Bullying

Every school around the world experiences some form of bullying.  Whether its verbal bullying or physical bullying.  There was an article in the Democrat & Chronicle recently that talked about a girl who was bullied by a group of her friends because they were not invited to a party that she was having.  She was receiving hateful texts, voicemails, and calls at all hours.  She was getting death stares in the hallways.  It got to the point where she felt the need to get help from the schools psychologist.  After meeting with the schools psychologist, things started to get better for the girl.  After first the first meeting, the bullying started to get worse.  But she reported the people who were bullying her, and it soon stopped.  This student believes that there should be more awareness surrounding the definition of bullying, because this will make it easier for students to come forward about it.  


There was another article in the Democrat & Chronicle that discussed the bullying that a boy experienced everyday at school.  The boy refused to report the bullying problems to his teachers, so there was little that could be done to help him.  He went to the school counselor who told him that he should get tested for mental health.  These mental health tests showed that the boy had a syndrome called asperger's, a condition characterized by having significant social issues.  The boy is now a senior, and says that he remembers little of the bullying when he was younger, it is all a blur to him.  He found a peer group and his social skills have improved.  The boy now speaks to groups of parents whose children are currently being bullied.  He shares his story because he says that it is important to speak about bullying to prove that you can become a better person.  


Bullying is not a new problem.  It has been occurring for many many years.  According to an article in the Democrat & Chronicle, local and national experts see that reports of bullying are on the rise.  Some blame the increasing social media programs for the increase of bullying.  Others blame the economy for the increase of bullying incidents, saying that more stressful home lives leads to more acting out at school.  Also the smaller faculties in schools, means less eyes to observe bullying in schools.  Local school officials say that newly issued anti-bullying programs have raised awareness of the issue.  

14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer

A recent bullying problem among a 14-year-old living in Buffalo, NY has raised awareness for cyber-bullying and torment on social networking websites.  This 14-year-old boy, named Jamey Rodemeyer, was overwhelmed by the constant bullying that he was experiencing, to the point where he committed suicide.  Jamey was bullied on a daily basis for more than a year with gay slurs and endless torment on social networking sites.  Jamey's idol, Lady Gaga, was one of the many people that expressed outrage about the torment that Jamey was constantly experiencing.  According to Jamey's parents, the bullying had started in middle-school.  He told his family and friends that he endured hateful comments in school and online, mainly based on his sexual orientation.  Jamey sent out many signals on social networking sites that he was struggling with his sexuality.  He encouraged others on blogging websites to fight off bullies.  After the death of Jamey Rodemeyer, his idol, Lady Gaga posted on twitter "Bullying must become be illegal.  It is a hate crime".  

Lady Gaga met with President Obama to discuss bullying

Many of Jamey's friends had reported the bullying to the schools counselor.  However, everybody, including Jamey's mother, believed that he had become stronger.  His friends described him as "happy" and "strong".  


My school has no tolerance at all when it comes to the subject of bullying or harassment.  The policy states "Bullying, intimidating, harassing, hazing, name calling, verbal and/or physical confrontations will receive disciplinary consequences including but not limited to suspension or dismissal, depending on the severity of the incident".  The dean of students at my high school said "bullying will not be tolerated".  Bullying happens everywhere, and can be verbal or physical.  But whether the bullying is verbal or physical, it is still wrong.  


Inspirational quotes about bullying:

• "If hurtful words or hurtful fists are coming at you everyday, it is bullying" ~ Zondra A.
• "Bullying comes in many forms.  If it makes you uncomfortable, it's bullying.  BE A BETTER PERSON!" ~ Courtney W. 
• "Bullying is bad" ~ Francesca O.

Banning of Handguns

Handguns can be dangerous in the hands of the wrong people.  However, they are extremely useful in self-defense if used safely and correctly.  Handguns are helpful to those people who need self-defense and are not physically able or knowledgeable to defend themselves without a handgun.  I believe that handguns should not be banned.  

Animal Experimentation

I believe that animal experimentation is cruel to the animals that are being experimented on.  However, I think that animal experimentation is also good for the humans who use the products that are being tested.  I am neutral on the subject of animal experimentation.  It is cruel to animals but on the other hand it is beneficial to humans.