Bullying is not a "buzz" word. Bullying is a reality. The photos above are just a handful of beautiful children robbed of their childhood. They were taunted to the point that they felt death, was the only way they could have peace.
A series of events have weighed heavily on my conscience since I was in elementary school. In third grade, I had a classmate named Brian. Brian was not privileged. Brian was socially awkward. Brian's clothes were that of thrift shop finds. His pants were bell bottoms that rose well above his ankles. His button down shirts had pointy wing tipped collars. Brian tucked in his shirt and wore a belt. His waist was pulled nearly to his chest. Brian wore over-sized brown glasses with coke bottle lenses. Brian's voice was very deep and raspy, perhaps it was early puberty. Brian was tormented for being different.
I can recall countless instances where Brian was singled-out and laughed at. Brian was the butt of all jokes. Brian was the subject of many pranks. Brain was just a little boy, who didn't deserve to be treated that way. One memory stands out in my mind more than any. During P.E. our class was playing four square. It was Brian's turn. Instead of nicely handing a ball to Brian, the ball was launched at his head by a peer. Brian's glasses flew off his face. The class erupted into laughter. No one bothered to help Brian retrieve his glasses. He was left to fend for himself. After retrieving his glasses, he proceeded to scream, "It's not funny....quit laughing!" As the class continued to laugh and point, you could see tears swelling in Brian's eyes. His face grew red, and he proceeded to spit at everyone and anyone in his path. This was Brian's way of retaliating. He didn't use his fists, he did not kick, he did not shove. No, he spit. The more he spit, the more laughter he drew.
To be quite frank, everyone (myself included) deserved to be spat on that day. We deserved much more. To add insult to injury, Brian was the one who was punished. Brian was the one that was sent to the Principal's office for spitting on people. Where was the justice in that? I'm so incredibly ashamed of my actions that day. I'm ashamed that I didn't help him. I'm ashamed that I laughed and I'm ashamed for not standing up to the class on Brian's behalf. Twenty four years later, and this event still haunts me.
When stories started surfacing in the news of children killing themselves because they were severely tormented, my mind instantly went to Brian. Just the mere though of his name, brings tears to my eyes. I often wonder if he too has taken his own life. I often wonder if he became a violet criminal. I wonder if he ever had a chance at a normal life. I talk to my husband a lot about Brain, because my conscience won't let me forget. I hope Brian grew into his own. I hope he excelled at everything he tried. I hope he is wealthier than one could imagine. Brian deserves the world for all he was put through as a kid. Above all, Brain deserved happiness.
I was taught to accept everyone. I was taught to love thy neighbor. I was taught to offer a hand, when someone is down. I was taught to be an advocate for those who need a voice. I was taught these lessons at a young age. This is why I am so ashamed to have laughed at Brian that day. This is why my heart still breaks for that young boy. This is why I tell my children that nothing could ever disappoint me more, than to learn of them belittling someone because they are different. I will not tolerate such behavior and I will not allow my children to laugh at the expense of another.
We, as parents, are responsible for being involved in our kid's lives. We are responsible for listening to them and guiding them on the right path. We, as parents, are a sounding board for our children. Until our children are old enough to reason for themselves, we ARE their voice of reason. Until these lessons are instilled in each and every child, we will continue to see precious kids committing suicide. To accept that these events are normal, is unacceptable. Speak to your kids about bullying. Speak to your kids about accepting EVERYONE regardless of their social status, sexual preference or color of their skin. Teach your children the art of kindness. It starts at home and it starts with you.
