Being different is good, being the same is boring.

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.