Before I even had my first cup of coffee
Watching or listening or even reading the morning day's news, I often shake my head in wonder. How do people do some of the things they do? Today was different. Before I even got my first cup of coffee drank, I learned of yet another teen suicide. An 18 year old student in Minnesota decided that rather than live another moment of being bashed, bullied, ridiculded and taunted, he would end it.
Yes, I equate bullying with bashing, hate, ignorance and intolerance. I would love to sit with some of these bullys who over the years have victimized him and find out what on earth ever caused them to bully this boy. Was there some sense of powerment, a sense of fear of classmates who would not allow a young person to come to the defense of another for fear of being labeled and taunted too. Even that would come after I could fully appreciate and understand that the schools where these teens attended were well aware of the problem and did nothing. Why? My understanding is that the school doe not include gays in its anti-bullying policy.
All of us who stand by and do nothing are guilty of the same actions that prompted this young man to end his life rather than be in the same world with us. How do we feel about ourselves when we commit these atrocities? Do we derive some sense of pride, accomplishment? You and I work hand in hand with the schools and others who allow bullying when we allow it to happen. And we do it over and over and over.
Be mindful that bullying happens to many who are not gay or even perceived to be so. Maybe he's too skinny or too fat or a different color or creed. etc. Bullying does not make us better than our victims.
Today, I am saddened, again.
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