October – anti bullying month

The Shirt Black Veil Brides sold for anti-bullying.

by Haylee Thieling, reporter

This month is known as a month of support and prevention of bullying. From cyber, to in real life, bullying has become a major problem in America. It has caused depression and suicide rates in teenagers to rise higher and higher each year. Students are reporting more and more that they do not feel safe at school, one of the reasons school dropout rates are also raising. It seems that some adults are ignorant to the behavior, saying that “it’s just playful teasing.” That may be the reason that few victims of bullying actually report anything. Though they might not do anything, people should report any bullying they witness, to help the best they can.

“We can create a culture that has zero-tolerance for bullying,” said Mrs.Moyer, member of the Jim Thorpe faculty, when asked what people, as a society, can do to help prevent bullying. “We can, and should, stand up for anyone that we see being bullied.”

As far as reasons for bullying, there is no straightforward answer. Some people think that it is because the bully is jealous. This would make sense, except for the fact that most people bully others that have totally different interests than themselves.  Others think it’s just because the kids being bullied aren’t “normal” and have “weird” tastes.If someone is different, people shouldn’t make fun of them, they should appreciate them not being boring and the same as everyone else.

“I think people bully others so that they can feel better about their own shortcomings. Either that, or bullies are just mean people,” Moyer answered when she was questioned on why she thought people would bully.

What can society do to stop the bullying occurring across America? People can raise awareness and maybe even donate to some charities, one of which, “The Bully Project.” Over the years, members of this group have raised thousands of dollars to help fight back. Last year, Andy Biersack of the band Black Veil Brides had helped with their donations. They wrote two songs, “Unbroken” and “Heart of Fire”, which were both rather empowering songs that are about bullying and becoming stronger even after all the pain. Black Veil Brides released a shirt for the occasion.

Andy Biersack, lead singer of Black Veil Brides, was asked “There have been a number of artists who have written songs about bullying, but your songs seem to be more about empowerment.  Do you find that your songs have been especially helpful to your fans that are being bullied or feel like outcasts?”, in an interview with Jeff Scott of Artists United Against Bullying.

Biersack’s  response was, “Absolutely!  I think that it’s important to note that you touched on how a lot of artists are writing songs about bullying.  That is something that causes great concern for me.I feel that there is a culture being built that is a celebration of agony.  There is also a celebration of being an outcast, to the degree that you are segregating yourself in a negative way from people who may want to be your friend.  I never advocate that you should be lonely.”

This month, and all months, make sure to watch out for bullying. Help anyone that is in need. If anyone out there is being bullied, get help. There are people that care and will help. If anyone feels unsafe at school, or doesn’t want to talk about anything in person because they are uncomfortable, email teachers or tell other responsible adults. Let’s all put in effort to make this year the year that bullying stops in America.

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