I have just finished watching a recent 2012 documentary entitled "Bully" AKA The BULLY Project directed by Lee Hirsch. This film centres around the subject of bullying in schools in the U.S.A. and follows the lives of several American teenagers, how bullying has affected them and their families, as well as talking about children who have committed and talked about suicide as a result of these horrible experiences. This film really affected me and it made me think deeply back to my own childhood, my own days at school and about my own life. Being silent when it comes to bullies and those who choose to belittle you, do you harm, make you feel small or low does nobody any good whatsoever!
But once you finally stand up for yourself this may have a knock on effect and even make the situation worse for a period - all of a sudden, you are seen as the "bad guy" or even the bully. And the bullies are now the "victims". But we all know the truth! You stand up for what is right, because these cowards need to know that you are not a punching bag, not a door mat and that they are no better nor bigger than you.
I am proud to say that I have always been one to welcome the new kid in class, that new person in the workplace, that girl/boy/man/woman who is perhaps a little different from others, speaks a different language or who is just full of life and not one of the sheep. I have always befriended the "un cool" kid. This was never really a conscious choice on my part, it is just the way it has always been and I would/will always stand up for anyone who I see upset, being done wrong, picked on or being left out.
You are special, you are unique and talented. You are SOMEBODY too. Refuse to stay silent. I was silent for far too long. Do not give in to bullies - in all walks of life! That's it for now.
