So hey guys again I wanted to share another piece of my coursework that I have conpleted to see your opinions and also because I am very passionate about the topic I was writing about so yeah enjoy :)
Being different is good, being the same is boring.
Bullying is something we hear about almost every day; do I
really need to say anything more? But I will, because for every individual out
there who has been a victim of bullying, this is my chance to tell you to stand
up and be proud of who you are. It’s a message to all the bullies out there
that they need to stop, look at themselves and think why the hell am I doing
this. Also it’s a plea to everyone around those being bullied and others
bullying them to stand up for others because sometimes when you need someone
most is when everyone decides to ignore everything that is happening around
them. When I was younger I was one of those individuals that got picked on and
laughed at behind my back, even by my “friends”. I, too, had those days when at
school you’re called useless and stupid and fat; you take those moments home
with you and they fill your entire body in the darkness of the people who you
once thought were your friends and who you could trust. Those days where you
just feel like a nobody with no one to turn to because if you did you would
feel like more insults would come your way for telling someone how you feel and
standing up for yourself.
Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year
and it is estimated that at least 20 adolescents and adults commit suicide
every year because of bullying. For those of you who feel depressed or scared
or both about the people around you, don’t be. Why should you have to suffer
for being yourself? Sometimes bullying can be that step towards finding out who
you truly are.
“Bullying builds character like nuclear waste creates
superheroes. It’s a rare occurrence and often does more damage than endowment.”
– Zack W. Van
Throughout all the bullying and laughing and lies, you will
eventually come out on top. I say eventually because it won’t happen until you
make a stand and say, “Hey, this is me and if you’re not happy with that then
tough. Why don’t you worry yourself instead of my life for a change?” But also
if the ‘bullies’ see you as being vulnerable and upset about what they are
doing there is nothing to say to them that they should stop. Whereas if you
stand up to them and look like you have control of the situation and surround
yourself with people who respect you and want to be around you then they will
start to feel like they can’t do anything anymore because everything they do
isn’t effecting you like they want it to.
“Some people won’t be happy until they’ve pushed you to the
ground.” – Donna Schoenrock
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they
fight you, then you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi
The people that mock you and make you feel worthless want to
see a reaction of sadness and of you being afraid. But as soon as that spark
ignites within you and you’ve had enough, do something about it. Make them see
that you aren’t afraid of them anymore, even if you are putting on that brave
face that you’ve been wearing to cover up your sadness to make them see
differently. Only then will you be able to take that same mask off and throw it
away so you can be yourself. Over half – around 55% - of lesbian, gay and
bisexual young people have experienced homophobic bullying at school. Those
people who pick on the little differences in an individual make me feel sick,
especially in the area of sexuality, which has enough coverage in the media.
The actual people going through a stage like this in their lives don’t need
your comments as well. Weight and appearance, even your hobbies or interests
seem to be a topic of opinion where “bullies” are concerned. Being called fat
or ugly, especially for girls, can change someone drastically. They would try
to lose weight and change how they look even if there is nothing wrong with
their appearance, and if they’re as thin as a twig they try to change it
because of a few ignorant people, who are probably only saying things like this
because they are so insecure with their differences that they’d rather put the
focus on someone else. Also for all you bullies out there who may be paying
attention, in a situation like this you could be putting their life at risk,
you could be stopping someone from eating just because of something you said to
them, why? Aren’t they perfect the way they are, as long as they are happy with
themselves then you shouldn’t have anything to say on the subject. Maybe you
should look at yourselves and think about how you can change to be a good
friend instead of bullying and putting others down all of the time.
“Courage is the fire, and bullying is the smoke.” – Benjamin
Disraeli
Your courage and power cannot be compared to the blanket of
insults throw at you. Once that blanket is over you, yes, it can be dark and
scary, but when you find the strength to push it away the light of freedom and
ability to breathe counteract all of the lies and fear. Our society has morphed
us into believing we should all be the same and then we shall be safe, but in a
world like today, is anyone really safe? Just because you may be different to
someone else doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or you’re never going to get
anywhere in life, it just means that you are being yourself and living how you
should be: true to yourself.
Some people can deal with being bullied themselves, but when
it happens to somebody close to your heart as well… this is where I found my
courage. For eight year olds to be calling their classmates “fat” and a
“chicken”… our society has taken a one way ticket to never being the same
again. At that age all I could worry about was passing a gym battle on my Pokémon
game or having to decide what television show I should watch later, I didn’t
mind if I wasn’t perfect because I was never pointed or laughed at that young.
But now days it’s almost as common as bullying among older children and
adolescents. In my opinion our society has taken a one way ticket into a
downwards spiral of constant judging and picking out on everything that isn’t
perfect enough for us to have or be.
But it does get better, people will find you and comfort you
and in that moment you’ll feel safe and no longer alone, just as it felt when I
bought that ticket out of society’s ways and made myself, well, me, because I
am no longer afraid to be myself. I don’t really care anymore what others think
because I am happy with who I am.
Being different isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s the
whole reason why you have been put on this planet. You are unique, one of a
kind, yourself. Without difference, the world would be a grey place of nothing.
Without difference, we would have not been able to evolve into what we are
today. Without difference, there would not be change and that is what people
and society are most afraid of.
