Has anyone seen this?
Who’s the bully here? The small guy (Ritchard Gale), or the big guy (Casey Heynes)?
Well, whatever the reason was, I’d like to draw your attention to a bigger issue.
This is bullying that occurs in everyday life. It was fortunately/unfortunately, caught on video.
With the internet, have we brought bullying to another level? Cyber bullying has occurred in many places online. Random trolling on the internet, leaving nasty comments on blogs, forums. Even on formspring, where users get to ask questions, and remain anonymous. Or tumblr, maybe even blogging platforms like wordpress.
The worst part? You’re able to remain anonymous. When you hide behind a screen, anything is possible.
Like the song, Santa Monica, by Savage Garden
“But on the telephone line I am anyone
I am anything I want to be
I could be a supermodel or Norman Mailer
And you wouldn’t know the difference
Or would you?”
You’re able to leave comments that can hurt, you’re able to be an imposter, act as someone else, and hurt somebody.
Does the phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” still apply in today’s context?
People have committed suicide due to cyber bullying. For various reasons too. Sexual preference, looks, family background, social status.. the list is never-ending. You can read http://www.truecrimereport.com/2010/01/phoebe_prince_15_commits_suici.php and http://www.momlogic.com/2010/03/soccer_star_commits_suicide_over_cyberbullying_formspringme.php
This doesn’t just happen to children. A friend of mine, was being cyber bullied. At her workplace. Yes, it even takes place with adults. Some of her colleagues started a facebookgroup, asking people to boycott her. Now, however the problem may be, or seem to be, bullying should never take place. Much less cyber bullying. It’s anonymous, cowardly. A fellow colleague who knew about the group, told my friend about it, and somehow, my friend’s boss got to know about the issue too. I don’t know how grown ups deal with issues like these, but I hope that something can be done.
How then, are we able to stop cyber bullying? Are we even able to stop it? Or, if it’s not possible, should we educate children from young, on how to react to bullying, and cyber bullying? Should they be educated on the consequences of their actions?
Simply CHARming 