Ellen Degeneres gives a very touching speech to gay youth. With the recent news that there has been a fourth suicide as a result of bullying, my heart broke. Something more has to be done to teach tolerance in the schools.
It's crazy. Completely crazy. And while the suicides have been the most visible effect of kids bullying other kids... you know there's so much more going on out there. :(
Something I saw earlier this week was that 35% of kids who have food allergies or intolerances have been bullied or harassed... yet another example of perceived differences leading to bullying.
I agree, Chris, it's crazy. The schools really need to work harder at teaching tolerance. All too often, however, the administration just turns a blind eye to the situation.
Wow, I got a bit teary too. No doubt it affected her deeply. It breaks my heart but I'm glad it's in the media and not hidden. If people know it's happening they can be outraged and change it, if it's dark secret that just encourages it to continue so I hope that some good comes from these tragedies.
I keep hope in my heart that there will be some good that comes out of this, otherwise I think we (the people) will just sink further into the muck. Thanks for sharing this, Stephani.
I saw this posted on Twitter this afternoon and I was pleased Ellen said something. This IS a crisis and we need to protect young people dealing with their sexuality and personal struggles. We need to step up prosecution for bullying, whether it is in schools or on the Internet.
We need to stop the adult bullies who use prominent TV shows and radio stations to viciously attack anyone they don't like. The fact that they are given a national platform to promote their bullying and intolerance is what is truly intolerable. No wonder our kids bully, when they see high profile celebrities doing the same.
Wren: I just hope that this can be a slap-in-the-face wake up call for some people. You're right, they are just sinking further in the muck. That's a great way of putting it.
AJ: You are so right, there needs to be harsher penalties for those who participate in bullying. They need to held accountable for their actions.
P.A.: Thanks for stopping by. Just the other day I saw that the rapper, 50 Cent was once again posting anti-gay tweets. It just sickened me as I wondered how many of his fans believe in his hate.
Schools need to do more, but in some cases, the schools are involved with the bullying. And we've seen adults join in their kids bullying other kids. Recently a mother DROVE her son to meet another boy so he could beat the boy up. She sat in her car watching until he was done and drove him home. What kind of adult can condone and even encourage bullying?
Our society is becoming very ugly indeed. And that's not a good thing for the future.
P.A. that is just horrible. I hope that mother was prosecuted because what she did was criminal. I believe you about the schools, too. My son just said the other day that he doubts the administration at his high school would allow them to form a GSA. Yet they have no problem with students displaying offensive signs and flags on their lockers and cars.
Ok, I teared up. *sniff*
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy. Completely crazy. And while the suicides have been the most visible effect of kids bullying other kids... you know there's so much more going on out there. :(
Something I saw earlier this week was that 35% of kids who have food allergies or intolerances have been bullied or harassed... yet another example of perceived differences leading to bullying.
GLBT children are at the top of the percentages of our homeless population. There needs to be a safety net out so these kids don't feel hopeless.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Chris, it's crazy. The schools really need to work harder at teaching tolerance. All too often, however, the administration just turns a blind eye to the situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jase. Something more needs to be done for these kids. While many major cities have centers, the more rural areas are sadly lacking.
ReplyDeleteWow, I got a bit teary too. No doubt it affected her deeply. It breaks my heart but I'm glad it's in the media and not hidden. If people know it's happening they can be outraged and change it, if it's dark secret that just encourages it to continue so I hope that some good comes from these tragedies.
ReplyDeleteI keep hope in my heart that there will be some good that comes out of this, otherwise I think we (the people) will just sink further into the muck. Thanks for sharing this, Stephani.
ReplyDeleteI saw this posted on Twitter this afternoon and I was pleased Ellen said something. This IS a crisis and we need to protect young people dealing with their sexuality and personal struggles. We need to step up prosecution for bullying, whether it is in schools or on the Internet.
ReplyDeleteWe need to stop the adult bullies who use prominent TV shows and radio stations to viciously attack anyone they don't like. The fact that they are given a national platform to promote their bullying and intolerance is what is truly intolerable. No wonder our kids bully, when they see high profile celebrities doing the same.
ReplyDeleteWren: I just hope that this can be a slap-in-the-face wake up call for some people. You're right, they are just sinking further in the muck. That's a great way of putting it.
ReplyDeleteAJ: You are so right, there needs to be harsher penalties for those who participate in bullying. They need to held accountable for their actions.
P.A.: Thanks for stopping by. Just the other day I saw that the rapper, 50 Cent was once again posting anti-gay tweets. It just sickened me as I wondered how many of his fans believe in his hate.
Schools need to do more, but in some cases, the schools are involved with the bullying. And we've seen adults join in their kids bullying other kids. Recently a mother DROVE her son to meet another boy so he could beat the boy up. She sat in her car watching until he was done and drove him home. What kind of adult can condone and even encourage bullying?
ReplyDeleteOur society is becoming very ugly indeed. And that's not a good thing for the future.
P.A. that is just horrible. I hope that mother was prosecuted because what she did was criminal. I believe you about the schools, too. My son just said the other day that he doubts the administration at his high school would allow them to form a GSA. Yet they have no problem with students displaying offensive signs and flags on their lockers and cars.
ReplyDeleteOh, now that's discouraging. :(
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very discouraging, Chris.
ReplyDelete