Back in November, I was assigned to write a new anti-bullying curriculum for work. Since that time, I've spent countless hours researching bullying, reviewing anti-bullying laws, and reading stories of people who've been bullied.
It's been a month or so since I came across the trailer for a movie entitled, simply, "Bully". As I watched the trailer, my heart began to ache from the horrific pain displayed in this documentary - and I knew I had to see it as soon as it arrived in OKC. I saw it today.
"Bully" follows the lives of several children from around the US who are bullied in a variety of ways - one of them is from Tuttle, Oklahoma. The movie also follows two families whose sons have committed suicide as a result of the bullying they faced each and every day. One of these families also is from Oklahoma.
As I sit here and type this blog entry, I re-read it and realize my thoughts sound kind of disjointed. I honestly believe that's because I'm still reeling from the movie. I thought I had an idea of what to expect, but I never believed it truly would be so...powerful. I honestly believe this movie has the ability to change lives. To change the way we view bullying. To change our thoughts. To change our actions.
It's deep. It's dark. It's depressing. And I think that EVERYONE needs to see it. Today. Because it makes you stop. Think. Re-examine your beliefs.
Bullying happens today. Bullying has always happened, but for some reason, it seems to be getting more fierce and violent today. We've got to stop it. Now.
It's not child's play. Need another real life example? My oldest nephew endures bullying because he's mixed race. This bullying has now become physical. Law enforcement has had to get involved. Guess what? That's no longer bullying. It's assault. It's violent. It's cruel. It's unacceptable.
Watch the trailer: http://thebullyproject.com/indexflash.html#/video
Talk to the children in your life.
Take a stand.
Make a difference.
Stop bullying.
