In light of the recent tragedy at Rutgers, I wanted to weigh in and support my fellow bloggers who have already posted. I wanted to reaffirm their messages, as well as add my own thoughts, and maybe provide some support to any readers who might feel anxious, distraught, bullied, and so on.
Bullying and harassment are not new...there have always been those who feel it is their right to make themselves feel better by taking others down. Really, that is a lot of what spurs bullies on...their own lack of self-confidence (Yes, every cliché your mom ever threw at you about that is true.) I was tormented throughout junior high and high school, and I was miserable for most of my time there. But, I can look back some 15 plus years later, and I can see that those who decided it was ok to turn me into their target were really quite miserable themselves. Misery loves company, after all.
But, looking at where I was then, and where I am now. I can say I'm stronger and I believe in myself more than I ever thought I could. I've been to the ugly places, and I've come back, and I can tell you that it does get better.
I do not wish to insinuate that any torment I endured is at the worst end of the spectrum. My harrassment had more to do with physical attributes and personality traits. However, I do have friends who have been at that end. There is a movement called "It Gets Better." These are videos targeted towards LGBT teens, made by LGBT men and women, to let them know that it can and does get better. Two of my friends back home (the "Lobsters") have made a video for the cause, and they gave me permission to share the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSiev5uYCa4
Really, the message applies to anyone who has been harrassed or bullied. Please know there is help, there is support. As Paige so aptly said in her post yesterday, everyone has the right to feel safe and loved, no matter their race, creed, gender or orientation...
Please, please, be around to find out.
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