Many grow up being told that the only reason people put others down is to make themselves feel better. Although hard to fully believe, and/or comprehend, the motive of these bullies was somewhat comforting during childhood years. As childhood innocence slips away, it becomes quite evident that there are certain people who will always be bullies. The media and many public figures seen in the media are often the biggest bullies of them all. In this day and age, the media is an everyday part of life. As bullying increases so does our exposure to the media. It seems as if our attempts to teach children about the harmful effects of bullying are pointless since adults allow bullying tactics to be part of their daily lives.
Regardless of the TV channel you choose to watch, radio you choose to listen to, or magazines/newspapers you choose to read, a bully can be spotted. Let's start slow (no pun intended) and discuss the Jersey Shore. Mike, "The Situation", Sorentino is often pushed around by others in the Shore House. Housemates tend to blame poor Mr. Mike for just about anything and everything. Not to say he doesn't deserve the blame, but nevertheless, he is a victim of bullying.
As a child, I can remember watching commercials and thinking to myself how silly it was for certain products to "knock" their competitors in an effort to promote their own brand. The entire idea of it just seems simpleminded. If a product is so wonderful, then other products or brands should not have to be put down in the process. Clearly, the product at hand cannot be too wonderful if a purely positive advertisement cannot be created. What happened to exemplifying the greatness of one's own work as an advertising tactic? Not does this method lack creativity, but it also appears childish. As we continuously encourage young people to be kind and courteous to others, they only have to turn on the TV to realize that not everyone follows this supposed unspoken rule in which they are expected and sometimes forced to follow. Well kids, not everyone can set a positive example.
Let's take a political turn here. As a teacher, I am constantly surrounded with negative comments regarding the current president and opposing candidates. Before putting a stop to the debate, I commonly ask students if they know why they feel the way they do. Many will say yes, and I'll probe for a few more specifics. By that point, there is no need to put a stop to the debate because many realize they have no valid reasoning. Not only are teenagers this way, but so are our current options for Republican nominees (with the exception of Mr. Paul).
America is a state of chaos at the moment, and everyone is looking for a way to calm his/her nerves. I would love to know how we can expect any of these candidates to provide peace in our nation if they cannot even speak publicly without childishly criticizing their opponents. More time needs to be spent focusing on they will do to change the issues with which they are currently unhappy. Many people are upset with Obama at the moment and going on TV to get people all riled up and angry is not exactly arguing your points. It is simply arguing against your competitor. How can our country ever settle down if those attempting to run the country cannot be positive. People often take on the attitude of those around them, and the current candidates do not provide a hopeful message for the demeanor of our country. How can we attempt to "stand up" to bullying, hate, and violence if those attempting to be the biggest role model in the country cannot stop the petty, pointless, and round-about arguments. Quit complaining and start proposing--a serious proposal with realistic steps and solutions. We know you are upset; everyone is upset. Rather than adding to the discouragement, why not provide some encouragement?
We can wear pink, wear "stood up" shirts, use jail, fines, or detentions in an attempt to stop the bullying crisis in America today, but these material motivators or petty punishments can only go so far. It is time to start looking within and at what it is that influences these bullies and their victims. As cliche as it may sound, positivity is key to success. We cannot force positivity on our children if we cannot live by the same rules as adults.
