce a video about bullying. I instantaneously approved of the idea, and led them to a spot where they could shoot the video. It didn't turn out the greatest—the editing decisions weren't exactly the best, even if it was under pressure. However, that isn't the point of this blog. The point was the reception to this video in particular.

To clarify, the story is of a kid on his way to class, as he bumps into a "tough guy" who knocks him to the ground, kicking him while he's down, tearing his backpack off and throwing it on him while he's prone. One girl, while texting and walking by, does nothing, saying "what a loser" and the guy far away minding his own business takes responsibility and drives the guy away, helps the kid up and sends him on his way. The video then ended with the startling statistics that this subject comes with.

Problem is, during the showing, the entire classroom of high school and middle school kids began laughing as soon as the tough guy dropped the kid to the ground. The concept of bullying was a complete joke to these people. As the girl said "what a loser," the laughing intensified. The statistics came, and the room went silent.

We've hit two obstacles in drawing attention to this subject: people perceive harassment as a joke, and they don't recognize bullying as a problem. I can remember, clear as day...in 8th grade, Indian Crest decided to provide awareness on the issue. Too bad I was one of the only people listening, as the people around me murmured, "why are we even here? this doesn't happen here?" I beg to differ.

The proof of it happening was sitting right next to them in silence.

Sometimes I wonder why exactly people can be so ignorant to the fact that this exists, and it affects lives in dramatic ways. The simplest things people say can have a huge effect on a life. I've been called worthless before. If I didn't have the support of my best friend at the time, who knows where I'd be? Dead? Maybe.

I just want people to understand that bullying is not funny. It does not deserve a laugh. It deserves action. It deserves advocacy. It has been swept under the rug for the longest time, and I won't stand for that. Right now, it starts with us. It starts with our generation. If we can move past that and teach our children the right way, maybe we can improve the issue.

It's time to throw this stupid behavior out the window. It's time to value each other as individuals. We all exist, and we're here together, like it or not. Make sure you're not intentionally ruining someone else's life because of your actions. The people who get the most attacks are the ones that need the most help. Will you be the solution?

I vow to be part of the solution.