BIGOTRY
HATE
These words and actions are well alive not just in the adults but the youth of our nation and many parts of the world. Here is a clip about a young, gay teen who was bullied so much that he felt the only way to end it was ending his own life. A teen. What makes matters worse, the people that led him to completing this action were not even remorseful but rejoiced in his death and continued rejoicing even after his death during a school function in which his sister was present. Extremism and hate don't just happen in other countries people, it's happening in your own back yard...in the schools that are supposed to be preparing tomorrow's leaders. Teen still bullied even after death
American's love to say how great and free America is compared to the world yet are hypocritically a close-minded as we accuse other nations of being when it comes to human rights and 'freedom'
How are all Americans free to be FREE when they can't even be themselves without fear of ridicule, repercussions, sometimes even ostracization? They are only free if they believe the way others believe. Is that really freedom? To live and think the way that others must?
Here is another case of a teen that is literally bullied to death by other teens.
Where do you think these bullies get their ideas and rhetoric from?
From the adults and media they consume. From their own politicians who are now calling for intolerant laws and practices that silence other opinions and ways of living that don't match up with their own beliefs. They support policies and actions saying some people are just less HUMAN than others and so should be treated as such. Aren't we all created equal as human beings? It's in the documents that went into the founding of the United States...yet this fact eluded many. They believe because of the unlucky chance that you were born on a boat or you don't have a slip of paper that you are less human and deserve less than human treatment than the next person. Whatever happened to Freedom of Destiny?
They get their rhetoric from their religious leaders who say that people who desire their own sex are less than human, abominations. Yes I know it says this in the old testiment. However so many people seem to forget that this is a nation that allows personal freedom. You are free to believe that it's incorrect but your belief should not inhibit or circumvent the beliefs of another. What right does anybody have to physically or verbally assault another person just because they talk, walk, dress, or have sex in their homes differently than you do???
The answer is NONE.
There really needs to be an anti-bullying campaign and legislation brought up to prevent this.
I agree with Jaimie's sister, bullying IS a hate crime.
How can you claim to be spreading Freedom, democracy, and of course the American ideal of Free Will when you allow the suppression, bullying, and hate to continue to be fostered in the youth who will later become leaders of tomorrow?
If you are wondering how you can get involved in stopping intolerance you can start by getting involved. Become educated through experience. If you see somebody suffering from bullying or other forms of intolerance do what you can to reach out or report the behavior.
You can also write to your local Congressman or government official asking for new legislation to have tougher penalties for those that are involved in bullying. Right now there are none except for a law against hazing.
You can become involved in an interfaith community that promotes love and respect or you can locate the local GBLT community leaders and learn about what challenges they are facing.
The biggest thing you can do though is be a shining light yourself. When you see something terrible happening in front of you don't just be a spectator, do something about it.
You may not agree with how somebody lives, but it doesn't mean you can't support their freedom to do so.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Council for Suicide Prevention
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)
How to help someone who has posted suicidal content on Facebook
For online support for LGBT teens, visit:
The Trevor Project, a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth.
GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, an organization for students, parents, and teachers that tries to affect positive change in schools.
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