Another life lost to bullying
Originally I thought about posting this in LGBT but decided to post in General Discussion. Because bullying is a problem that does not discriminate, it seemed the better option. However it had very few views and only 2 comments. Perhaps this is not written well and I can certainly take criticism on that. But I want to try and help keep this subject in the forefront and to share a couple excellent resources.
Another 17 year old, Carlos Vigil, was bullied to death. The bullying took place 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, not until he was in his mid teens. That was nearly 7 years after it began. 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 from 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.
Carlos wrote in his suicide note, "..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 local chapters
A couple non-profits that teach kids and have tools that are proven to work are www.thecorematters.com and www.safetyeducationalliance.com If they are not in your area they can point you in the right direction.
Story about Carlos Vigil
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2013/07/bullied-n-m-gay-teen-posts-suicide-note-online-before-taking-his-own-life/
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