The “Karen Klein video” that I found from Huffington Post yesterday was utterly disheartening and sad. I have posted in previous posts* regarding issues of bullying, but this one tops all. It inherently flips the authority role between an elderly and the youngsters in a very crude, distasteful display of not only cross-generational disrespect but also a deeper socio-psychological symptom that is haunting many of the iPod generation youth; and may I dare to suggest that the media exacerbates this phenomenon through “reality” TV shows featuring 20 somethings talking rudely about their parents (have you seen the Kardashians?).

In this 10 minute Youtube expose, the kids on the bus have not only shamed themselves, their parents, and their community; they have also showcased bullying as a phenomenon applicable to all age groups. This video essentially challenges stopbullying.gov’s definition of bullying: “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious problems” [italic mine]  Stopbullying.gov is the federal website run by U.S Department of Health and Human Services, but it is apparent its definition does not cover the scenario at hand. Perhaps, we need to focus more on bullying of all types, not just school bullying, but also less obvious forms of bullying, such as social (relational) bullying and cyberbullying, both carry commensurate if not more potent psychological effect on the victims of bullying.

If we as a nation want to thrive as a people and lead the world, we cannot condone  such behaviors from our youth. As citizens and residents who are concerned about our communities’ wellbeing, we all have a part in this greater conversation regarding the issue of bullying, in all shapes and forms. Schools in particular need to have a renewed push for programs and talks that condemn bullying for what it is – a cowardly, base form of self protection – albeit perhaps natural – that is rooted in personal insecurity, which undermines the emotional and psychological health of those being bullied. Denying bullies the right to bully others through educational resources such as dosomething.org or the National Bullying Prevention Center can be utilized by teachers and principals across the country, if they choose to focus on the issue. 

By empowering parents, teachers, and students with resources to combat bullying, instigating anti-bullying as a community standard, and to expose and condemn publicly the act of bullying by calling out the bullies, we CAN as a society systemically mitigate the scope and magnitude of bullying just like how we as a society has condemned, rejected, and moved away from institutional racism in the last several decades. 

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*http://danny8691.tumblr.com/post/22035908447/an-incredibly-disheartening-phenomenon-affecting

http://danny8691.tumblr.com/post/22402928917/i-posted-the-trailer-to-the-film-bully-on-a

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

I posted the trailer to the film “Bully” on a blogpost about a week ago. Today, Hilary Clinton delivered a remark addressing the issue of bullying. I think no matter where you are on the political spectrum, we can agree that bullying is wrong. And by working together to stop and mitigate the effect of bullying, we make our communities stronger and our peers safer. Only when people feel safe in their environments can they excel in their own right. As this country is founded on the principle of “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness,” let’s respect each other’s differences, appreciate each other’s God-given talents, and work together in a common pursuit for a better future. 

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)