Another life lost to bullying
I thought about posting this to an LGBT board but decided that isn't where it belongs.
A 17 year old was bullied to death. Not just because he was gay and certainly not just by other kids that are gay. The bullying took places for nearly a decade, at multiple schools, from a myriad of kids. He was made fun of for having a lazy eye, for his size, because he had acne and mostly, because he was gay.
Carlos Vigil, like so many kids, didn't share with his parents the daily suffering he endured until he was in his mid teens. Unlike other kids, Carlos worked hard to end bullying of others. He even traveled across the country to help out when he hoped to make a difference. He was a good kid doing his best to make life a little better for others in what can be a heartless, shitty world.
We live in a society where violence, hatred and just plain being rude is becoming the norm. Social media is stealing the ability to empathize and sympathize. It creates a mob mentality. When someone attacks another behind a keyboard, others, who probably would never say something mean to another in person, will join in. There is no personal interaction to cause the compassion most feel when face to face with someone. Humanity is lost in cyberspace.
As adults it is our responsibility to step in when we see bullying. So many social media groups allow hate to be spewed. It is nearly always aimed at the person and not the subject under discussion. We gain nothing by feeding into that and have everything to gain if we try and defuse the situation.
"..I am a loser, a freak and a fag and in no way is that acceptable for people to deal with. I'm sorry for not being a person that would make people proud. "
NO CHILD should be made to feel that worthless. NO CHILD should feel they should apologize for being.
Please step in whenever you see bullying and help end it. Please teach every child in your life to be respectful of others. Please embrace any child you influence with enough love and self esteem that they will be confident without being cocky. Please use compassion when dealing with children so they can be compassionate themselves.
This is one national organization that can help www.stopbullying.gov There are many and most places have local chapters. If there isn't one in your area, perhaps you can help start one.
Story about Carlos Vigil 
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2013/07/bullied-n-m-gay-teen-posts-suicide-note-online-before-taking-his-own-life/
= new reply since forum marked as read
Another life needlessly gone.
